Things that make a good difference at a launch on Product Hunt
Whenever I browse product launches, I somehow subconsciously judge not only the product itself and its quality, but also the quality that is reflected in the effort the makers put into preparing it.
It may sound insignificant, but in my case, these things also make a significant difference:
Icon GIF at the launch – it enlivens the overall impression and is dynamic
Quality graphics and video
First, a properly filled-out comment
Photos in the makers' profiles (it's less trustworthy for me when there's only the letter "J" or something similar)
Whether any of my contacts or acquaintances on the platform reacted to the launch
What do you notice and what affects you when browsing the site?
I'm also relaunching something on January 28th, so I've started to notice more what affects me at other people's launches. It's an interesting "psychological exercise."
Replies
I agree, Nika! I’ll be honest as well.
The first thing I look at is the landing page. If it’s Lovable/BOLT and there’s clearly no real effort put into it, there’s no point in even looking at the product.
The second thing is the visual assets. First, the images: do they instantly communicate what the product is about? Are they high quality? Then I look at the video. If it’s a product video, is it engaging? If it’s a Loom video, what is the founder actually focusing on?
The third thing is the written content: the tagline and description. Of course, by that point I’ve already formed an impression from the landing page.
Fourth: the maker/hunter. If the maker is someone I know, or if one of the high-quality hunters is backing the project, that’s a very strong signal for me. It significantly increases my trust in the product.
Fifth: if someone I deeply value and respect on the platform has liked or commented on the product. When I see a comment from Nika, I know the product is a killer. Or at least the team is.
I noticed the same thing when I launched on Product Hunt people aren’t just reacting to the product, they’re reacting to the care around it. Small details like the maker comment, visuals, even profile completeness change how seriously a launch is taken. It’s almost subconscious, but it definitely affects whether someone pauses or just keeps scrolling. Launching really changes how you browse PH. You start seeing it less as a feed and more as a collection of signals.
This is really important for all makers to read. Speaking as an "ideas person", my kryptonite is the last 10% of a project. But, this is where it separates projects and their success IMO. I needed this reminder so my launch/re-launch is more complete. If I want to know why I have no views, look at the launch and materials.
@tinyorgtech I’m launching next week. Where do you most often see founders dropping the ball in their final 10%? Any tips you learned from your Sapling launch?
Product Hunt Wrapped 2025
Same here. I’m swayed by a 20–40s maker-talking clip. Feels human. Clear who it’s for / not for in the hero. Pricing visible. Tiny roadmap or what’s next. Fast replies in hour one. I skip launches hiding pricing or only mockups. Relaunch? Call out what changed.
I feel this too. When I’m browsing launches, I’m usually reacting to the overall care more than any single feature. A clear first maker comment, simple visuals, and recognizable faces around the launch make it feel more trustworthy to me.
It’s less about perfection and more about whether the launch feels thoughtful and intentional. When it does, I’m much more likely to spend time on the product and follow along.
For me the first comment is everything really. If I find it to be clearly AI-generated or full of emoji spam, it is off putting from the get go. I am always curious to understand more of what problem they are trying to solve and not the marketing aspect of it.
If it is a platform launch, screenshots of the actual platform matter way more than polished marketing graphics. If the platform is intentionally hidden, I lose all interest.
I tend to visit the websites of almost every product I browse through and if the website is poorly designed, with no proper sections or information on the product, or a demo of the product, I get the impression that not a lot of effort was put into it.
Triforce Todos
For me, it’s definitely the quality of visuals, and I also pay attention to how well people engage in the comments and if any of my connections are interacting with the launch. It makes everything feel more connected!
@busmark_w_nika I really relate to this. When I browse launches, I’m not just judging the product - I’m subconsciously judging how much the makers cared.
Things like a thoughtful first comment, a clear demo, and even a real profile photo signal that someone is actually standing behind what they built. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but effort is very visible.
For me, clarity is the biggest factor. If I quickly understand what it does and who it’s for, I’m far more likely to engage than with something wrapped in buzzwords.
And honestly, seeing people I recognize or trust interact with a launch always makes me look twice, even if I try not to.
Good luck with your Jan 28 relaunch - being this aware of the psychology already helps a lot.
DaysAround
Thanks for sharing this. Good ideas here! Launching a new one tomorrow and already added a gif instead of static photo.