5 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Launch Manager

So, you’re planning an online product launch and you’re looking for a launch manager.

Whether you’ve done launches before or you haven’t, this is a stressful time and finding the right person is key!

Your launch manager is going to help ensure there are no major problems during your launch.  Whether your launch is going to generate $20,000 or $20,000,000, a “small problem” in the launch could cost you a “big portion” of your profits. 

So, you want to make sure things run smoothly.  Hiring the wrong person or an inexperienced person could cost you dearly.

Here are 5 questions I would ask candidates you’re considering for the job:

  1. Will you be available and how do we get a hold of you during our launch if something goes wrong?This is a great question to ask because you have no idea when a problem might arise.  Something could go wrong in the middle of the night or on a weekend.  If your launch manager is not available, you’re up a creek without a paddle.
  2. What’s your testing process so we can avoid problems before launch?I would expect a good launch manager to be able to deliver to you a set of checklists and processes that they follow to ensure things go smoothly.  If they can’t produce this, I’d be worried.  Testing every possible scenario multiple times, on multiple different browsers and devices is key.
  3. Do you have a system for implementation that’s documented?Again, if they don’t have a solid system for implementing, and they just throw stuff together (like most people do), they’re going to leave you exposed to some risk.  Also, if you, or someone on your team, or someone else needs to make changes, you need their system documented in detail so you know what you’re doing.
  4. Do you have server expertise (or someone at your disposal who you can reach)?If you’re expecting a high volume launch, one of the most common problems is strain on web servers.  If your web server doesn’t have the capacity to handle the traffic, your launch could get stopped dead in the water. You need a launch manager that can ensure your servers are ready for the traffic and knows how to handle the situation if the server crashes or gets bogged down.
  5. Ask for references.If they can’t give you references that rave about them, run for the hills.  I would only hire a launch manager that has run at least a few launches and the clients are raving fans.  I would ask the references about each of the items discussed in questions 1-4.

That should do it.  If you find a launch manager that can breeze through these questions, you’re probably off to a good start.  That doesn’t mean you won’t have hiccups during your launch.  But it does mean you’ve got someone who can handle those hiccups with you.

Good luck on your next launch!

P.S. Box Out Marketing does not offer launch management services.  We often build launches, but don’t make ourselves available 24 hours a day during launches.  It’s a lifestyle choice for us.  But there are plenty of great launch managers out there.

About Tyler Garns

Tyler Garns is best known for his work as the Director and VP of Marketing at Infusionsoft, where he led the marketing efforts that produced massive results between 2007 and 2012. But he’s also been the “go-to” Infusionsoft guy for many of the top marketers and Infusionsoft users out there. His combination of technical skill, Infusionsoft expertise, and marketing experience make him one of the most reliable sources of business breakthroughs for Infusionsoft customers.

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