Should you soft launch on Product Hunt or go all-in on your first try?
I'm planning my Product Hunt launch and getting conflicting advice. Some people say to do a soft launch first to test the waters, get initial feedback, and learn the platform. Others say you only get one shot at the spotlight, so you should wait until everything is perfect and go all-in.
The soft launch camp argues you can iterate based on feedback and launch again later with a better strategy. The all-in camp says featured products get 90% of the attention, and if you don't get featured on your main launch, you've basically wasted your shot.
I've seen products do both successfully, but I'm not sure which approach makes more sense for a solo founder with limited marketing budget and network.
What's been your experience? Did you soft launch first or go straight for the main event? And if you could do it over again, would you change your approach?
Replies
Taskable
The biggest mistake I've made is waiting forever to launch on PH because we're waiting to add a new feature, or fix some small bug, or whatever it is, and before you know it months have passed. Launch early, get feedback, and then launch again imo.
@mattovca I completely agree. I launched @PayScope on PH and received instant feedback and suggestions for product improvements. I will launch the new version again as soon as it is ready.
I am uncertain about the "one shot" point, as I notice many products being featured in their second launch.
@mattovca but what if it doesnt get seen by anyone on first launch? Should I try to build up an audience first before launching?
Taskable
@sahil_khxn you'll definetely need supporters/people who will upvote/comment/share. This can be friends & family, co-workers, etc. Get 10-20 people you know will support you early on launch day to get you to the front page, then if the product is good/a good fit for PH then hopefully the rest will follow.
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
Just do it. I would say that make sure you do a great job, because if you present an excellent product well, you never know what kind of great opportunity might come out of it.
@busmark_w_nika Yeah I think from the product side mine is decent, im just afraid it will never get seen and be pushed down with all the crowd since I havent really done any marketing for it
minimalist phone: reduce your screentime
@sahil_khxn Do your best, present yourself with grace. Your work will speak for how you approach product creation (and therefore your users).
Don't wait because you want to add a feature or two.
In fact. launch with minimal features and then iterate based on feedback.
Wait if you need to test a bit to ensure things work as expected.
That's my 2 cents.