Launching on Product Hunt

Product Hunt serves as a validation and early traction platform rather than a sustainable growth channel, connecting startups with innovation-seeking early adopters. Success requires significant pre-launch preparation including building an audience of 400+ supporters, engaging in startup communities for weeks beforehand, and optimizing for email capture (targeting 1,000+ emails) rather than upvotes. The platform's algorithm prioritizes quality engagement from established users over raw vote quantity, making community relationship-building essential.

Launch strategy involves timing posts for Tuesday-Thursday at 12am PST, securing reputable "hunters" when possible, and spreading engagement throughout the day to maintain vote velocity. Products reaching the front page can expect 2,000+ visitors (10,000+ for #1 position), with top-5 rankings generating 3,000+ email captures. The process includes optimizing product descriptions, creating compelling maker comments, and preparing launch-day communications that request feedback rather than direct upvote solicitation. Success depends on authentic community engagement and treating Product Hunt as a high-quality PR event that builds initial momentum for further growth channels.