3 Sep 2024: There I was, a solo founder, launching Wisp CMS on Product Hunt. The result? A whirlwind 24 hours that landed us the #6 spot with over 420 upvotes. Sounds like a success story, right? It was - but it was also a masterclass in preparation, strategy, and caffeine consumption.
In the aftermath, as congratulations rolled in, so did the questions:
"If I launch it, will they come?"
"Can I just hit submit and reach the top?"
"Is Product Hunt worth the effort?"
"Can a solo founder really compete?"
These questions aren't just familiar; they were my own not too long ago. Now, having been through the trenches, I'm here to share the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to succeed on Product Hunt, especially as a solo operator.
This isn't just a recap of our launch day glory, though you can find the behind-the-scenes here. It's a deep dive into the lessons learned, the strategies that paid off, and yes, the things I wish I'd known before. I'm documenting this process not only for my future launches but as a roadmap for anyone gearing up for their Product Hunt debut.
Whether you're a fellow solo founder or part of a larger team, this guide will walk you through the crucial steps of preparation and execution. We'll explore how to build a support network, craft your message, and navigate the intense launch period.
Now that we've set the stage, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of launch preparation. I've broken this down into crucial phases, starting 30 days before your big day. Think of this as your Product Hunt launch checklist – a roadmap to success that I wish I'd had when I started.
T-30: Laying the Groundwork for Launch Success
1. Launch Page Preparation: Your Digital Storefront
Your Product Hunt page is your first impression – make it count! Here's what you need to nail:
Craft a compelling product description that clearly communicates your value proposition.
Prepare high-quality visuals: logo, screenshots, and if possible, a demo video.
Draft an engaging first comment that tells your product's story.
Consider offering a special deal for Product Hunters to boost engagement.
Pro Tip: The Product Hunt team favors well-prepared, polished submissions when choosing featured products. Don't skimp on this step!
Note: There are plenty of resources on how to win here. I've linked some of my favourite below in additional resources, so I'll not be going into the details of this step.
2. List Building: Your Launch Day Army
This is arguably the most critical pre-launch task. Your supporter list will be your primary source of early upvotes and engagement. Here's how to structure it:
Use a Google Sheet with separate tabs for each platform (Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit).
Implement priority tags (P1, P2, P3, P4) to organize your contacts.
Include columns for contact info, relationship notes, and outreach status.
Where to find potential supporters:
Your product's waitlist/email list
Product makers you've recently supported
Makers launching soon
Warm connections on Twitter & LinkedIn
Active members in relevant subreddits
Remember: The initial hours of your launch are crucial. A strong start can skyrocket you to the top of daily rankings, increasing visibility and organic traffic.
Note: If you are a solo maker like myself, there's no need to be fancy with your tools. I keep my list organised in an Obsidian note.Get fancy with Google Sheet only if you are coordinating with different team members.
3. Product Hunt Discussions: Immersing Yourself in the Community
Engaging in Product Hunt discussions is crucial for two main reasons:
Understanding the community: Familiarize yourself with the platform's dynamics and user preferences.
Gaining exposure: Increase your visibility in the days leading up to your launch.
Here's how to effectively participate:
Regularly engage in discussions on various products.
Provide thoughtful, valuable feedback to other makers.
Ask questions and show genuine interest in other projects.
Note: The rainbow badge appears automatically when you participate in the discussion forum. It's a visual indicator that you're going to launch something amazing soon and invites people to follow you & your launch.
By actively participating, you're not just learning about the community – you're also building a network of potential supporters and increasing your visibility before your launch day.
5. Personal Profile Optimization: Your Networking Hub
Your Product Hunt profile isn't just an introduction; it's a strategic tool for expanding your network and building your supporter list. Here's why it's crucial:
Discoverable Socials: Include links to your LinkedIn and Twitter profiles. This allows other launchers to easily find and connect with you.
Reciprocal Support Opportunities: When other makers discover you (through discussions or the "Coming Soon" page), they may reach out for launch support. This creates opportunities for mutual assistance.
List Building: As other launchers connect with you, add them to your P2 or P3 lists. This expands your network of potential supporters for your own launch.
Credibility Boost: A well-crafted profile lends credibility to your product, encouraging more users to check out your launch when the time comes.
