A soft launch is a low-key release of a website to a limited audience, allowing for testing, feedback, and adjustments before a full public launch. It is ideal for getting a new site up or major improvement up and running for the visitors you’re getting right now, allow some time to refine the site with less pressure.
Comparatively, a hard launch is a full-scale, public release with significant marketing. It introduces the website to a wider audience immediately, aiming to generate maximum traffic and awareness from day one.