General
Share and discuss tech, products, business, startups, or product recommendations
Start new thread

Essentials for launching a product

by
•

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?

1.1K views

Add a comment

Replies

Best

I think you may have forgotten - thick skin and the ability to push through on a launch day. I'd also add post launch follow through as a nice to have - not quite within this space but an important factor for actually making things stick / last / be of value.

Anyhoo - we just went live today and would love any support you're willing to provide!

       I supported you and you made it again! :)

Would love an official list! I found a few online and used the ones that seemed most common while preparing for our launch today, but I'd love to see if I'm missing anything.

I'd also add meeting with your team (even if it's you and one other person) day of to work on promotion together.

Also how do you typically think about choosing the right launch day?

 Hey Shir – it depends what is your primary goal, but of course, more exposure is during the work week :)

Really helpful post, Nika — thank you for this. The timing couldn’t be better for me. I’m launching my first product on Product Hunt on June 17th, and your checklist just helped me realize I still have a few gaps to fill before then. The point about community engagement before launch day really hit home. That’s the kind of insight you don’t find easily. Genuinely appreciate you sharing this. 🙏

 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!

 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. :)

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. How much preparation time do you think is needed before the launch?

 I would start preparing 2 or 1 month before the launch (marketing part). But video is a must have for building seriousnes. :)

Love this checklist. You've nailed the community and visual side of things. But what would constitute a "right" launch day?

 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.

 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?

 do you mean that you do not have finished website? I think that Hunter is not necessary :)

 No I am sorry if I wast clear. I meat I am surprise you say a finished page. Maybe you meant a working mvp?

 I meant a landing page that explains better to users what the product is about.

 ok that makes sense. for sure the more details you provide is the better solution for new users. I am still trying to figure out the line between what is need and what is too much for mine.

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?

 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.

 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)?

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.

 I would definitely appreciate if PH launched some official plan for launching

First
Previous
1234
•••
Next