Launching on Product Hunt is a rite of passage for startups, product creators, and innovators looking to gain exposure, early adopters, and valuable feedback. With thousands of products launching every week, a successful Product Hunt launch requires more than just uploading your product — it’s a strategic process that demands preparation, execution, and follow-up.
Given our recent experience of launching the Whale checklist feature on Product Hunt, we thought we’d share this guide to help you through the process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of launching on Product Hunt, complete with a practical checklist to ensure you’re ready for a successful debut.
Why Launch on Product Hunt?
Product Hunt is a community where tech enthusiasts, founders, and product lovers discover new tools, apps, and innovations. Here’s why a Product Hunt launch can be game-changing:
- Massive Visibility: Product Hunt has a large, engaged audience eager to discover and discuss new products.
- Early Adopters: Gain users who are willing to try, provide feedback, and advocate for your product.
- SEO and Branding Benefits: A featured spot on Product Hunt can drive organic traffic and establish your brand’s authority.
- Community Engagement: Directly interact with potential users and learn what resonates with your audience.
Preparation: Laying the Groundwork
Launching on Product Hunt isn’t just about posting your product on a specific day. It requires thoughtful preparation weeks (or even months) in advance.
1. Define Your Goals
Before diving in, determine what success looks like for your launch. Your goals may include:
- Generating leads or sign-ups
- Building a community of users
- Gathering feedback for your product
- Driving traffic to your website
Having clear goals will guide your strategy.
2. Perfect Your Product
Ensure your product is:
- Functional: Squash bugs and provide a smooth user experience.
- Distinctive: Highlight unique features or benefits that differentiate it from competitors.
- User-Friendly: Make onboarding simple to encourage users to stick around.
3. Build a Landing Page
Create a compelling landing page tailored for your Product Hunt audience. Include:
- A clear headline
- A concise value proposition
- Visuals, screenshots, or demo videos
- Testimonials or social proof
- A prominent call-to-action (CTA)
4. Research and Engage on Product Hunt
Spend time engaging with the community before your launch. Upvote and comment on other products to build credibility. Identify key contributors or “hunters” who might support your launch.
5. Plan Your Launch Assets
Prepare the assets you’ll need for launch day:
- Tagline: A short, catchy phrase that encapsulates your product’s essence.
- Description: A clear, engaging explanation of your product.
- Images: Screenshots, gifs, or videos that visually explain your product.
- Maker’s Comment: A personal note explaining why you built the product.
- FAQs: Address common questions to minimize confusion.
PS You can pre-launch on Product Hunt using the coming soon using the create a teaser feature
The Product Hunt Launch Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready for launch day.
1. Pre-Launch: 2-4 Weeks Before
- Set Up Your Product Hunt Profile: Ensure your profile is complete with a photo, bio, and links to your website or social accounts.
- Engage in the Community: Comment on and upvote other products. Build goodwill and credibility.
- Create Your Media Assets: Prepare screenshots, GIFs, videos, and promotional banners.
- Design a Landing Page: Tailor it specifically for Product Hunt traffic.
- List Your Early Supporters: Identify users, influencers, or colleagues who can support your launch.
- Draft Marketing Materials: Create email templates, tweets, and social media posts.
- Plan Your Launch Timeline: Decide on the exact time to post (midnight PST is optimal).
2. Launch Day
Launching on Product Hunt is an exhilarating experience, but it’s also a full-day commitment. Here’s how to maximize your impact:
Step 1: Post Your Product
- Choose the Right Hunter: You can post your product yourself or collaborate with a well-known hunter for increased visibility.
- Write a Compelling Tagline: Keep it concise and enticing.
- Add Visual Assets: Upload eye-catching images, videos, or GIFs.
- Include the Maker’s Comment: Share your story, vision, and goals. Be authentic.
Step 2: Share and Promote
- Announce Your Launch: Share the link on social media platforms, email lists, Slack communities, and forums.
