The launch checklist
A successful launch is mostly prepared before launch day and won afterwards, in how you reply and follow up. Tick the steps in order.
Before launch
- A one-sentence tagline: which problem, for whom.
- Three to five screenshots, a short demo video.
- A fast site, readable on phones, with a clear button.
- A way to measure visits and where they come from.
- An announced date, so interested people get notified.
Launch day
- Publish your listing early in the day.
- Tell your network and first sign-ups, without begging for votes.
- Reply to every comment, even critical ones.
- Note recurring questions: they reveal what your page is missing.
After launch
- Fix what blocked people, then announce the new version.
- Thank testers and commenters.
- Add a badge to your site that links to your listing.
- Publish updates regularly: each one brings your project back into view.
Common mistakes
- Buying votes or reviews.
- Disappearing after day one.
- A homepage that talks about technology instead of the benefit.