If you’re gearing up to launch your program, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term “beta launch” thrown around. But what about a “gamma launch”?

Whether you’re testing your program for the first time or refining it for a wider audience, understanding these two launch types can help you hit your goals with clarity and ease. And if you’re not planning on testing your program at all…Well, ya need to!

Let’s dive into what makes a beta launch different from a gamma launch – and how to decide which approach is right for you.  

What Is a Beta Launch?  

A beta launch is your program’s first time out in the world. It’s about testing your concept, gathering feedback, and ironing out the wrinkles before scaling.  

Think of it as your rough draft. It doesn’t need to be perfect – it just needs to deliver value while giving you the insights you need to refine and improve.  

Key Features of a Beta Launch:  

– Limited audience: A smaller group of participants, often loyal followers or early adopters.  

– Lower price point: Typically discounted to reflect the “test” nature of the launch.  

– Feedback-focused: Participants know they’re helping you shape the final version.  

– Iterative content: You might create content week by week based on real-time feedback.  

But Why Run a Beta Launch?  

– To Validate your offer: Make sure there’s demand for your program before investing heavily.  

– To Improve your content: Get real-world insights into what works (and what doesn’t).  

– To Build social proof: Collect testimonials and case studies for future marketing.  

Then…What Is a Gamma Launch?  

A gamma launch happens after you’ve completed your beta round and made improvements. It’s a way to test your refined version on a slightly larger audience without committing to a full-scale launch just yet.  

It’s your second draft, right? The goal here is to tweak and perfect while building momentum for a broader roll-out.  

Key Features of a Gamma Launch:  

– Broader audience: A slightly larger group than your beta, but still not the masses.  

– Moderate price point: Higher than beta pricing but often not yet full price.  

– Polished content: Your program is now more structured and refined.  

– Scaling feedback: You’re fine-tuning details like delivery, tech, and participant experience.  

Why Run a Gamma Launch?  

– To Test scalability: See how your program holds up with a bigger group.  

– To Optimise marketing: Hone your messaging and sales strategies for maximum impact.  

– To Increase confidence: Ensure your program is ready for a full, public launch.  

Let’s break the differences down

	Beta Launch	Gamma Launch
Purpose	Test your concept and gather initial feedback.	Refine and prepare for scaling.
Audience size	Small, loyal, or early adopters.	Medium-sized, broader group.
Price point	Lower, “founding member” pricing.	Higher, closer to regular pricing.
Content quality	Iterative and evolving.	Polished and structured.
Feedback focus	Foundational feedback on program viability.	Fine-tuning details for scalability.

How to Decide Which Launch Is Right for You  

Choose a Beta Launch if…

– This is your first time running the program.  

– You’re still testing whether your offer resonates with your audience.  

– You’re open to creating content on the go or adjusting in real time.  

Choose a Gamma Launch if…

– You’ve already completed a beta round and refined your content.  

– You want to test your updated program with a larger audience.  

– You’re preparing for a big, public launch but need one last round of feedback.  

FAQs  

“Do I need to run both a beta and a gamma launch?” 

Not necessarily. If your beta launch goes exceptionally well and you feel confident, you can move straight to a full launch. However, a gamma launch can be a smart intermediate step, especially if you’re planning a high-ticket program or a large-scale roll-out.  

“How many participants should I aim for in each?” 

Beta: 5–20 participants, depending on your program type and goals.  

Gamma: 20–50 participants, enough to test scalability without feeling overwhelmed.  

“How do I communicate the value of a beta or gamma launch?”  

Be transparent! Let participants know they’re getting early access, often at a discounted rate, in exchange for their feedback. Highlight the benefits of joining at this stage, like exclusive bonuses or extra attention from you.  

Final Thoughts  

Whether you’re starting with a beta launch, moving into a gamma round, or skipping straight to a full launch, the key is to stay flexible and focused. Each launch phase offers unique insights that can help you deliver a stronger program and better results for your participants.  

So, where are you in your program journey? Beta, gamma – or ready to go big? Wherever you are, know this: every launch is a step closer to building a transformational offer.  

Ready to nail your next launch? If you’re looking to make your next launch a sell-out success and enjoy the process, let’s connect. For first-time launchers, my program Rave Results guides you from idea to impact to income, helping you design and launch a group program in just 90 days.