Operational Benefits:
Passive List Building: Your optimized profile works 24/7 to attract potential supporters, even when you're not actively reaching out.
Time Efficiency: By making yourself easily discoverable, you reduce the time spent searching for supporters.
Quality Connections: Makers who reach out are likely to be active and engaged Product Hunt users, making them valuable additions to your list.
Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to grow your support network. By optimizing your profile, you're not just preparing for your launch – you're positioning yourself as an active, supportive member of the Product Hunt community, which can pay dividends when it's your turn to launch.
6. Social Media Engagement: Building Buzz
Leverage your social media presence to build excitement:
Create pre-launch teasers without making them the sole focus
Foster engagement by encouraging comments and shares
Expand your list by adding engaged users to your P3 list
This approach keeps your supporters informed and excited, increasing the chance of a strong start on launch day.
7. Launch Blog Setup: Documenting Your Journey
Setting up a blog (using Wisp CMS, for example) to document your launch journey serves multiple purposes:
Transparency and Connection: Provide a behind-the-scenes look at your process
Additional Content: Create more material to share on social media
Live Updates: Use it as a platform for real-time updates on launch day
Include posts about:
Your product details and origin story
The problem you're solving and why it matters
Your launch preparations
Live updates on launch day
Post-launch reflections and next steps
This blog becomes a valuable resource for your audience and a tool for maintaining engagement throughout your launch process.
T-7: Final Preparations for Launch
As we enter the final week before launch, it's time to fine-tune our strategy and set the stage for success.
1. Prepare Launch Messages
Crafting personalized, well-timed messages is crucial for maximizing launch day support. Here's how to approach it:
Individual Messages: Tailor these to each recipient, referencing your relationship or their specific interests. Be direct about asking for support, especially for P1 and P2 contacts.
Emails: Prepare a general announcement email for your broader list, and more personalized versions for closer contacts or potential high-impact supporters.
Group Messages: Draft messages for relevant communities or groups you're part of, being mindful of each group's rules about self-promotion.
Include in your messages:
A clear call-to-action (e.g., "Please upvote and comment on our Product Hunt page")
The exact date and time of your launch
A brief, compelling description of your product
Any special launch day offers
Note: Do not forget to create visual assets. I use Figma to manage my image assets.
2. Lead Warming
Start activating your network to prime them for launch day:
Teaser Email: Send a teaser email to your list, mentioning the upcoming launch and its date. This is just to put your launch on their radar, not to ask for support yet.
Early Access Perks: Consider offering early access or a special perk to those who sign up to be notified about the launch.
This step is crucial because it prepares your audience mentally for your upcoming request, making them more likely to engage on launch day.
3. Handle "PH Voting Service" Offers
As your launch approaches, you may receive offers for "guaranteed upvotes" or other voting services. Approach these with extreme caution:
Product Hunt actively discourages and penalizes the use of such services.
Engaging with these offers could risk your launch being demoted or removed entirely.
Focus instead on genuine engagement and organic support.
4. Increase Social Media Engagement
Ramp up your social media activity to build anticipation:
Behind-the-Scenes Posts: Share content about your launch preparations.
Teasers and Engagement: Post teasers about your product's features or benefits.
Capture Engagement: Engage with your followers' responses, and add active participants to your P3 outreach list.
This step helps keep your product top-of-mind and expand your supporter base.
5. Join Relevant Groups
Ensure you're part of key launch-related groups. I'll provide a comprehensive list of communities and groups that are particularly useful for Product Hunt launchers. Joining these groups serves multiple purposes:
List Building: Identify people launching soon who may be interested in reciprocal support. Add them to your outreach list.
Support Network: Find and support recent launchers. Add them to your list as potential supporters for your launch.
Professional Connections: In industry-specific groups, identify individuals interested in your product or launch. Add them to your list, even if you're unsure about their Product Hunt account status (assign them a lower priority).
Product Hunt Groups: Join dedicated Product Hunt launch groups on platforms like Facebook, Slack, or Discord.
Genuine Engagement: Actively participate in these communities to establish yourself as a valuable member.
Remember, the goal of joining these groups isn't just for networking, but strategically building your support list for launch day. Categorize new contacts based on their likelihood to support and their Product Hunt activity level. This approach ensures you're maximizing the potential of each group for your launch success.
