KimmieSwihart

KimmieSwihart

Data Scientist

Forums

What It Really Takes to Succeed on Product Hunt

After launching and supporting countless products on Product Hunt, I hvve realized that success is not just about having a great product But it s all about creating an engaging story, building meaningful connections, and mastering the art of timing. Here are some - from my journey: . A strong launch starts well before the launch day. For every successful campaign, weeks (or even months) of preparation go into: -Crafting a standout tagline and description. -Polishing visuals (screenshots, videos, or GIFs) to tell your story at a glance. -Building relationships with your audience, potential supporters, and influencers. I have found that products with a clear and compelling why resonate more with the Product Hunt community. It s not about selling(it s about showing why your solution matters). . I have launched products that gained traction immediately and others that struggled to get noticed. What made the difference is TIMING. -Launching early (around midnight Pacific Time) gives your product the longest exposure on the homepage. -Avoid clashing with major holidays or highly anticipated launches. But don t overthink it. I have also learned that an imperfect launch at the right time can outperform a perfectly polished one at the wrong time. . Product Hunt is a community, not just a platform. The more you genuinely engage, the more you ll stand out. -Respond to every comment thoughtfully. Personalize your replies to show appreciation and understanding. -Share your journey(sucesses, struggles, and lessons). People love authenticity. I remember a launch where the maker shared their backstory about building the product from scratch after quitting a 9-to-5 job. That personal connection drove incredible engagement. (people love stories) . Your early supporters can make or break your launch. I always advise founders to reach out to their networks in advance. -Let your audience know about the launch and ask for support. -Encourage comments and feedback, not just upvotes. -Tap into communities outside of Product Hunt (LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit) to drive traffic. . Not every launch goes viral, and that s okay. I ve seen products gain momentum weeks or even months after their initial launch. Keep iterating, keep engaging, and most importantly, keep learning. --> Success on Product Hunt is not about chasing votes, it s about adding value. Whether you re a maker, a hunter, or a supporter, contributing meaningfully to the community is what makes a lasting impact. Okayy! What s been your biggest lesson from a Product Hunt launch?

The best marketing idea you loved the most 💡😀

One marketing idea that I absolutely love is - (UGC) campaigns. : UGC isn t just cost-effective; it s authentic. It allows brands to leverage the creativity of their own audience while fostering a genuine connection. There s something magical about seeing real customers vouching for a product. It feels less like a sales pitch and more like a personal recommendation, and that resonates deeply with people. , when a skincare brand asks users to share their #NoFilter selfies, it does two things: > they feel like part of the brand s story. > real results > airbrushed ads. : Builds trust and authenticity. Lowers content creation costs (your audience does the heavy lifting). Increases engagement and reach organically. : It s unpredictable you can t fully control the narrative. Not all submissions will align with your brand image. It takes effort to moderate and curate quality content. At the end of the day, UGC is a two-way street that benefits both brands and customers. But it s also a reminder that the best marketing ideas don t always come from within they come from listening to and empowering your audience. What s the marketing idea that left you saying, Wow, this just works ?