Product Hunt launch strategy for B2B SaaS
last updated: Sep 2, 2025
TL;DR
Your product hunt launch strategy should book demos, not collect vanity upvotes. Prep assets, lock PH timing, script day-of roles, and run fast follow-ups to convert comments into meetings.
How to:
How to:
- Define goal and KPI. Ship the assets that move it.
- Schedule 12:01 AM PT. Assign roles. Pre-write answers.
- DM supporters to comment. Email to book demos within 24 hours.
Glossary
- Product Hunt: daily leaderboard for new products.
- Maker: person who built and posts the product.
- Hunter: person who submits the launch. Often the maker.
- Ship page: Product Hunt pre-launch page for collecting subscribers.
- PH timing: scheduling and day choice to maximize visibility.
- First comment: maker’s intro under the product page.
- PH badge: visual mark you can add to your site after launching.
How to run the launch step by step
1. Set the business goal and KPI. Pick one primary KPI: demo requests, trials, or booked calls. Set up tracking on the landing page. Add a booking CTA above the fold.
2. Build teaser assets that convert
Prepare a clear headline, three visuals or GIFs, a 30-second demo video, and a short “why now.” Add a pilot or pricing note if relevant to B2B.
3. Use a Ship page to collect intent
Create a Ship page to gather subscribers and send updates. Offer an early-bird perk like a 30-minute onboarding with the founder.
Sources: Product Hunt Ship overview; Appcues on email capture.
4. Decide hunter or self-post
Default to self-posting. Per Product Hunt, there is no ranking advantage to using a third-party hunter. Consider a reputable hunter only if you lack reach and want coaching or notification lift.
Sources: PH launch guide; PH prep page.
5. Nail PH timing
Schedule for 12:01 AM Pacific Time to maximize the full-day window. Aim for Tuesday to Thursday if competition looks reasonable. Weekends need fewer votes for top positions but bring less traffic.
Sources: Demand Curve; Appcues; weekday vote data.
6. Script your first comments and answers
Write a 3–5 sentence maker comment: who it is for, the problem, your proof, and a friendly ask to try it and give feedback. Prepare answers to pricing, roadmap, and security. Batch replies in 60–120 minute blocks to stay sane.
7. Prepare compliant outreach
Warm list: design partners, beta users, customers, and friendly founders. Invite them to check the page and leave feedback. Do not ask for upvotes.
8. Run the day like a release
Assign shifts. Target comment SLA under 10 minutes during the first six hours. Share small updates if you fix bugs or ship improvements. Keep makers present and personable.
9. Convert attention into a pipeline
Within 24 hours, email Ship subscribers and active commenters with two CTAs: book a demo or start a trial. Add a “PH special” incentive that ends in seven days. Add the PH badge to your site.
2. Build teaser assets that convert
Prepare a clear headline, three visuals or GIFs, a 30-second demo video, and a short “why now.” Add a pilot or pricing note if relevant to B2B.
3. Use a Ship page to collect intent
Create a Ship page to gather subscribers and send updates. Offer an early-bird perk like a 30-minute onboarding with the founder.
Sources: Product Hunt Ship overview; Appcues on email capture.
4. Decide hunter or self-post
Default to self-posting. Per Product Hunt, there is no ranking advantage to using a third-party hunter. Consider a reputable hunter only if you lack reach and want coaching or notification lift.
Sources: PH launch guide; PH prep page.
5. Nail PH timing
Schedule for 12:01 AM Pacific Time to maximize the full-day window. Aim for Tuesday to Thursday if competition looks reasonable. Weekends need fewer votes for top positions but bring less traffic.
Sources: Demand Curve; Appcues; weekday vote data.
6. Script your first comments and answers
Write a 3–5 sentence maker comment: who it is for, the problem, your proof, and a friendly ask to try it and give feedback. Prepare answers to pricing, roadmap, and security. Batch replies in 60–120 minute blocks to stay sane.
7. Prepare compliant outreach
Warm list: design partners, beta users, customers, and friendly founders. Invite them to check the page and leave feedback. Do not ask for upvotes.
8. Run the day like a release
Assign shifts. Target comment SLA under 10 minutes during the first six hours. Share small updates if you fix bugs or ship improvements. Keep makers present and personable.
9. Convert attention into a pipeline
Within 24 hours, email Ship subscribers and active commenters with two CTAs: book a demo or start a trial. Add a “PH special” incentive that ends in seven days. Add the PH badge to your site.
Benchmarks
Sources: Weekday/weekend vote data; PH day definition; timing guides; traffic survey.
Sample math. You launch Tuesday 12:01 AM PT. Goal: 15 demos. If your PH day brings 1,000 visitors and your landing converts 2.5% to demo requests, you book 25 requests. With a 60% meeting hold rate, you run 15 demos. That can seed 2–4 pilots for a $10k ACV (annual contract value) product.
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Hunter vs self-post
Use self-post if you already have an audience or an active maker profile. Product Hunt says there is no ranking advantage to using a hunter. Consider a hunter if you lack reach and the hunter is genuinely excited to support the launch and coach the team.
Templates and examples
Day-of checklist
- Link and assets verified. Scheduled for 12:01 AM PT.
- Maker intro comment ready. Answers doc ready.
- Roles and shifts set. Comment SLA <10 minutes.
- Warm outreach queued. Social posts scheduled.
- Landing page with demo CTA. Calendly live.
- Analytics on. Uptime alerts on. Screenshot plan ready.
First maker comment example
- “Hey PH, we built AcmeAI to cut SDR research time by 70 percent. It plugs into Sales Navigator and your CRM, then drafts first-touch emails your rep can send. We’re live today. We would love your feedback and questions. If you try it, tell us what breaks and what saves you time.”
Support DM script
- “Hey [Name] - we just launched on Product Hunt. Would you have 60 seconds to check our page and leave feedback in the comments? Your notes help us ship the right roadmap. Link: [PH link]. Thanks either way.”
Post-launch email for demos
Subject: Thanks PH - want the 15-min tour?
Subject: Thanks PH - want the 15-min tour?
- Body: “Yesterday’s launch surfaced great questions on security and pricing. We shipped two fixes already. If you want a founder walkthrough, grab a slot here [link]. Prefer to try? 14-day trial here [link]. PH special: free onboarding call if booked within 7 days.”
Risks
- Asking for upvotes or using voting rings can backfire. Invite comments and feedback instead.
- Server strain from traffic spikes. Add a read-only fallback and status page.
- Off-target traffic. Keep CTA focused on demo or trial.
FAQ
- You:Guide:Not necessary. Makers self-hunt most winning products. Use a hunter only for reach and coaching.
- You:What is the exact PH timing?Guide:A Product Hunt day runs 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Schedule 12:01 AM PT.
- You:Which weekdays are best?Guide:Tuesday to Thursday are busier and more competitive. Weekends need fewer votes but bring fewer visitors.
- You:Can I re-launch?Guide:Yes. Re-launch with meaningful updates and refreshed assets.
- You:How do I ask supporters without breaking rules?Guide:Invite people to try the product and comment with feedback. Do not ask for upvotes.
- You:What does a Ship page do?Guide:It collects subscribers and lets you send updates to warm your launch.
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