6. Warm Up and Connect with Contacts
This stage is crucial for establishing the connections you'll need on launch day:
Reddit: Send thoughtful messages congratulating recent launchers on their success. This opens a communication channel for your launch day outreach.
Twitter: Comment on posts of potential supporters, follow them, and engage meaningfully. Aim for reciprocal follows to enable direct messaging on launch day.
LinkedIn: Send connection requests with personalized notes mentioning your participation in their launch or congratulating them. This paves the way for launch day communication.
Product Hunt: Engage with recent launches through upvotes and comments. This activity is visible and can lead to reciprocal support.
The goal is to establish these connections well before your launch, ensuring you have open communication channels when you need them most.
This final week is about fine-tuning your strategy, expanding your network, and ensuring you have open lines of communication with potential supporters. By focusing on genuine engagement and strategic connection-building, you're setting the stage for a strong, community-supported launch.
T-1: The Final Countdown
With just 24 hours to go, it's time for final preparations and checks. Here's what you need to focus on:
1. Monitor Recent and Upcoming Launches
Stay aware of the Product Hunt landscape:
Twitter Search: Use Twitter search to monitor phrases like "product hunt soon" and "product hunt support".
Engagement: Engage with these posts by offering support or advice.
Network Expansion: Add these launchers to your P2 list for potential reciprocal support.
Why this matters:
Reciprocal Support: Recent launchers understand the importance of support and are more likely to reciprocate.
Learning Opportunities: You can learn from their launch strategies and potentially avoid last-minute pitfalls they encountered.
Cross-Promotion: Building these relationships can lead to valuable cross-promotion opportunities.
2. Team Coordination
If you're working with a team, ensure everyone is aligned:
Run-Through: Go through the next day's tasks and make sure all team members understand their roles.
Assign Responsibilities: Delegate specific tasks such as managing segments of the outreach list, covering different time zones, and responding to comments and questions.
Why this matters:
Efficiency: It prevents duplication of efforts.
Continuous Coverage: Ensures continuous engagement throughout the 24-hour launch period.
Role Focus: Allows team members to focus on their strengths and specific tasks.
3. Website Preparation
Your website needs to be fully prepared for the influx of traffic:
Product Hunt Messaging: Consider adding a Product Hunt badge or banner to your homepage and prepare a special welcome message for Product Hunt visitors.
Special Offers: Ensure any launch day specials or discounts are set up and ready to go. Test the process to make sure users can easily claim these offers.
Technical Readiness: Conduct load testing to ensure your website can handle increased traffic and have a plan B (like a static landing page) in case of technical issues.
Why this matters:
Smooth User Experience: A smooth user experience for Product Hunt visitors can lead to more upvotes and positive comments.
Incentives: Special offers can incentivize engagement and conversions.
Technical Preparedness: Prevents lost opportunities due to website crashes or slow load times.
4. Final Check of Launch Assets
Do a final review of all your launch materials:
Product Hunt Page: Ensure all copy, images, and links are perfect.
Outreach Messages: Double-check for any errors or unclear instructions.
Blog Post: If you're planning a launch day post, have it ready to publish.
Social Media Posts: Pre-write and schedule your announcement posts.
This final check helps prevent last-minute scrambling and ensures a polished, professional launch.
5. Personal Preparation
Don't forget to prepare yourself mentally and physically:
Rest Well: Get a good night's sleep. Launch day will be intense and you need to be at your best.
Healthy Snacks and Meals: Prepare healthy snacks and meals for the next day. You might not have time for proper meals.
Efficient Workspace: Set up your workspace for maximum efficiency during the launch.
Importance: Personal preparation is crucial because your energy and focus will directly impact your ability to engage effectively throughout the launch.
6. Contingency Planning
Despite best efforts, things can go wrong. Have plans in place for potential issues:
Technical Problems: Know who to contact and how to communicate with users.
Low Engagement: Have strategies ready to boost visibility.
Handling Feedback: Be prepared to respond constructively to critical feedback or negative comments.
Having these plans ready allows you to respond quickly and effectively to any challenges, maintaining momentum during your crucial launch period.
