Creating a great beverage brand is a lot more complicated than simply having a great product (although it does help!). Once you’re ready to hit the ground running, it’s essential that you have a checklist that will help you pull customers in rather than pushing the product towards them and hoping something sticks. Here are five things you need to have on your checklist before launching a beverage product:
All Things Digital
According to Adaptive Marketing, 97% of consumers use the internet to find a business. Now more than ever before, a digital presence is essential for small businesses looking to get their products out there. A digital presence includes but is not limited to having a website; rather, it is how your business exists and is represented on online platforms. While having an aesthetically pleasing and engaging social media presence as well as a user-friendly website might not be at the top of your priority list when launching your product, for consumers, it is one of their top priorities. The quality of your online presence translates, in their minds, to the quality of your products.
A strong online presence essentially works like a salesperson who is never off the clock. On the internet, your content stays up for as long as you want it to, so it will always be available to those looking for a product similar to yours. Online, you can measure and analyse the effectiveness of various campaigns, allowing you to redefine your activities and content until you achieve favourable results.
Strong Product Design
This is often an overlooked part of launching a beverage product; however, it’s important to feed the eyes before the taste buds! Great product design can be the difference between being placed in a customer’s shopping cart and being left on the shelf! Sight is a very powerful sense that can help differentiate your product from competitors and enhance the perception of your product!
Pricing Model
Finances play a huge part in any business, let alone a start-up! Before approaching buyers and distributors, it is imperative that you have a well-versed pricing model with profit margins that make you, the distributor (if applicable), and the buyer happy. Having a strong business plan will help you fill in the gaps in your financial spreadsheets, allowing you to budget every penny that goes in and out of the business.
Distribution Channels
Now that you have your product, how are you going to sell it? All beverage start-ups entering the market have one goal in common: getting listed with as many retailers as possible. While it is possible to get a large supermarket listing without the help of a distributor, having one on hand makes the process a lot easier. Having the right distributor partner can dramatically increase your sales and brand awareness. Getting a distributor to partner with you is not just based on having a great product; it is also based on having a strong brand in terms of design, pricing structure, and online presence, among other elements.
Documentation
Ireland has always been known for its green landscapes and rich agricultural background, producing some of the best-quality food and beverage products in the world. With these high-quality products come strict standards. For food and beverage producers entering the market, it is essential to have correct documentation from governing bodies. At InnoBev, we will work with you to ensure you have all the required documents when entering the market.
Navigating the waters as a start-up beverage brand can be difficult. At InnoBev, we will take the heavy work away from your start-up with our broad range of services. Leaving you to focus on what’s important to you and your brand. Looking to learn more? Schedule a call with our team today by emailing us at info@innobev.ie!