Is product hunt launch worth the effort for small companies?

I understand that it can be frustrating when you put in the effort and don't see any results, but that can happen with other channels too. In my opinion, it is worth trying because it is free and the community is usually pretty supportive. Even if only a small number of people see your product, that is still more than if you had not launched. I think it is definitely worth it, but you need to plan and prepare before taking the plunge. You shouldn't launch your product until you have built up a following and then you will be more likely to get help from others.

You don't have to go all in with your product hunt launch. Trying to reach the top 5 products of the day is indeed demanding. In my experience, it is almost impossible to reach if you don't own a mailing list of 500+ users. So for small startups, I usually recommend making no-frill launches. Target to finish in the top 20, get 100 visits to your website, and do-follow link from product hunt. A no frill launch requires only 2 to 5 hours of work so it definitely worth it.

I think it's definitely worth it, but you need to plan it. And not do it just when you launch your product. Wait for a little until you build a following, so you have people ready to help you.

I think it depends on the expectations. While I agree it can be discouraging if there are no results, similar can happen with other channels as well. From my point of view, it's worth a shot. It's free, the community is pretty supportive from my experience and even if only 10 people see your product it's still 10 more than if you hadn't launched.

It really depends on your goals and what you're hoping to get out of it. If you're just looking for some exposure and traffic, then it might be worth it. If you don't have the time you don't have to put loads of effort in. Just share your product, it's a really welcoming community!