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Writer's pictureYogesh Jain

Checklist for Launching a New Software on Product Hunt

Updated: Oct 24

Product Hunt is a powerful platform for launching new software, especially for product managers and marketers. With an engaged audience and a dynamic upvote system, it helps generate early traction and exposure. If you land in the Top 5 List, your product gets featured in the Product Hunt newsletter, significantly boosting visibility and potential conversions.


Why Product Hunt Matters for Your Software Launch


Beyond driving traffic, Product Hunt offers conversion potential. Its user base is actively searching for new software solutions, making it an ideal platform to attract and convert users. To maximize success, you need a well-planned launch strategy. You only get one shot, so covering all launch aspects—content, visuals, and other details—is essential.

product hunt checklist

Content Elements


  1. Title:


  • Keep it simple and clear; this is just the name of your product.

  • Avoid using emojis unless they are part of your product’s identity.


2. Tagline:


  • Summarize what your product does in 60 characters or less. Focus on the value it offers rather than listing features.

  • Use keywords relevant to your audience to optimize visibility. Avoid vague claims like “the best” and instead clearly describe your product’s function.


3. Description:


  • Add a concise summary of your product. Highlight its main benefits and purpose without getting overly technical.

  • Keep the description short and engaging to maintain user interest and ensure clarity.


4. Topics:


  • Think of these as hashtags or SEO keywords that make your product searchable.

  • Select 3-4 relevant topics carefully. For example:

    • If it’s a no-code platform, use topics like "No-Code", "Productivity", and "Developer Tools."

    • For a photography app, you might choose "Photography", "Tech", and "Android" or "iOS".


5. Makers:


  • Add team members who worked on the product. They need Product Hunt accounts for this.

  • This gives credit to your team and notifies their followers if the product features on the homepage, increasing visibility.

6. Maker's Comment:


  • Share your story. Introduce your team and explain the problem your product solves. Highlight its unique value proposition, features, and use cases.

  • Create a compelling narrative to engage users, but keep it short and relevant.

7. Links:


  • Your primary link should direct users to your website or product landing page. This simplifies the user journey.

  • Add secondary links such as App Store, Google Play, or your product’s social media profiles.


Visual Creatives


1. Thumbnail:


  • Your thumbnail should be eye-catching and visually represent your product. GIFs can be effective but ensure they are not distracting.

  • Use a size of 240x240 for images, and keep GIFs under 3MB.


2. Gallery:


  • Showcase your product visually with at least three images. Use this space to create a visual story that highlights features and use cases.

  • Recommended image size is 1270x760 for optimal display.


3. Video:


  • Product Hunt supports YouTube videos. Make sure the video is not set to private and use the full URL (avoid shortened links).

  • Demonstrating your product in action through video can significantly boost user interest.

product hunt elements

Other Elements to Consider


1. Posting:


  • You have two options: Launch Now or Schedule Launch.

  • If you schedule, it must be within 14 days of the current date. Remember, Product Hunt uses PST time, and launching at 12 AM PST maximizes exposure as it gives your product a full 24 hours to gain traction.

2. Pricing:


  • Choose between three categories: Free, Paid, or Paid with Free Trial/Plan. This helps users understand your offering and its accessibility.


3. Status:


Indicate your product’s development stage—whether it’s in beta or unreleased. This is useful for running pre-launch marketing campaigns.


Final Tips for a Successful Launch on Product Hunt


Product Hunt is a one-time opportunity to make a strong impression and attract an active community. By optimizing your content, visuals, and posting strategy, you increase your chances of not only gaining traffic but also conversions. Prepare meticulously, and make sure all elements align to showcase your product in the best possible way.

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