Startup Launch Checklist
A well-executed launch creates momentum that carries a startup forward. A poorly executed one means missed opportunities that take months to recover. This checklist covers everything you need to do before, during, and after your launch to maximise initial traction.
In this guide
- 1.Pre-Launch (4–6 Weeks Before)
- 2.Launch Week
- 3.Post-Launch (Week 2–4)
- 4.Ongoing (Month 2 Onwards)
Pre-Launch (4–6 Weeks Before)
Build your web presence first:
- Submit to startup directories (takes 6–7 days to go live) — do this 4–6 weeks before launch so your domain has backlinks when you launch
- Set up Google Search Console and submit your sitemap
- Verify your Domain Rating baseline in Ahrefs
Prepare your assets:
- Write 3 versions of your description: 1 sentence, 3 sentences, 1 paragraph
- Create a high-quality logo (square PNG, 512×512px minimum)
- Take 3–5 screenshots of the actual product UI
- Record a short demo video (60–90 seconds)
Build pre-launch momentum:
- Start a waitlist with a coming-soon page
- Post build-in-public updates on Twitter/X
- Engage genuinely in relevant Reddit communities before promoting
Launch Week
Day 1 — Product Hunt:
- Schedule your Product Hunt launch for a Tuesday–Thursday for best results
- Personally message early supporters and ask for upvotes (not publicly — private messages only)
- Respond to every comment on your Product Hunt page
Same week:
- Post a Show HN on Hacker News
- Share in relevant Reddit communities (r/SideProject, r/IndieHackers, niche subreddits)
- Email your waitlist
- Post on Twitter/X with your launch announcement
- Message your personal network
Post-Launch (Week 2–4)
Review and follow up:
- Check your directory listings — most should be live by now
- Respond to all feedback and reviews on directories
- Submit to any remaining directories you haven't hit yet
- Check Google Search Console for new indexing
Content and SEO:
- Write a launch retrospective post ("We just launched and here's what happened")
- Start a blog with at least 3 foundational articles targeting your core keywords
- Monitor your domain rating — it should start moving within 4–8 weeks
Ongoing (Month 2 Onwards)
Keep the momentum:
- Post one piece of useful content per week (blog, Twitter thread, Reddit post)
- Respond to new directory reviews promptly
- Update your directory listings as your product evolves
- Monitor keywords in Google Search Console and create content targeting terms with impressions but low click-through rate
Tick off the most important pre-launch item today
Directory submissions take 6–7 days to go live. Start them 4–6 weeks before your launch date. Starting at $35.
See Plans — Starting at $35Frequently Asked Questions
Should I launch on Product Hunt on day 1?
Not necessarily. Build some pre-launch presence first — directory submissions, waitlist signups, social following. A Product Hunt launch lands better when your site already has some domain authority and your social accounts have some followers.
What's the biggest mistake founders make at launch?
Launching too quietly — telling only their immediate network and not systematically using all available channels. And launching too early without proper assets (no demo video, weak screenshots, vague description).
Related Resources
Tick off the most important pre-launch item today
Directory submissions take 6–7 days to go live. Start them 4–6 weeks before your launch date. Starting at $35.
See Plans & PricingOne-time payment. No subscription.