What happens when a Launch goes bad?

A flop isn’t failure—it’s feedback. Learn how to bounce back stronger after a disappointing subscription box launch with this step-by-step plan.

A few months ago, I wrapped up a launch. And it didn’t go the way I hoped.

I’d set what I thought was a very realistic goal. I showed up LIVE every day. I posted on social media. I sent the emails. I ran the ads.

But… the results came in at about half of what I expected.

That sinking feeling? The one where you set a goal and miss it? Yep. I had it. 

And I know I’m not the only one feeling it right now.

I’ve seen it with my peers – some of whom are used to multi-million-dollar launches – who brought in less than half their usual numbers.

I’ve seen it with my students – both new and seasoned business owners – feeling like nobody’s buying.

And I’ve felt it myself.

If you’re feeling like your last launch was a flop, this blog post is for you.

Because, here’s what I want you to understand. 

A flop isn’t failure. It’s feedback. 

And you can bounce back stronger than before.

Today, I’m walking you through my bounceback plan. It’s the same one I recommend to my students when a launch doesn’t go as planned.

“I go even deeper into my experience and advice in this Monday Momentum video – click HERE to watch it!”

The Problem: A Flopped Launch Feels Personal

When a launch disappoints, it’s easy to think: “Nobody cares about what I’m selling. I failed. Maybe this won’t work.”

You’re tempted to hide, scrap your strategy, panic. You might even think about giving up.  

But here’s the truth:

First, you’re not alone.

And second, a failed launch doesn’t mean your business is doomed.

Let’s talk about what not to do after a disappointing launch. And what you should do instead. 

What Not to Do After a Flopped Launch

When emotions are high, these are the mistakes I see most often:

• Ghosting your audience. Hiding creates distance and kills momentum.
• Burning it all down. You don’t need to start from scratch or throw away your strategy.
• Taking it personally. Your worth isn’t tied to your sales numbers.
• Making fear-based decisions. Panic-driven changes rarely help.
• Assuming nobody cares. Your audience may simply not have been ready yet.

Instead, start by taking a breath. And then move into problem-solving mode.

How to Recover and Move Forward from a Failed Launch

Listen, I get it. It’s hard not to get all in your feelings. I’m a big feelings person, too. But I need you to look at the facts, not your feelings. And then take action. 

1 - Review the Data 

• Email open and click rates
• Sales page traffic & conversions
• Where people came from – and where they dropped off

Let what the data tells you guide your next steps.

2 -  Ask for Feedback

The easiest way to find out why someone didn’t subscribe is to ask them. 

Send an email or post a poll on your most active platform. Ask something like, "What held you back from subscribing? What would have made you say yes?"

Even a few replies can give you clarity you won’t find by guessing.

3 - Reconnect with Your Audience

Now is not the time to disappear. Show up LIVE, share your excitement about those who did join, and keep letting your audience see your heart for what you do.

Remember: they may just need more time to say yes.

4 - Make Strategic Adjustments

If changes are needed, make them thoughtfully, not reactively.

• Refine your messaging to match how your audience is feeling now.
• Revisit your timeline. Did you give yourself enough time to build an engaged audience?
• Reconsider your bonus. Was it truly compelling for your audience?

5 - Make Another Offer

This one might surprise you.  And you might feel like making another offer is the last thing you should do. 

But, trust me. Your audience is still warm. Don’t waste that momentum.

Consider one of these ways to create another opportunity:

• Second-chance offer: “I have X boxes left. Claim yours in 48 hours!”
• Bundle or BOGO: Pair leftover inventory with a past item as a deal.
• One-time purchase option: Offer it as a one-time box.
• Subscriber-exclusive gift: Let subscribers buy extras to gift at a discount.

The key? Use authentic urgency and give them a reason to act now.

A Disappointing Launch Isn’t the End. It’s a Beginning

I know how it feels to pour your heart into a launch and watch the numbers fall short.

But here’s what I want you to remember. 

The effort you put in still matters. Every email you sent, every LIVE you showed up for, every piece of content you created and posted. It’s all building something.

And every time you review, adjust, and try again, you’re building resilience. You’re learning. 

Your next launch could be your best one yet. And I can’t wait to cheer you on when it is.

Ready to bounce back?

What’s one thing you’re going to do to recover from your last launch?

Let’s do this together. You’ve got this.