Remember, the work you've done over the past month has set you up for success. Stay focused, be responsive, and don't forget to enjoy the experience of sharing your product with the world!
Launch Day: Executing Your Plan
The big day has arrived. Here's how to navigate the crucial 24 hours of your Product Hunt launch:
1. Early Morning Preparations (Pre-launch)
Wake up early and ensure everything is ready:
Wake-up Time: Rise at least 2-3 hours before the scheduled launch time (12am Pacific Time).
Product Hunt Page: Double-check that your page is ready and all links are working.
Website Check: Ensure your website is live and functioning correctly.
Outreach Preparation: Have your outreach messages open and ready to send.
Monitoring Setup: Set up your tools for tracking website traffic, social media mentions, etc.
Why this matters:
A smooth start sets the tone for the entire launch day.
Early preparation allows you to address any last-minute issues calmly.
Being fully prepared helps you capitalize on the crucial early hours of your launch.
2. The Launch Moment
As soon as your product goes live on Product Hunt:
Feature Status: Check if you've been featured, which provides significant organic traffic in the first 4 hours.
Social Media Announcement: Post your prepared announcement on all your social channels.
Initial Outreach: Send out your first wave of individual messages to your P1 contacts. Focus on getting reviews and support from existing customers that are using your product!
Blog Publication: Publish your launch blog post if you have one prepared.
Note: Being featured is determined by Product Hunt, so focus on what you can control.
Why this matters:
The first few hours are critical for gaining momentum.
Quick action helps you capitalize on the initial surge of Product Hunt traffic.
Early engagement can set the tone for your entire launch day.
3. First 4 Hours (Critical Period)
This is a crucial time for establishing your position:
Comment Management: Monitor and respond quickly to early comments on your Product Hunt page.
Rank Monitoring: Use https://hunted.space/ to check your relative rank during randomized ordering.
Position Focus: Aim to secure a position in the top 5 products.
Continued Outreach: Progress through your P1 and P2 contacts on various platforms.
Social Media Updates: Post about your current position, launch journey, and notable comments.
Why this matters:
Early momentum can significantly impact your final ranking.
Active engagement encourages more users to interact with your product.
Regular updates keep your audience invested in your launch progress.
4. Ongoing Engagement (European Hours)
As Europe wakes up, shift your focus:
Priority List Progression: Continue working through your contact list in order of priority.
Blog Updates: Keep your launch blog current with activities, progress, and notable feedback.
Email Updates: Send an update to your email list, including your current position.
Gratitude Expression: Thank people who have supported your launch efforts.
Why this matters:
Maintaining engagement keeps your product visible throughout the day.
Regular updates encourage ongoing support and interaction.
Expressing gratitude builds goodwill and encourages further support.
5. Final Push (US Hours)
As the US day begins, make your final efforts:
Unresponsive Contacts: Revisit P1 and P2 contacts who haven't responded, trying alternative channels if needed.
Geographic Focus: Concentrate on contacts in the US & Asia as their day starts.
Outreach Completion: Aim to finish all planned outreach by the start of US business hours.
Ongoing Monitoring: Continue to monitor and respond to Product Hunt comments.
Social Media Updates: Keep your social media and launch blog updated with new developments.
Why this matters:
A strong finish can secure your final ranking.
Engaging with different time zones maximizes your global reach.
Consistent updates maintain momentum throughout the entire 24-hour period.
6. Time Zone Management
Manage your launch across different time zones effectively:
Coordinate Handovers: Ensure continuous coverage by coordinating with team members in different time zones.
Tailored Outreach: Adapt your social media posts and outreach to different regions as they wake up.
Activity Spikes: Be prepared for potential surges in activity as new regions come online.
Why this matters:
Global reach maximizes your launch's impact.
Tailored messaging increases engagement across different markets.
Continuous coverage ensures no opportunities are missed.
7. Dealing with Challenges
Be prepared to handle various issues that may arise:
Technical Issues: Communicate transparently about any problems and your efforts to resolve them.
Constructive Feedback: Respond professionally to critical feedback or negative comments.
Boosting Engagement: If engagement is lower than expected, reach out to additional contacts or amplify your social media efforts.
Why this matters:
Transparent communication builds trust with your audience.
Professional handling of criticism can turn detractors into supporters.
