Launch Strategies That Actually Work

A successful launch isn't about luck—it's about preparation, timing, and execution. Here's how to maximize your impact on launch day and beyond.

Before Launch: Building Momentum

1. Build Your Waitlist (4-8 weeks out)

Start collecting emails before you're ready to launch:

• Create a compelling landing page
• Offer early access or exclusive benefits
• Use referral mechanics to grow organically

Pro tip: Segment your waitlist by engagement level. Your most active subscribers should hear from you first.

2. Seed Your Community (2-4 weeks out)

Don't launch to silence. Build relationships early:

• Share behind-the-scenes content
• Engage in relevant online communities
• Connect with potential champions and influencers

3. Prepare Your Assets (1-2 weeks out)

Create everything you'll need:

• Product screenshots and videos
• Press kit with logos and founder bios
• Social media posts (pre-written)
• Email sequences for launch day
• Blog post announcing the launch

Launch Day Playbook

Morning: Activate Your Network

1. Email your waitlist - They've been waiting for this
2. Post on social media - All platforms, staggered timing
3. Notify your champions - Ask them to share and engage

Midday: Amplify

1. Submit to Product Hunt - Time it for maximum visibility (12:01 AM PST)
2. Post in relevant communities - Reddit, Discord, Slack groups
3. Reach out to press - Personalized pitches to journalists

Evening: Engage

1. Respond to every comment - Engagement breeds more engagement
2. Share user reactions - Social proof builds momentum
3. Thank your supporters - Gratitude goes a long way

Platform-Specific Strategies

Product Hunt

• Launch on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
• Have 10-15 supporters ready to upvote and comment early
• Respond to every comment within the first few hours
• Create a compelling tagline (under 60 characters)

Twitter/X

• Write a thread telling your story
• Include visuals in every post
• Pin your launch tweet
• Engage with quote tweets

LinkedIn

• Write a personal post (not a company announcement)
• Focus on the "why" behind your startup
• Tag relevant connections
• Respond to comments quickly

After Launch: Sustaining Momentum

Week 1

• Send a follow-up email with launch results
• Publish user testimonials
• Address common questions in a FAQ

Week 2-4

• Share milestones (users, revenue, features)
• Continue engaging with your community
• Start planning your next launch moment

Common Launch Mistakes

1. Launching too quietly - If you're embarrassed by your launch, you waited too long
2. One and done - A launch is the beginning, not the end
3. Ignoring feedback - Launch day feedback is gold
4. No call to action - Always tell people what to do next

The Perfect Launch Doesn't Exist

Don't wait for perfect. Launch, learn, and iterate. The best products are built in public, with real user feedback driving every decision.

Your launch is just the first chapter. Make it count, then get back to building.