Alexa Settles, Founder of Glamorous Planning, is no stranger to the product development process. Since starting Glamorous Planning in 2017, she has developed three high-quality and unique planners chockfull of dreamy layouts, amenities and aesthetic. When we asked her how she did it, she broke down her process into nine simple steps. Here’s her blueprint to create your best physical product - from start to finish:
Start with a concept that will solve a problem for your ideal customer
Test the market and see if your product is needed and if customers would actually purchase your product and re-purchase. Repeat customers will be the backbone of your business as you begin to expand.
Discover your niche
Study and become an expert in your product space. Purchase your competitors’ products to establish what will make your product unique.
Begin searching for an experienced designer
Graphic designers can be found at your local university and on freelance sites like Fivver and Upwork. They’ll help you to develop a professional product.
Find a manufacturer that specializes in your product design
Do thorough research, send emails and ask for pictures and samples of their past work to test quality.
Order your product sample
This is a key step once you have found the right manufacturer. Conduct thorough quality tests; never be afraid to ask for a redo, it’s your name on the line.
Begin taking pre-sales
Pre-sales should be taken during the end of the manufacturing process to build excitement and generate revenue for your business.
Establish realistic delivery dates
Work with a shipment company to help you inform your customers when orders will begin to ship.
Receive and inspect your product
Inspect everything and communicate with your manufacturer if any product is delivered damaged.
Start shipping orders!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Alexa at @glamorousplanning or @Alexa_settles.
Alexa Settles
Founder, Glamorous Planning