- Ask for Support: Reach out to your early supporters, friends, and team members to upvote and engage. This includes on social media.
- Engage in the Comments Section: Answer questions, thank supporters, and engage with feedback.
Step 3: Monitor Your Progress
- Track Upvotes and Comments: Keep an eye on your ranking.
- Share Updates: Post milestones like hitting 100 upvotes or trending on the homepage.
3. Post-Launch: The Day After
The launch isn’t over after 24 hours. Product Hunt’s audience continues to engage with trending products for days. Focus on:
- Thanking Supporters: Show appreciation for those who engaged or upvoted.
- Analyzing Results: Review traffic, sign-ups, and feedback to measure success.
- Follow Up: Respond to additional comments or questions.
- Repurpose Content: Use your Product Hunt launch assets in other campaigns, blog posts, or case studies.
Tips for a Successful Product Hunt Launch
- Leverage Social Proof: Mention partnerships, testimonials, or achievements to build trust.
- Use Clear CTAs: Guide users on what to do next (e.g., “Sign up for free” or “Join the waitlist”).
- Be Active All Day: Product Hunt rewards active participation. Stay engaged.
- Prepare for Feedback: Product Hunt users often provide candid feedback. Treat it as an opportunity to improve.
- Promote Beyond Product Hunt: Share your launch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit, and relevant communities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the Community: Product Hunt is about genuine interaction, not self-promotion.
- Rushing the Launch: Ensure your product is polished and your assets are ready.
- Not Engaging Post-Launch: Failing to follow up with users can harm your reputation.
- Being Overly Salesy: Focus on solving problems rather than hard-selling.
Do’s and don’ts of launching on Product Hunt
Product Hunt is very aware of makers trying to hack the system to become Product of the Day, so keep these do’s and don’ts in mind so you don’t get punished:
Do
- Stay active on Product Hunt
- Encourage your team to gain points
- Create a shift plan for your team
- Choose a hunter
- Expand your network
- Be active on social media
- Create a wiki so your team can find launch-day information
Don’t
- Launch before you have a small following
- Ask people to create a PH profile just to upvote you
- Ask directly for upvotes
- Pay for upvotes
- Create fake accounts for upvotes
- Try to sabotage your competitor’s launches
- Spam communities or your network
Bottom Line? Launching on Product Hunt is Worth It
Launching on Product Hunt is a powerful way to showcase your product, connect with early adopters, and kickstart growth. However, it requires thoughtful preparation and execution. By following this guide and using the checklist, you can set your launch up for success and make a lasting impression on the Product Hunt community.
Good luck with your launch!
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FAQs about Launching on Product Hunt
How Does The Algorithm on Product Hunt?
The Algorithm gives minus points to “non-PH lovers” 👎
- Upvoters freshly registered on PH (came just for your page like your digital grandma 👵 )
- Upvoters with less than 5 followers (considered uncool? 😑)
- Upvoters with no product upvoted recently or at all (those PH ghosts 👻)
What makes the Algorithm ❤ ️go happy-merry ❤
- Top Hunters upvotes and hunt (big reco to contact them 2 weeks before)
- PH staff who helps you elevate your story (we heard they are Super — Duper nice, reach out to them)
- Comments and active discussions on your product page (add everyone who worked on the app as makers and ask them to answer too)
- Early votes during the day (early for PH means 00:01am PST — having early votes looks more natual as they think you can’t rise people from their bed with marketing so it’s true upvotes 🥱 )
- Product descriptions that fit with a specific type of users and not generic ones made for everyone and no one
- Making it personal on social networks — “I just launched my first product!”, “After months of hard work, we’re ready to share what we’ve been working on…” resonates with people and attracts a broad audience
- Personal PH accounts never company ones
What is the Best Day to Launch on PHroduct Hunt?
Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday tend to be the most popular days for product launches on Product Hunt. These days often see higher user engagement and traffic on the platform.
Also the best time tends to be 12h01am.
