Archipel

Archipel

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Build an audience first, or launch and grow later?

This is probably one of the most debated topics in the startup world: Should you build an audience before you launch, or is it better to launch first and grow your audience afterward? I ve seen both approaches work, but each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. - Building an audience first means you're creating buzz, validating your idea, and nurturing a community of early adopters who are invested in your success. But it takes time, patience, and a lot of effort to keep the momentum going before you even have a product to show. - Launching first lets you hit the ground running, gather real-world feedback, and iterate quickly. But without an existing audience, you might struggle to get those initial users and traction. So, indulge me: Which approach did you take or are you considering taking (those who haven't launched yet)? - Did you build an audience before launching your product, or did you launch and then focus on growth? - What worked (or didn't work) for you? - If you could go back, would you do it differently? Share your story with us so we can all learn from each other. There's someone here who could benefit from your experience. ----- P.S: If you're a growth-stage founder struggling with churn or stagnant customer acquisition (usually because of poor positioning and messaging), I'd love to help. I specialize in crafting impactful marketing strategies tailored specifically to your product so you can start seeing the results you deserve. Connect with me on LinkedIn today. Can't wait to hear from you!
Alan Chan

12mo ago

What new features would you like to see in ProductHunt in 2025?

For me:

  1. TikTok-like launch party / AMA livestream

  2. "Where Are They Now?" Tracker of products 3-6-12 months post-launch

  3. Feed of launch stories sharing successes, failures and tips like a substack community/feed

  4. Pre-launch AI scoring + domain-specific expert advisory

  5. Generative launch creatives for social media distribution

  6. "This vs. That" Showdowns head-to-head product debate & polls

  7. Dedicated boards for more content diversity: hardware, non-AI tools, pre-orders, alpha user invitations etc.

  8. Launch-in-public real-time analytics (visitor heatmaps, referrals, engagement - inspired by hunted.space)

  9. Different display views of daily product launches (inspired by PHDeck)

  10. More fun gamification in points system (interactive badges, referral, waitlist pre-launch)

  11. Better search filters (category, reviews, personalized recommendations)

  12. Founder matching hub for advisory and mentorship

@rajiv_ayyangar Curious to learn more about ProductHunt's future roadmap! :)

Build an audience first, or launch and grow later?

This is probably one of the most debated topics in the startup world: Should you build an audience before you launch, or is it better to launch first and grow your audience afterward? I ve seen both approaches work, but each comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. - Building an audience first means you're creating buzz, validating your idea, and nurturing a community of early adopters who are invested in your success. But it takes time, patience, and a lot of effort to keep the momentum going before you even have a product to show. - Launching first lets you hit the ground running, gather real-world feedback, and iterate quickly. But without an existing audience, you might struggle to get those initial users and traction. So, indulge me: Which approach did you take or are you considering taking (those who haven't launched yet)? - Did you build an audience before launching your product, or did you launch and then focus on growth? - What worked (or didn't work) for you? - If you could go back, would you do it differently? Share your story with us so we can all learn from each other. There's someone here who could benefit from your experience. ----- P.S: If you're a growth-stage founder struggling with churn or stagnant customer acquisition (usually because of poor positioning and messaging), I'd love to help. I specialize in crafting impactful marketing strategies tailored specifically to your product so you can start seeing the results you deserve. Connect with me on LinkedIn today. Can't wait to hear from you!
Tasos V

12mo ago

What pisses you off in life? Be real.

Hi PHerz! This is not a problem discovery post lol. Just a normal chat to see what others face in their daily lives, cause building stuff and in general trying to do things in life is a roller coaster. For me, a lot of stuff piss me off hah! However, one thing that does a lot, is the fact that I see the majority outsourcing their lives to the "system". I see people still admiring folks like Elon Musk, people working jobs they dont like and being ok that they will work for 40 years, without realizing they only live once. Buying the newest cars, the newest iphones, posting fake things on social media. Without even thinking the consequences of all this. Feels like people gave up on thinking for themselves. Anyways, hectic day, so I felt like sharing a more "deep" topic. What about you? What pisses you off in this world?
Nika

12mo ago

What channels do you use for promoting upcoming launch

I can see that many people use especially: LinkedIn (group) posts, DMs Twitter posts, DMs, Streams Product Hunt in p/self-promotion Newsletter in sequences campaign YT for streaming Have you ever used other channels too? (E.g. Reddit, HN) or any other form that would make your upcoming launch stand out?
Natalia Eiriz

12mo ago

Solo Founder Struggles: How Do You Prioritize Tasks as Launch Day Approaches?

As the launch date gets closer, I m finding it increasingly difficult to balance the endless tasks that come with it. I m spending so much time focusing on the product itself, but I m realizing I m neglecting crucial launch preparations like media, community building, and marketing. How do you, as solo founders, manage to prioritize these tasks? Have you faced the same struggle? Would love to hear how you tackle this!

You have one wish for the Product Hunt team. What is it?

You are the Head of Product for Product Hunt. What will you have the engineers build?
Tasos V

12mo ago

The number one thing you are most excited about in 2025?

For me these are the two most exciting things: 1. Will cash out big time from the crypto markets. 2. My goal to generate revenue with a product that I built and helps people. What's yours?
Nika

1yr ago

What do you struggle with the most when launching a product?

Personally, for me, the hardest part has been reaching out to others for help. (But this is more of a personal challenge than a technical one.) What has been the most difficult part for you when launching a product?
Nika

1yr ago

What "Bad" habits or mindset make you less productive? And how do you fight it?

Sometimes I have a feeling I could use my potential more. E.g. Spending too much time on the internet I could go exercise or read books. Not taking advantage of relationships in terms of networking I should socialise more and ask for help (because I do not do that.). Not being a part of some co-working or so I could have more friends and we could create some projects. ---------- Are you aware of something in your life that keeps you behind? How do you overcome it or compensate?