Launching a new product is a crucial moment for any business, as you would want to make a lasting impression on your potential customers and convince them that your product is worth their attention and money.
But how does one stand out from the crowd and create a memorable launch event?
This is where creative and captivating launch gimmicks come into. These are clever tricks or strategies that can surprise, delight, and engage your audience and also help you showcase your product’s features and benefits in an appealing way.
Whether you are launching a physical product, a digital service, or a brand, we will share with you 15 launching gimmicks that will leave your audience mesmerised, creating a buzz and generating excitement.
Creative Gimmick Ideas for Launching
1. The countdown timer
Setting up a countdown timer on your website, social media, or event venue is one of the simplest but most effective launching gimmicks. It creates a sense of anticipation and urgency among your audience.
One can also incorporate some visual elements to make the countdown more dramatic, such as fireworks, lights, or music.
For example, when Apple launched the iPhone X in 2017, they used a countdown timer on their website that showed the silhouette of the phone. As the timer reached zero, the phone was revealed with a stunning animation.
2. The sneak peek teaser
Another way to build curiosity and interest is to offer a sneak peek of the product before the official launch. You can do this by releasing intriguing teasers that show glimpses of your product or its features. You can also use questions, puzzles, or riddles to challenge your audience and make them want to know more.
For example, when Netflix launched the third season of Stranger Things in 2019, they released a series of teasers that hinted at the plot and characters of the show. They also employed cryptic messages and codes that fans had to decipher.
3. The light box
A light box for event launches is a powerful visual tool that uses illumination to highlight key elements or messages. It can display logos, slogans, or other promotional materials in a vibrant and eye-catching way. This lighting solution enhances the ambiance of an event, creating a captivating experience that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.
4. The holographic display
One of the most futuristic and impressive launching gimmicks is to use holographic technology to showcase your product. Holograms are essentially high-resolution three-dimensional(3D) images that appear to float in midair. They can create a stunning visual effect and make your product look like magic.
For example, when Toyota launched the Mirai in 2014, they used holograms to display the car’s features and functions and to create interactive experiences for the attendees, such as driving simulations and virtual tours.
5. Smoke machines
Consider transforming your launch venue into a captivating spectacle with the use of smoke machines. By strategically placing smoke machines around the stage or entrance, you can create a mysterious and dramatic atmosphere. The swirling smoke adds an element of intrigue and sets the stage for an unforgettable product reveal.
A great example of its effective use is when Samsung launched the Galaxy S8 in 2017 and used smoke machines to create a dramatic entrance for the phone. The smoke also highlighted the phone’s curved-edge screen and infinity display.
6. Bubble effect
Bubbles are another simple but fun launching gimmick that can add some charm and whimsy to your event. You can use bubble machines or wands to create bubbles of different sizes and shapes, as Google did when they launched the Pixel 3 in 2018.
Google additionally used bubbles to create a playful and colourful backdrop for the phone. The bubbles also matched the phone’s colours and design.
7. The hydraulic launching systems
Hydraulic launching systems for events are designed to create dramatic and exciting reveals. They use the power of pressurized fluids to launch objects, such as confetti or even performers, into the air.
This technology adds a dynamic and thrilling element to any event, making it memorable for attendees.
8. The influencer takeover
Influencers often have a large and loyal following on social media or other platforms and can help you reach a wider and more targeted audience for your launch event. You can collaborate with influencers who are relevant to your product or industry and ask them to promote, review, or endorse your product.
For example, when Adidas launched the Ultra Boost 19 in 2019, they partnered with several influencers from different fields, such as fitness, fashion, and music, and asked them to share their stories and opinions about the shoes on their social media accounts.
9. The augmented reality experience
Augmented reality (AR) is an advanced visually-driven technology that overlays digital information or images on top of the real world. It can create an immersive and engaging experience for your audience and allow them to interact with your product in a new way.
A testament to this exciting technology is the IKEA Place app that was launched in 2017 and uses AR to let users virtually place and view furniture items in their own homes. IKEA also designed the app to exploit AR to enable users to create a virtual catalogue and a virtual store.
10. Plasma ball gimmick
Consider adding a touch of scientific marvel to your launch event with plasma balls. These mesmerising glass orbs filled with swirling plasma create a captivating visual display and can be Incorporated as centrepieces on tables or as interactive props during presentations, offering an engaging and visually stunning experience for your audience.
For example, when Tesla launched the Cybertruck in 2019, they used plasma balls to demonstrate the truck’s electric power and durability. They also used plasma balls to decorate the stage and the truck itself.
11. The interactive pop-up event
A pop-up event is essentially a temporary event that takes place in an unexpected or unconventional location. It can create a sense of surprise and excitement for your audience and attract more attention and foot traffic.
You can make your pop-up event more interactive by adding games and contests. This hands-on approach creates a memorable and immersive experience, generating excitement and positive word-of-mouth.
12. The surprise giveaway
Everyone loves surprises, especially when they involve free products. Surprise your audience by giving away a limited number of your products during the launch event. This unexpected gesture generates excitement and goodwill among attendees, leaving them with a positive impression of your brand and product.
13. Emotional storytelling
Incorporate compelling narratives into your launch event to connect with your audience on an emotional level. Craft a story that resonates with your target market and weaves in the values and benefits of your product. By tapping into the power of storytelling, one can create a deeper and more meaningful connection with their audience, making your launch event truly unforgettable.
14. The confetti cannon
Consider elevating the celebratory atmosphere of your launch event with giant confetti cannons.
These devices are designed to release confetti up to 12 metres in the sky. So, at the pinnacle moment of the launch, release a torrent of confetti into the air, showering the audience with colourful and celebratory debris. This visually striking gimmick creates a sense of joy and excitement, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
15. Laser show
Create a grand finale for your launch event with a spectacular laser show utilising laser effects, projected patterns, and synchronised lighting effects to create a visually stunning display. The combination of music, lasers, and dramatic elements always generates an immersive experience that captivates and mesmerises audiences.
Conclusion
In a crowded marketplace, capturing the attention of your audience during a product launch is crucial. By incorporating creative and captivating gimmicks into your event, one can leave a lasting impression on their audience whilst building brand awareness.
From countdown spectacles to holographic displays, each gimmick offers a unique way to engage and mesmerise your audience.
However, it’s important to choose gimmicks that align with your brand and values, ensuring an authentic and memorable experience for your audience.
Additionally, consider leveraging experiential marketing tactics to engage the audience at a deeper level via interactive installations, pop-up experiences, or even gamified activities. These enable attendees to interact with the product in a memorable way.
So, go ahead and embrace these mesmerising launching gimmicks to make your next product launch an unforgettable success.
Reach out to us at Rental Supplier for various types of launching gimmicks for your next event in Malaysia.
