A product launch is the process of introducing a new product or service to the market. It may involve manufacturing, marketing and selling the product. The launch of a new product is usually followed by a period of sales, called the post-launch period. Product launches are often accompanied by heavy advertising as part of an elaborate marketing campaign. The time-frame for a typical launch ranges from six months to two years, with some being shorter and others being longer. In order to best prepare for your successful launch you must do research on your target audience and their needs before you even start creating your product or service. Then you should develop a plan that will guide you through the entire process from start to finish in order to be sure that everything goes smoothly.