Essentials for launching a product
There are a lot of products being hunted, launched, and competing for attention here.
But I still see some makers missing the very basics.
It got me thinking about putting together an "essentials package" of things that, in my opinion, every maker should have in place before deciding to launch their product on this platform.
My Product Hunt launch essentials would include the following (these should be done before launch, btw):
a properly filled-out profile
a finished landing page for the product (the one beyond PH)
a hunter
gathering relevant people who will be stated under the launch (e.g. as makers + products/stack used for building)
a first comment prepared in advance
choosing the right launch day
appealing visuals and compelling copy
Is there anything you'd add to this essentials package that I'm missing?
Replies
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@achille82 you are welcome and wishing my best with the launch :)
I'm curious about your list. What is a hunter? -Who should give the first comment? -You didn't mention a video. I'm thankful!
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@dstr88 Hey Donnie, Hunter is a person who is in this PH community more "famous" and can help with introducing the product to this community. IMO, First comment should be contributed either by maker, hunter or a team member. :)
ProdShort
I would also add the importance of creating a strong demo video. For me, it’s essential: a simple, clear video, ideally with a team member explaining how the product actually works. @busmark_w_nika How much preparation time do you think is needed before the launch?
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@amraniyasser I would start preparing 2 or 1 month before the launch (marketing part). But video is a must have for building seriousnes. :)
Mailwarm
Love this checklist. You've nailed the community and visual side of things. But what would constitute a "right" launch day?
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@naimz It depends; some people say that health products and products made by a solo founder should be during the weekend. B2B and VC-funded – workweek. On Mondays, there are fewer people, as people have work meetings etc. It is very complex.
I’d add one more thing: a simple post-launch follow-up plan. A lot of makers prepare well for launch day, but the real value comes from what happens after — following up with interested people, turning comments into feedback, and using the attention for partnerships or signups.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@farrukh_butt1 Small reminder is worth creating :)
I am curious cause I plan to launch also this month in PH: 1) Finished page not a working products or something is enough in 2026? and 2) a hunter is still essential?
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@vasileiost do you mean that you do not have finished website? I think that Hunter is not necessary :)
@busmark_w_nika No I am sorry if I wast clear. I meat I am surprise you say a finished page. Maybe you meant a working mvp?
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@vasileiost I meant a landing page that explains better to users what the product is about.
@busmark_w_nika Thank you Nika! Really good list for beginners like me!
One thing I didn't really get(since I'm kinda new to PH), what do you mean by "a hunter"?
I thought hunter is the person who launches the product. Do you mean that I need to find some "top hunter" to launch my product instead of launching it myself?
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@jiaqi_lu Hunter introduces it to this community and "talks behalf you" – so you as a newbie can be introduced by someone who has a reputation here.
@busmark_w_nika Thank you Nika! but how do newbies usually get to know the top hunters(looks like a silly question, but I didn't figure it out)?
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@jiaqi_lu Good question, actually! :) I created a list: https://www.producthunt.com/p/producthunt/hunters-who-are-visible-and-active-on-product-hunt-short-list
Can't agree more. However, i do feel there should be some solid, measurable and time sensitive KPI's. Before and right after lunch just to track the progress. And on top of that there should be some contingency plans (Plan B,C,D ...). In case if things start moving south.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@faisal_2420010 I would definitely appreciate if PH launched some official plan for launching
Shram
One of the best things we did was creating a beta community on whatsapp of around 250 people. We launched today! Do check out.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@niketrajdwivedi I already supported :)
Shram
Great list. Two I'd add:
1. A prepared answer to your single most predictable questions. For us it was "where does my data go," and we ended up answering it dozens of times in comments. Write it before launch so you're not improvising it.
2. A post-launch distribution plan. Everything here is pre-launch, but launch day is the start of the work, not the end. Know where you'll keep showing up (communities, directories, follow-up content) for the weeks after.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@ojasvika_sahu How did you come up with those predictable questions? Via AI or?