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The role of follower count in Product Hunt launch success, how important is it?
Hi! I’ve been on Product Hunt and have asked/read several times about the keys to a successful launch on PH, and very often the advice that comes up is: ‘wait until you have 500 followers.’ Logically, this advice makes sense, but I’ve observed numerous launches here where the creators either joined Product Hunt just a week ago or have a follower count ranging from 2 to 20, yet their launches perform quite well. I’ve even noticed a recent launch in my notifications by a creator falling into the same follower range.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts and understand what truly makes these launches successful. Is having a high follower count really that crucial?
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Hamdaan Ahmad
It's great that you're seeking insights into successful Product Hunt launches. The advice you mentioned about waiting until you have 500 followers on Product Hunt can indeed sound logical, as having a substantial follower base can potentially amplify your launch's reach. However, it's important to recognize that there's no one-size-fits-all formula for a successful launch on Product Hunt, and follower count isn't the sole determining factor.
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@hamdaan_ahmad Thank you, yes - I agree with you, and I also believe that your connections and social following from external platforms can also contribute to the overall success of the launch..
@sabaat_parasad @olenabomko The YC community is super strong, and they greatly hype each other. I can understand why people may wanna vote more for a startup backed by YC.
No. The most important thing is to engage with people here (upvote, comment, discuss) and when you schedule your launch, show people your product page so that they can be notified of your launch day and upvote your product if they like it
@anna_kasumova This is very insightful, I am going to learn more about it in the coming few days. All the best on your launch as well!
Interested in the answer here as well - is there a secret sauce especially if you have not partaken in any of the Y combinator batches?
@boudewijn_bos I think it's the same with any big incubator like even techstars - getting in is a struggle and so people just think that if it's a YC startup, it's going to be amazing. The YC brand is stronger than the startup's brand here.
@jamayal yeah at the end of the day every startup's brand looks for a brand above them to slight shot them into outer space. Quite interesting how that probably is the strongest case for Y-combinator/techstars...
Your followers will see when you launch in the notifications, you can also start a discussion on your launch day to attract more attention. But your followers will see that in their notifications, so those need to be active users who check PH for updates. The same goes for teaser page followers.
I don't think the count of followers is key. I find building personal connections on LinkedIn more helpful.
PS: there is a chance that makers have 2-20 followers, but also have a team of 10 who've been building reputation on PH.
@natella_nuralieva I see what you mean, and I have observed the same. I have been connecting with a lot of founders on LinkedIn who are sending me messages about their launches. I think Product Hunt (PH) has a good overall community, and everyone is willing to help.
It's good to have but it dosen't always determine the outcome.
If you have a great marketing plan and a product that is innovative I think you can do good.
Oh and hunters can help alot sometimes
Follower count matters, but isn't everything. Quality and presentation also play key roles.
It's good to have. But isn't important. Focus on your learning and making good bonds with the PH community over LinkedIn and X. :)
I don't think so. But I have tried hard to gain more followers to my next launch!