Flexibility allows you to adapt to unexpected situations.
8. Maintaining Energy and Focus
Take care of yourself to maintain peak performance:
Regular Breaks: Take short, frequent breaks to maintain your energy levels.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and eat small, nutritious meals throughout the day.
Team Check-Ins: If working with a team, check in regularly to boost morale and address any issues.
Why this matters:
Sustained energy is crucial for maintaining engagement throughout the day.
Regular breaks improve focus and decision-making.
Team morale impacts the overall quality of your launch efforts.
9. End-of-Day Actions
Conclude your launch day effectively:
Wrap-Up Post: Prepare a summary post for your Product Hunt page, thanking supporters and highlighting key outcomes.
Thank-You Messages: Send personalized thank-you messages to key supporters.
Blog or Social Media Updates: Share final thoughts and next steps on your blog or social media.
Data Collection: Begin gathering data and insights for your post-launch analysis.
Why this matters:
A strong conclusion leaves a lasting positive impression.
Personalized thanks strengthen relationships for future support.
Early data collection sets the stage for thorough post-launch analysis.
10. Monitoring Key Metrics
Keep track of important indicators throughout the day:
Product Hunt Ranking: Monitor your position to assess visibility and traction.
Upvotes and Comments: Track engagement levels on your Product Hunt page.
Website Traffic: Watch traffic and sign-ups to measure the launch's direct impact.
Social Media Engagement: Analyze social metrics to understand how well your launch is resonating.
Why this matters:
Real-time metrics allow for quick strategy adjustments.
Understanding your performance helps in planning post-launch activities.
Comprehensive data provides valuable insights for future launches.
Remember, while launch day is crucial, it's just the beginning. Stay engaged with your new users and supporters in the following days to maximize the long-term impact of your Product Hunt debut.
Appendix - Deep Dive into Resources and Techniques
Before we wrap up, it's essential to highlight that the journey of launching on Product Hunt doesn't end with your own efforts. The community, tools, and resources you engage with can dramatically affect your launch outcome. The upcoming sections in this appendix delve deeper into some invaluable resources and techniques to help you connect with other makers, gather essential support, and optimize your launch strategy even further.
Appendix A: How to Find Makers with Upcoming Product Hunt Launches
Leveraging connections with fellow makers who are also preparing for their Product Hunt launches can provide reciprocal support and valuable insights. Here's a step-by-step guide to finding and engaging with these potential allies:
1. Visit the Product Hunt Coming Soon Page
Go to Product Hunt Coming Soon
This page lists products that are scheduled to launch soon
2. Explore Upcoming Products
Click on each project that interests you or aligns with your launch timeline
3. Access the Future Post URL
Change the URL format from: https://www.producthunt.com/products/product-name to: https://www.producthunt.com/posts/product-name
This gives you access to the future post page
4. Find the Maker's Profile
On the future post page, click on the profile of the maker
Note that some products' hunter are not the makers, focus on the profile with the 'M' badges
5. Connect with the Maker
Look for LinkedIn or Twitter links on their Product Hunt profile
If available, connect with them on these platforms
You can use a message like: "Hey [Name], excited for your Product Hunt launch? Shall we support each other for our launches?"
Ps. Do you now realise why it's important for you to put your own social media links on your profile page?
6. Alternative Contact Method
If social media links aren't available on their Product Hunt profile, visit their product website
Look for contact information or social media links there
By following this process, you can build a network of makers who are also preparing for their Product Hunt launches. This approach allows for mutually beneficial relationships, where you can support each other's launches and share experiences.
Remember to be genuine in your interactions and offer value before asking for support. Building authentic connections will lead to more meaningful and effective launch collaborations.
