Launching a Direct to Consumer Brand? Here Are the 8 Success Secrets. Set your DTC brand up to be a smash hit with these prep steps.

One of my favorite aspects of my job is helping founders bring their vision to life and launch their brands. Yes, it's absolutely exciting to work with a brand when they're already established, but being in those first meetings developing a go-to-market strategy for a brand that's so new you can still smell the adhesive on their package just hits different. You can hear the heart of the brand beat with every new headline, and watch the founding team grin from ear to ear with each product shot you present.

But all that excitement tends to get matched with the anxiety of a successful launch. There have been months if not years of research and development, trial and error, and highs and lows that lead up to the moment that everything goes live. Everyone's standing by waiting to see just how well the brand is received — and if people will actually buy it.

Over the last few years, I've learned a thing or two about launching brands and products, helping startups get their legs and well-established brands get to acquisition. And although there are many different strategies to get a brand off the ground, there are some things that I believe are essential to a successful launch.