RakshaLaunching a product is a defining moment for any startup or brand. Whether it’s your first release or your fifth, the right talent can make the difference between a buzzworthy debut and a forgotten one.
But with so many moving parts (copy, design, video, ads, PR, and more), it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Who do you actually need to hire? What should you look for? How do you know they’re launch-ready?
This checklist breaks down the essential freelance roles for a product launch, so founders and brand teams can hire smarter and launch stronger.
1. Brand Strategist or Launch Consultant
- Helps define your messaging, launch goals, positioning, and roadmap.
- Ideal for teams launching a product for the first time or pivoting to a new market.
Look for:
✓ Experience with startup launches
✓ Clear process or framework
✓ Strong communication and planning skills
2. Copywriter (Sales-Focused)
- Writes landing pages, product descriptions, email campaigns, and social content.
- Ensures your value proposition is clear, persuasive, and consistent across channels.
Look for:
✓ Amazon, DTC, SaaS, or eCommerce experience
✓ Strong understanding of buyer psychology
✓ Portfolio with launch or sales copy
3. Graphic Designer
- Designs assets for the website, social media, email, and presentations.
- Bring your brand to life visually, ensuring it’s polished and launch-ready.
Look for:
✓ Launch or marketing campaign work
✓ Brand consistency across assets
✓ Versatility in formats and platforms
4. Product Photographer or Videographer
- Captures high-quality visuals that highlight your product’s features and appeal.
- Essential for physical products, packaging, and digital mockups.
Look for:
✓ Amazon, Shopify, or ad campaign samples
✓ Lifestyle + studio photography skills
✓ Understanding of image specs per platform
5. Video Editor / Motion Designer
- Crafts launch trailers, explainers, ads, and reels.
- Boosts engagement on social and landing pages with scroll-stopping visuals.
Look for:
✓ Clean, professional editing style
✓ Experience with short-form and ad-driven content
✓ Ability to work fast and repurpose footage
6. PR Specialist or Media Outreach Pro
- Gets your product covered in relevant publications or podcasts.
- Builds early credibility and traffic during your launch window.
Look for:
✓ Media connections in your niche
✓ Strong pitch-writing ability
✓ Results from previous launches
7. Social Media Manager or Marketer
- Plans and executes the launch calendar across platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok.
- Grows anticipation and drives traffic to your product page.
Look for:
✓ Experience managing multi-channel campaigns
✓ Audience engagement skills
✓ Understanding of platform-specific trends
8. Paid Ads Specialist (Meta, Google, Amazon, etc.)
- Manages ad campaigns that drive launch visibility and conversions.
- Critical if you’re depending on traffic outside your existing audience.
Look for:
✓ Data-driven mindset
✓ ROAS-focused portfolio
✓ Platform certifications (Meta, Google, Amazon Ads)
9. Landing Page Developer
- Builds or customizes the page where your launch traffic converts.
- Ensures it’s mobile-friendly, fast, and persuasive.
Look for:
✓ Experience with tools like Webflow, Shopify, or WordPress
✓ SEO + analytics basics
✓ Clear CTA strategy in their past work
10. Project Manager or VA (Optional but Powerful)
- Keeps freelancers on schedule, tracks deliverables, and handles follow-ups.
- Frees you up to focus on strategy, not logistics.
Look for:
✓ Experience coordinating remote creative teams
✓ Clear communication style
✓ Familiarity with tools like Asana, Trello, and Notion
Final Thought: Build a Launch Team, Not Just a List of Freelancers
Hiring for a product launch isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about creating synergy. Each person you bring on should understand the bigger picture and how their piece supports the whole.
With the right checklist and a smart hiring approach, even lean startup teams can run high-impact, professional-grade launches without the agency price tag.
Ready to launch?
Use this checklist as your roadmap and start building a freelance team that’s aligned, agile, and laser-focused on results.
Vicky