Appendix B: List Building Resources for Your Product Hunt Launch
Building a strong list of potential supporters is crucial for a successful Product Hunt launch. The goal is to be part of communities that can support you and identify individuals you can reach out to during your launch. When building your list, categorize contacts into priority levels:
P1: Close friends, family, and colleagues who will definitely support you
P2: Acquaintances and professional contacts likely to help
P3: Relevant individuals in your network who might support you
P4: New connections made specifically for the launch
Here are various platforms and communities where you can find and connect with potential supporters:
Browse the r/ProductHunters subreddit
Engage with users discussing upcoming launches or seeking support
Identify active users and categorize them (likely P3 or P4)
Search for tweets containing phrases like "product hunt soon" or "product hunt support"
Join and participate in the #BuildInPublic community
Engage with makers and categorize based on interaction level (P2-P4)
Facebook Groups
Search for and join Product Hunt-related groups such as
Engage in discussions and connect with other launchers
Look for recent posters (potential P2 or P3)
Slack/Discord Communities
Actively participate and build relationships (can yield P2-P4 contacts)
LinkedIn Groups
Connect with group members and categorize based on your relationship (P2-P4)
Telegram Groups
Engage in conversations and identify active members (likely P3 or P4)
WhatsApp Groups
Build relationships with group members (potential for P2-P4 contacts)
Social Communities
AngelSquad (Read my Details & Review on AngelSquad by Hustle Fund)
These communities often yield higher-quality connections (potential P2 or P3)
Remember, when engaging with these communities, always provide value and build genuine relationships before asking for support. Participate in discussions, offer help to others, and be an active community member. This approach will make your requests for support more effective when it's time for your launch.
As you interact with people in these communities, continuously update your list, categorizing contacts into the appropriate priority levels. This organization will help you streamline your outreach efforts during the critical launch period.
Appendix C: Additional Reading Resources
Effective communication is crucial for a successful Product Hunt launch. Here are a few sample templates to get you started:
LinkedIn Connection Request:
Hey [Name], excited for your Product Hunt launch? Shall we support each other for our launches?Twitter Pre-launch:
🚀 Exciting news! We're launching [Product Name] on Product Hunt this [Day]!
👋 Reply with a wave if you'd like a reminder when we're live.
#ProductHunt #indiehackers #buildinpublicFriend Group Message:
Hey everyone! 👋 Today's the big day - [Product Name] is launching on Product Hunt!
I'd really appreciate your support. Here's how you can help:
1. Upvote: [Product Hunt URL]
2. Leave a comment (if you've used the product)
3. Share with your network
Thanks in advance - your support means a lot! 🙏For a comprehensive launch strategy, you should prepare messages for:
Email: Pre-launch announcement, launch day notification, mid-day update, and end-day push
Individual messages: For supporters, makers you've supported, and makers launching soon
Social media posts: For various platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) at different stages of the launch
Community posts: For relevant online communities and forums
Thank you messages: For those who supported your launch
Remember to personalize these templates based on your product, audience, and relationship with the recipients. Keep the tone friendly, enthusiastic, and grateful throughout your communications.
For a full set of message templates covering all aspects of your Product Hunt launch, stay tuned for our upcoming blog post dedicated to launch communication strategies.
Appendix D: Additional Reading Resources
To further enhance your Product Hunt launch strategy, we recommend exploring these valuable resources:
Official Product Hunt Launch Guide - The definitive guide straight from the source. Essential reading for any Product Hunt launcher.
Lenny's Newsletter on Product Hunt Launch - Lenny Rachitsky's in-depth playbook offers expert insights and strategies for a successful launch.
Launch Experience of Wasp - A candid account of Wasp's Product Hunt launch, offering real-world insights and lessons learned.
Product Hunt Launch Checklist by Learning Loop - A comprehensive checklist to ensure you've covered all bases for your launch.
These resources provide a wealth of information from various perspectives, including official guidelines, expert advice, real-world experiences, and practical checklists. By studying these materials, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of launching on Product Hunt.
Ending Note (Phew!)
Thanks for reading this far! Preparing for a Product Hunt launch can be a demanding and intricate process, but with the right strategies and a well-coordinated team, you can make it a success. From my personal experiences launching on Product Hunt, it's clear that meticulous planning, community engagement, and continuous effort throughout the launch day are key to standing out.
Whether you're launching for the first time or the sixth, these steps can help you navigate the complexities of Product Hunt and maximize your product's visibility. I hope you find this guide helpful and that it prepares you for a smoother, more successful launch.
I've tried my best to include all the resources that are useful for your launch, if you do find something missing that should've been included, do contact me and let me know!
I'd love to get your feedback and hear about your experiences and strategies for launching on Product Hunt. Happy launching!
Don't be shy to reach out to me on LinkedIn if you need additional support!
