Launching a new business is exciting, but waiting until launch day to start generating leads? That’s a missed opportunity. You can start building buzz, trust, and even a client list long before your official “go live” moment. Whether you’re launching a product, service, or content platform, the pre-launch phase is the perfect time to attract business leads.
Here’s how to make that happen, even if you’re starting from scratch.
Why Pre-Launch Matters for Lead Generation
Think of your pre-launch phase as a soft opening. It’s your chance to:
- Test messaging and offers
- Gather feedback from early users
- Build anticipation
- Grow an email list of warm leads
- Start ranking for SEO before your competitors catch on
This phase isn’t about perfection—it’s about visibility and connection.
1. Create a Simple, Focused Pre-Launch Landing Page
You don’t need a full website yet. What you need is a single page that explains what’s coming and why it matters. Most importantly, it should capture emails or other contact info.
What to include:
- A strong, benefit-driven headline
- A short blurb about your upcoming offer
- One clear call-to-action (like “Join the Waitlist” or “Get Early Access”)
- An email opt-in form
- Optional: A free lead magnet (e.g., a checklist, guide, or early preview)
Tools to try:
- Carrd (super lightweight)
- ConvertKit (email + landing page combo)
- MailerLite (great for beginners)
2. Build a Pre-Launch Email Sequence
Once people sign up, don’t just leave them hanging. Set up a simple 3–5 email sequence that:
- Thanks them for signing up
- Tells your origin story or the problem you’re solving
- Shares progress updates or behind-the-scenes content
- Offers value (tips, tools, or freebies)
- Builds anticipation for launch day
You’re not pitching hard here. Just showing up and being helpful so they remember you when it’s go time.
3. Use Social Media Like a Documentary
Instead of saying “Coming soon!” (which tells people nothing), document your journey.
- Post short updates on what you’re building
- Share sneak peeks or logo drafts
- Ask for feedback or name suggestions
- Talk about lessons or mistakes
- Use polls, question boxes, and stories to engage
You’ll come off authentic, and people will start to feel personally invested in what you’re doing.
Bonus: Start a thread or pinned post that links to your pre-launch page.
4. Join Niche Communities (and Actually Help People)
Get active in places where your target customers hang out:
- Facebook groups
- Reddit threads
- Indie Hackers
- LinkedIn communities
- Slack or Discord groups in your niche
Instead of spamming links, help people. Answer questions. Drop thoughtful comments. Share tips. Then, when relevant, point them to your waitlist or landing page.
This works incredibly well in fields like finance, tech, wellness, and creative services.
5. Offer an Early Access Incentive
Give people a reason to sign up now instead of waiting for launch.
Options include:
- Discounted pricing or lifetime deals
- Early access to features or products
- “Founding member” badges
- Exclusive bonuses
- A referral reward (get 1 month free when a friend joins)
If you’re planning to promote financial services or work in lead generation, this works well even for service-based offers or content platforms linked to a business loan affiliate program. You can tease insider-only access to curated tools or early deals.
6. Publish SEO-Optimized Pre-Launch Content
Start blogging before you launch, even if the product isn’t ready yet.
Write helpful content that solves problems your target audience faces. Then link naturally to your waitlist or email sign-up form in the post.
For example, if you’re launching a small business financing site:
- Write about “how to choose a business loan provider.”
- Compare lender options
- Share real-world tips for applying with bad credit
And yes, this is the perfect place to mention or test interest in a business loan affiliate program—a smart way to earn early commissions even before your own product is live.
7. Collect Testimonials or Social Proof (Before You Launch)
Social proof builds trust. But you don’t need hundreds of customers to start collecting it.
Try these:
- Ask beta testers or early followers for a quote
- Offer a free consultation or sample product in exchange for feedback
- Collect comments from social media and reuse them
- Highlight real conversations and wins from your community
You can add these to your landing page, email drip, or even your bio.
8. Launch a Giveaway or Contest
People love free stuff—and giveaways are a great way to grow your email list quickly.
Tips:
- Make the prize relevant to your niche
- Entry should be simple (name + email)
- Promote it via social, email, and niche communities
- Consider a tool like KingSumo or Gleam to manage entries
- Bonus: Add a “refer a friend” option for viral growth
Even something small like a business tool license or free coaching call can attract qualified leads.
9. Partner with Micro-Influencers or Creators
You don’t need big names. Reach out to niche creators in your space who already have the trust of your ideal audience.
Offer them:
- Early access
- A custom affiliate link
- Revenue share
- Exclusive content or bundles for their audience
This works especially well in affiliate-friendly spaces like SaaS, finance, and online services. You might even recruit them to promote affiliate offers with you during pre-launch.
10. Show Up Consistently (Even If It’s Just 2x a Week)
You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to show up where it matters.
Pick one platform—email, LinkedIn, Instagram, wherever your audience hangs out—and be consistent. Share what you’re learning, what you’re building, what’s working, what isn’t.
Over time, people start to remember you. And when launch day comes, you won’t be a stranger.