product-hunt-launch

What this skill does

# Channels: Product Hunt Launch

Guides preparing and executing a Product Hunt launch. Product Hunt is a community-driven product discovery platform; only ~10% of submissions get featured on the homepage. Best for SaaS, developer tools, AI/ML products, and productivity software. Physical products and service businesses have limited success.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On **subsequent use** or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

## Initial Assessment

**Read project context first:** If `.claude/project-context.md` or `.cursor/project-context.md` exists, use Sections 1–4, 5, 6, 8, 9 for submission content.

Identify:
1. **Product type**: SaaS, AI tool, app, Chrome extension
2. **Launch readiness**: Landing page, screenshots, tagline, first comment
3. **Hunter**: Self-hunt or Top Hunter (optional but helps)

## 30-Day Preparation Plan

| Phase | Days | Actions |
|-------|------|---------|
| **Teaser** | 30–21 | Build "notify me" page; decide self-hunt vs hunter; engage in community |
| **Supporters** | 20–11 | Build list of 200+ (makers, industry contacts, followers, users) |
| **Assets** | 10–3 | Finalize tagline (≤60 chars), gallery images (1270×760), demo video (<2 min), maker comment, 3–5 topic tags; build awareness on X/LinkedIn 2–4 weeks before |
| **Launch day** | 2–1 | Clear calendar for 16+ hours; Product Hunt runs midnight–midnight Pacific |

## Product Hunt Fields

| Field | Spec |
|-------|------|
| **Tagline** | ≤60 chars; no emojis unless part of product name; catchy, benefit-focused |
| **Gallery** | 1270×760 px recommended; readable, show product value |
| **Demo video** | <2 minutes; optional but recommended |
| **First comment** | Post immediately; story-driven, not feature list; significantly impacts engagement |
| **Topic tags** | 3–5 relevant; match Product Hunt taxonomy |

## Launch Day Strategy

| Practice | Guideline |
|----------|-----------|
| **Timing** | Tuesday–Thursday; 12:01am Pacific works best |
| **Narrative** | Create story (problem → solution), not feature list |
| **Engagement** | Reply to every comment; thank supporters; answer questions |
| **Avoid** | Begging for upvotes (risk of shadowban) |

**Principle**: Product Hunt is a visibility amplifier and credibility boost—not primarily a customer acquisition channel.

## Realistic Expectations

| Outcome | Upvotes | Placement |
|---------|---------|-----------|
| Poor | 50–100 | — |
| Average | 200–400 | Top 10 |
| Good | 500–800 | Top 5 |
| Great | 800+ | Product of the Day |

## Beyond Listing

| Offering | Use When |
|----------|----------|
| **Product Hunt Daily** | Newsletter feature; high-intent audience |
| **Social promotion** | PH shares on X, LinkedIn; launch-day amplification |
| **Featured placement** | Paid promotion options |

## Post-Launch

- Continue engaging with new users
- Thank-you emails to supporters
- Ask for feedback
- See **directory-submission** for other directories; **cold-start-strategy** for full launch plan

## Output Format

- **Readiness checklist** (tagline, gallery, first comment, topic tags)
- **First comment** draft (story-driven)
- **Tagline** options (≤60 chars)
- **30-day timeline** (if planning ahead)

## Related Skills

- **directory-submission**: Taaft, G2, curated lists; Product Hunt is one directory—see for multi-platform submission
- **cold-start-strategy**: Full launch plan; Product Hunt as channel
- **indie-hacker-strategy**: Indie hacker Product Hunt, first 100 users
- **media-kit-page-generator**: Press kit, screenshots for launch
- **analytics-tracking**: UTM for Product Hunt traffic attribution