Navigate your Product Hunt launch with confidence. This checklist breaks down the entire process into actionable steps, from preparation to post-launch follow-up, to help you secure a top spot.
Test all core features and fix blocking bugs
Thoroughly test with TestFlight/BrowserStack; fix all critical bugs.
Complete landing page and ensure fast loading (<3s) and mobile responsiveness
Use Carrd/Webflow; integrate GA/Hotjar for tracking.
Finalize Product Hunt page content (Title, Tagline, Description, Tags)
Tagline is key: focus on value, not just features (e.g., 'Generate SEO blog posts in one click').
Create final Thumbnail (GIF recommended), Gallery images, and Demo video
Use Canva/Loom/Kap. Animated GIF thumbnails boost clicks.
Prepare Maker's Comment (your story & call for feedback) and post it immediately on launch day
Be authentic, share your 'why', and ask specific questions for engagement.
Confirm launch time is 12:01 AM PST and launch punctually
Launching at 12:01 AM PST maximizes your 24-hour voting window.
Activate private channels on launch day (Email, Groups, Social Media)
CRITICAL: Never ask for direct upvotes. Guide users to 'check us out' on PH to avoid penalties.
Reply to all comments in real-time on launch day and maintain high interaction frequency
Prepare FAQ templates for quick replies. High engagement boosts ranking.
Monitor ranking and drive a second wave of traffic if needed
If ranking drops, consider small paid ads (Twitter/Reddit) or cross-promotions.
Invite 10–20 Beta users for testing and feedback collection
Offer exclusive discounts/badges to turn beta users into loyal launch-day supporters.
Optimize product pricing model and complete payment process testing
Freemium/free trials convert better on PH. Ensure frictionless payment (Stripe/Paddle).
Prepare tracking and traffic monitoring (e.g., GA/Hotjar)
Set up GA goals for PH conversions (e.g., 'PH User Sign Up').
Create a 'Coming Soon' page on Product Hunt
Use this PH feature to build an early email list directly on the platform.
Accumulate at least 500+ email list subscribers and 50–100 launch day supporters
Use Mailchimp/Beehiiv. Prepare a 'Launch Alert' email template.
Social media warm-up (Twitter/LinkedIn/Reddit/Build in Public)
Use #buildinpublic to share progress and build an authentic, supportive following.
Find and contact potential Hunters and send Pitch
Prioritize Hunters with Karma >5,000 who launched similar products. Personalize pitches 2-3 weeks ahead.
Prepare an exclusive welcome Banner or discount code for PH users
e.g., 'Hello Product Hunters! Get 20% off with code PH20' boosts conversion.
Pre-check competing products and select the best launch date
Check PH calendar for major launches. Tuesdays-Thursdays are generally best.
Perform stress testing on servers (to handle peak traffic)
Ensure servers handle 5,000+ visitors/hour without crashing during peak traffic.
Create FAQ and auto-reply templates
Prepare social media copy and visual assets for launch day
Improve Maker Profile (avatar, bio, past products)
A professional photo and compelling bio builds trust and enhances your product's story.
Edit and polish all copy
Use Grammarly for error-free, concise copy; essential for conversion.
Create multiple versions of visual assets for A/B testing
Prepare 2-3 thumbnail versions; test which is most appealing in community groups.
Schedule social media posts
Use Buffer/TweetDeck to schedule posts for global time zones.
Set up Zapier/IFTTT for comment notifications
Set up Slack/Telegram notifications for real-time comment replies (favored by PH algorithm).
Check all links, buttons, and redirects are working correctly
Prepare advertising materials (Twitter/Reddit)
Write a complete post-launch Case Study or blog post
Share results (ranking, upvotes, traffic, new users) and lessons. Great for future marketing.
Join Product Hunt Slack/Discord communities for long-term networking
Engage in PH communities to build relationships for future launches.
Organize launch materials and templates for future reuse
Expand new features or versions and plan next launch
Create more refined videos or animated displays
Design subsequent brand promotion or merchandise
Save your progress and never lose track of your tasks
Tasks in this quadrant are highly important, and the deadline is right around the corner. It's like having a paper due tonight or a client's system suddenly going down. You have to drop everything else, get on it right now, and give it your full focus. This is your top priority.
This is the foundation for your long-term success. These are things that matter for your future but aren't urgent right now, like learning a new skill, exercising, or planning for next month. Because they're not urgent, they're easy to forget. What you need to do is put them on your schedule, set a fixed time for them, and stick to it.
These tasks may seem urgent, but they're not important to you. They're the kind that interrupt your flow, like unnecessary meetings or small favors others ask of you. The best approach is to let someone else handle them or deal with them quickly, and don't let them steal your valuable time.
Tasks in this quadrant are neither important nor urgent. They're purely a drain on your time and energy, like mindlessly scrolling on your phone. The best approach is simply not to do them, and save that time for the tasks in the Yellow quadrant.
"Thanks to 4todo, our hectic wedding schedule was perfectly organized."
"4todo was an indispensable helper on my long-distance hike."
"Helps me ignore the noise and focus on what moves my work forward."
Save this task list to your 4todo account and start prioritizing what matters most.
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