Let's start with a common definition of Product Launch. A Product Launch is the process of bringing a product to market in such a way that it generates sales velocity.

The terms "Soft Launch" and "Hard Launch" are used with broad definitions so a common understanding is needed of the two terms.

A Soft Launch is the process of bringing a minor revision of a product to market where an investment in generating sales velocity isn't justified.

A Hard Launch is the process of bringing a major revision of a product to market where an investment in generating sales velocity is necessary.

Sometimes the term Soft Launch is used to describe when a product isn't really launched but has escaped from the building, or to justify why minimal effort has gone into planning for a real product launch.

So it boils down to do you need to generate sales velocity are don't you?

With either a Soft or Hard Launch planning is essential. The key difference is in the goals. For a Soft Launch focus on updating marketing collateral, web content, sales tools, and educating the sales channels on buyers, buyer criteria, sales process and competition. Minimal effort is needed for promotion activities.

For a Hard Launch build on the Soft Launch activities but put a more emphasis on activities that will create a better awareness of the product in the market from a buyer perspective. The primary goal is generate sales velocity so there must be activities around training the sales channels to be as efficient as possible.

Answered by David Daniels