6 Tips for a Successful Platform Launch

So you know you’ve got what it takes to become a successful creator, you understand that building your own platform will be key to unlocking the force of your fans, and you’ve read all about how bemyfriends’ bespoke platform builder, b.stage, helps you do just that. Now you’ve built yourself a shiny new home for all your content and you’re ready to share it with the world.

If that describes you, congratulations on officially starting your journey toward true creative independence! It’s becoming clearer and clearer that creators are growing tired of living at the mercy of big platforms’ policy changes and algorithm updates, and are interested in the stability that comes with having a platform of your own.

You’ll soon see just how empowering it can be to have a place that you, your fans and your content can call home. A place where your growth and profits rely less on scale and more on your ability to connect with fans who love what you do.

We couldn’t be more excited for you. Which is why, to help make your transition as smooth as possible, we put together these six tips for a successful b.stage platform launch.

Have a soft launch

Once you’ve customized your platform’s look and decided exactly what you’d like to offer members, consider opening it up to some close friends or fans first to make sure you’re happy with everything you’ve included.

Ask them for their honest feedback to find out whether your subscriptions and exclusive benefits are producing the response you want. Once your platform officially launches, that kind of open communication is exactly what will help you form more meaningful connections with your fans. Plus, signing up a select group of fans before the actual launch will give your platform momentum to get more fans on board.

Promote your platform

As soon as it’s ready, add links to your platform to your Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and any other social channels you actively post on.
 

It’s important to give your followers a sense of exactly what they’ll get by becoming members of your platform – and why they won’t want to miss out. Be sure to clearly highlight subscription and membership details in posts and videos leading up to the launch, and consider hosting a Q&A session to get fans talking about your platform.

Draw fans in with special events

Another surefire way to get fans talking about your platform is with exclusive discounts and launch events. Consider running a limited-time offer to encourage fans to sign up early.
 

The beauty of having your own platform is that it’s a great way to build community among your fans. If you like, you can kickstart your community-building efforts by inviting fans in your area to celebrate your launch with you in person at an offline event.

Have members-only content ready

For businesses, good first impressions are crucial to nurturing customer loyalty. The same goes with your platform and fans.
 

One way to help ensure a positive first impression when people visit your platform is to offer them immediate value. You can do this by making sure you have a few examples of high-quality posts or content available to new members as soon as your platform goes live. Making your platform’s value immediately apparent will help you convert more visitors into members.

Have a naming contest

What you’ve created is so much more than a platform; it’s a tight-knit community. You’ll want your fans to start engaging with your platform and one another as soon as possible, and you can start by asking them to come up with a name for themselves.
 

A naming contest is a great way to get fans excited about your platform’s launch. Knowing that they’re part of a community makes fans feel like they belong, and asking them to name themselves encourages them to take ownership of that community. This puts your platform on track for more engagement. 
 

With that in mind, it’s no wonder why, after using b.stage to build a custom platform for its team, esports powerhouse T1 announced a naming contest in its very first post.

Give your platform time to grow

Above all, don’t get discouraged if fans don’t flock to your platform as soon as it launches. Be patient and persistent, and trust that if you keep filling your platform with exclusive content and offers, and keep showing fans how much you appreciate them, you’ll set yourself up for a loyal following and a sustainable business.
 

We know your fans are going to love what you have to offer, and we can’t wait to watch your platform come to life. So good luck, happy creating, and be sure to stay tuned for more tips to help you get the most out of your content’s new home!