How to Launch Your Product: A Step-by-Step Guide
You've built something. Now it's time to get it in front of people. This guide covers everything from pre-launch preparation to launch day execution and post-launch growth , with practical, actionable steps you can follow today.
Phase 1: Pre-Launch Preparation
The work you do before launch day matters more than launch day itself. Most successful launches are won in the preparation phase.
Define Your Launch Goals
Before anything else, decide what success looks like. Are you looking for signups? Revenue? Feedback? Press coverage? Your goals will shape every decision you make. Be specific: "Get 100 signups in the first week" is better than "get users."
Know Your Audience
Who is your product for? Where do they hang out online? What problems are they trying to solve? The more specific you are, the more effective your launch will be. "Developers who use React" is better than "developers." "Freelance designers who need invoicing" is better than "small businesses."
Get Your Product Ready
Your product doesn't need to be perfect, but it needs to work. Make sure the core flow is solid. Someone should be able to sign up, understand the value, and complete the key action without getting stuck. Fix any obvious bugs. Make sure it loads fast.
- Test the signup/onboarding flow with 3-5 people
- Fix any broken links or dead pages
- Make sure your pricing page is clear
- Have a working contact method for support
Phase 2: Build a Landing Page That Converts
Your landing page is the first thing people will see after clicking through from a launch platform. It needs to communicate your value clearly and fast.
Essential Landing Page Elements
- Clear headline: What does your product do? Lead with the benefit, not the feature.
- Sub-headline: Who is it for and why should they care?
- Visual: A screenshot, demo video, or GIF showing the product in action.
- Social proof: Testimonials, user count, logos, or anything that builds trust.
- CTA: One clear call to action. "Start free trial" or "Sign up free", not five different buttons.
Common Mistakes
Don't bury your CTA below the fold. Don't use jargon your audience won't understand. Don't make people scroll through a novel before they know what you do. Keep it focused. You have about 5 seconds to communicate your value.
Phase 3: Choose Your Launch Platforms
Don't just launch on one platform. Spread your launch across multiple channels to maximize your reach. Here are the main categories:
Launch Platforms
These are dedicated places to launch products. Product Hunt is the most well-known, but there are great Product Hunt alternatives that can be more effective for indie products. TinyLaunchpad's weekly format gives your product a full week of visibility instead of just a few hours.
Communities
Reddit (r/SideProject, r/startups), Indie Hackers, and niche Slack/Discord communities. The key with communities is to share authentically. Don't just drop a link and leave. Tell your story, explain why you built it, ask for feedback.
Social Media
Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and even TikTok can work depending on your audience. Building in public before your launch creates anticipation and gives you an audience ready to support you on launch day.
Directories and Listings
Get listed on relevant directories like SaaSHub, AlternativeTo, G2, and niche directories for your category. These provide valuable backlinks for your startup's SEO. For a comprehensive list of 100+ launch platforms and directories, check out LaunchDirectories.com.
Phase 4: Launch Day Strategy
Launch day is a sprint. Here's how to make the most of it.
The Morning Routine
- Post on your launch platforms early (timing matters on Product Hunt, midnight PST; TinyLaunchpad launches at 8 AM UTC on Mondays)
- Share the launch on social media with a personal story
- DM friends, supporters, and fellow makers. Ask them to check it out (not just upvote)
- Post in relevant communities with an authentic, value-adding message
Throughout the Day
- Respond to every comment and question. Engagement matters
- Share updates and behind-the-scenes content on social media
- Monitor your analytics to see where traffic is coming from
- Fix any bugs that users report immediately
What NOT to Do
- Don't ask people to "upvote". Ask them to "check it out" and give feedback
- Don't spam communities with low-effort posts
- Don't get discouraged if initial numbers are low. Launches build momentum
- Don't disappear after posting. Be available all day
Phase 5: Post-Launch Growth
Launch day is just the beginning. The real growth happens in the weeks and months after.
Follow Up on Launch Traffic
Email everyone who signed up during launch week. Thank them, ask for feedback, and share your roadmap. These early users are your biggest advocates.
Build an SEO Foundation
Launch traffic is a spike. SEO traffic is a river. Start creating content around the problems your product solves. Get listed on directories that provide dofollow backlinks. TinyLaunchpad winners receive dofollow backlinks. Check out our pricing plans for SEO growth options.
Keep Shipping
The best marketing is a great product. Keep improving, keep shipping updates, and keep telling people about it. Share your progress on social media, write about what you're learning, and your audience will grow organically.
Launch Again
You can launch on different platforms at different times. Don't blow all your launches in one day. Space them out over weeks. Launch on TinyLaunchpad one week, Hacker News the next, then Product Hunt. Each launch builds on the momentum of the previous one.
Quick Launch Checklist
- Product core flow works and is bug-free
- Landing page clearly communicates value
- Pricing page is clear and ready
- Analytics are set up (Google Analytics, Plausible, etc.)
- Launch platforms selected and accounts created
- Product descriptions and assets prepared for each platform
- Social media posts drafted and scheduled
- Friends and supporters notified in advance
- Support channel ready (email, chat, etc.)
- Post-launch email sequence prepared
Related Guides
Ready to launch? Submit your product on TinyLaunchpad , or check out our pricing plans for premium launch options.