The Truth About Failed Launches: The 5-Step Process to Recover From a Bad Launch
Update: 2025-12-01
Description
In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that every course creator, coach, and online business owner will face at some point: a launch that didn’t go to plan. After 20 years in marketing, I’ve had my fair share of launches that felt disappointing. But here’s what I know to be true—a failed launch isn’t the end. It’s data. It’s information. It’s an invitation to grow.
I walk you through my five-step process for turning a “failure” into a strategic reset. From giving yourself permission to feel the frustration, to gathering and analysing the data, to tweaking your strategy and stepping back into the arena—you’ll learn how to use every launch as an experiment that moves your business forward.
If you’ve ever walked away from a launch wondering, “What went wrong?” or “Is this really for me?”—this episode will help you stay grounded, focused, and resilient.
Key Takeaways
Before you jump into fixing mode, give yourself space to acknowledge the disappointment. It’s human, and it’s necessary. Pretending you’re fine only delays the clarity you need.
Once emotions settle, it’s time to gather every piece of data you can. Emails, opt-ins, conversions, social engagement—your numbers reveal what actually happened, not what you think happened.
Look for patterns and gaps. Where did people fall off? What surprised you? When you view your launch like a scientist rather than a critic, insights become easier—and more accurate.
With the data in hand, decide what needs tweaking. Maybe the messaging didn’t land. Maybe the offer wasn’t clear. Maybe your warm-up period was too short. Small changes can create big shifts.
The most successful online business owners aren’t the ones who get it perfect—they’re the ones who try again. Relaunch with your adjustments, treat it like another experiment, and keep going. Momentum is built through action, not avoidance.
If you’re in a season where a launch didn’t meet your expectations, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. This is part of the process. Embrace the learning, stay curious, and remember—you’re building something that’s worth staying in the game for.
LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE
Connect with Teresa on Website, (Grow, Launch, Sell), Sign up to Teresa's email list, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook, Subscribe to my Youtube, Real Numbers
I walk you through my five-step process for turning a “failure” into a strategic reset. From giving yourself permission to feel the frustration, to gathering and analysing the data, to tweaking your strategy and stepping back into the arena—you’ll learn how to use every launch as an experiment that moves your business forward.
If you’ve ever walked away from a launch wondering, “What went wrong?” or “Is this really for me?”—this episode will help you stay grounded, focused, and resilient.
Key Takeaways
- You’re Allowed to Feel It
Before you jump into fixing mode, give yourself space to acknowledge the disappointment. It’s human, and it’s necessary. Pretending you’re fine only delays the clarity you need.
- Data Will Tell You the Truth
Once emotions settle, it’s time to gather every piece of data you can. Emails, opt-ins, conversions, social engagement—your numbers reveal what actually happened, not what you think happened.
- Analyse with Curiosity, Not Judgment
Look for patterns and gaps. Where did people fall off? What surprised you? When you view your launch like a scientist rather than a critic, insights become easier—and more accurate.
- Make Adjustments That Move the Needle
With the data in hand, decide what needs tweaking. Maybe the messaging didn’t land. Maybe the offer wasn’t clear. Maybe your warm-up period was too short. Small changes can create big shifts.
- Get Back in the Game—Quickly
The most successful online business owners aren’t the ones who get it perfect—they’re the ones who try again. Relaunch with your adjustments, treat it like another experiment, and keep going. Momentum is built through action, not avoidance.
If you’re in a season where a launch didn’t meet your expectations, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not failing. This is part of the process. Embrace the learning, stay curious, and remember—you’re building something that’s worth staying in the game for.
LINKS TO RESOURCES MENTIONED IN TODAY’S EPISODE
Connect with Teresa on Website, (Grow, Launch, Sell), Sign up to Teresa's email list, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook, Subscribe to my Youtube, Real Numbers
Comments
In Channel




