Product Hunt Launch Playbook

2-Week Preparation Timeline

Week 1 (14-8 days before launch)

Day 14: Account & Asset Preparation

• Create or update Product Hunt maker profile with real photo, bio, and social links
• Prepare all visual assets:
  • Gallery images: 5-6 images (1270x760px), first image is most important
  • Logo: 240x240px, clean on white background
  • Animated GIF: optional but significantly boosts engagement
• Write tagline (60 char max) — focus on benefit, not feature

Day 13: Hunter Selection

• Option A: Self-hunt (fine if you have a network; no algorithmic penalty)
• Option B: Find a hunter with 1,000+ followers

Hunter Outreach Template:

Subject: Would you hunt [App Name] on Product Hunt?

Hi [Hunter Name],

I've been following your Product Hunt activity — you clearly have great taste in [category] products.

I'm launching [App Name], which [one-sentence value prop]. [One specific metric or proof point, e.g., "We have 2,000 beta users with 45% D7 retention."]

I'd love for you to hunt it. I have all assets ready and a community of [number] people prepared to support the launch.

Would you be open to a quick 10-min call this week?

[Your name]
[Link to app / landing page]

Day 12-10: Build Activation List

• Compile a list of 50-100 people who will authentically engage on launch day
• Sources: beta users, Twitter/X followers, newsletter subscribers, friends in tech, indie maker communities
• Prepare a short, personalized message for each (do NOT send identical messages)
• Do NOT ask for upvotes — ask people to "check out the launch and share feedback"

Day 9-8: Prepare Launch Day Content

• Write the maker's comment (see template below)
• Draft 5 social media posts (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Mastodon)
• Prepare an email blast to existing users/newsletter
• Write a blog post about the launch story

Week 2 (7-1 days before launch)

Day 7: Select Launch Day

• Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
• Avoid: Monday (competition from weekend buildup), Friday-Sunday (lower traffic)
• Check Product Hunt upcoming page for major competing launches
• Avoid Apple event days, major holidays, or big tech news days

Day 5: Test Everything

• Verify App Store / Play Store links work
• Test all gallery images render correctly
• Confirm landing page loads fast and has clear CTA
• Ensure the app is stable — no known crashes

Day 3: Pre-notify Key Supporters

• Send personal messages to activation list: "Launching on Product Hunt this [day]. I'll share the link early morning — would love your genuine feedback."
• Brief any team members on the plan

Day 1 (Launch Eve):

• Schedule social posts for launch morning
• Prepare email blast, ready to send
• Get a good night's sleep — launch day is long

Launch Day Execution

12:01 AM PT — Go Live

• Post goes live (either you or your hunter publishes)
• Immediately post the maker's comment (see template below)
• Share the direct Product Hunt link — NOT a redirect or shortened URL

6:00-7:00 AM PT — Morning Push

• Send activation messages: "We're live on Product Hunt! Would love your thoughts: [link]"
• Send email blast
• Post on social media
• Share in relevant Slack/Discord communities (where allowed)

Throughout the Day

• Respond to EVERY comment on the Product Hunt page within 30 minutes
• Share progress updates on social media ("We're #3 on Product Hunt right now!")
• Thank people who share or comment, personally
• Do NOT ask for upvotes — this violates PH guidelines and can get you penalized

11:59 PM PT — Day Ends

• Voting period ends at midnight PT
• Post a thank-you update regardless of ranking

Maker's Comment Template

Post this as the first comment immediately after launch:

Hey Product Hunt! 👋

I'm [Name], the maker of [App Name].

**Why I built this:**
[2-3 sentences about the personal problem or frustration that led to building the app. Make it relatable and specific.]

**What it does:**
[3-4 bullet points of key features — focus on outcomes, not features]
- [Outcome 1]
- [Outcome 2]
- [Outcome 3]

**Where we are:**
[1-2 sentences about traction, beta feedback, or early results. Include specific numbers if possible.]

**What's next:**
[1-2 sentences about upcoming features or roadmap items you're excited about.]

I'd love to hear your feedback — especially about [specific aspect you want feedback on]. I'll be here all day responding to comments!

[Optional: special offer for PH community, e.g., "Use code PRODUCTHUNT for 50% off the first year."]

Post-Launch Follow-Up (Days 2-7)

Day 2:

• Write a "lessons learned" Twitter/X thread about the launch
• Follow up with everyone who commented — thank them, answer questions
• Analyze traffic sources in your analytics

Day 3-5:

• Write a blog post: "How we launched on Product Hunt: results and lessons"
• Share results transparently (upvotes, traffic, signups, revenue impact)
• Connect with other makers who launched the same day

Day 7:

• Compile final metrics: upvotes, comments, website traffic, signups, downloads
• Identify which activation channels drove the most engagement
• Document lessons learned for future launches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Asking for upvotes — Product Hunt detects and penalizes this. Ask for "feedback" instead.
2. Using URL shorteners — PH may flag these. Use the direct producthunt.com link.
3. Launching with bugs — The PH audience is tech-savvy and will call out issues publicly.
4. Ignoring comments — Not responding makes the launch look abandoned.
5. Launching on Friday — Weekend traffic is significantly lower.
6. Sending identical mass messages — PH detects coordinated voting. Personalize outreach.
7. Not having a special offer — PH community expects an exclusive deal or discount.