| name | ph-launch-timeline |
| description | When the user needs a 30-day Product Hunt preparation timeline, launch readiness checklist, or realistic outcome expectations. Also use when planning PH launch phases, building supporter lists, or assessing launch readiness. |
| metadata | {"version":"1.0.0"} |
Product Hunt Launch Timeline & Preparation
30-day structured preparation plan for Product Hunt launches. Use alongside product-hunt-launch skill for tactical details.
When invoking: On first use, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers. On subsequent use, go directly to output.
Initial Assessment
Identify:
- Product type: SaaS, AI tool, app, Chrome extension
- Launch readiness: Landing page, screenshots, tagline, first comment
- 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 (1270x760), 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 | 1270x760 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
- Publish "lessons learned" blog post / X thread (week 1)
- Follow up with interested users from comments (week 2)
- Check eligibility for "Product of the Week/Month" (month 1)
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
- product-hunt-launch: Tactical PH optimization (gallery framework, tagline formulas, maker comment structure, common mistakes)
Follow output preferences from USER.md (language, format, platform constraints).
