#24 - All about Product Hunt
From ‘Featured’ to ‘Golden Kitty’ - The Hidden Rules of Product Hunt Success
Launching a product is a make-or-break moment for startups and creators. But where you launch matters just as much as what you launch. Product Hunt has emerged as the go-to platform for innovators to debut their products, connect with early adopters, and gain explosive visibility. Here’s how to navigate its unique ecosystem.
Why Launching on Product Hunt Matters?
Product Hunt isn’t just a directory; it’s a global community of 4M+ makers, investors, and tech enthusiasts. Here’s why a launch here can transform your product’s trajectory:
Exposure: Reach a hyper-engaged audience.
Credibility: A featured spot signals trust and quality.
Feedback: Instant access to user reactions and insights.
Traffic: Top products drive thousands of visits in 24 hours.
Networking: Connect with influencers and potential partners.
Skipping Product Hunt? You’re missing a rocket booster for your launch.
Ranks and What They Mean
Product Hunt’s ranking system is competitive but rewarding. Here’s the breakdown:
Daily Rankings
#1 to #5: Earn a “Featured” badge. These spots are determined by upvotes, engagement, and Product Hunt’s internal jury.
Anti-Fake Measures: Algorithms prevent spam voting. Authentic engagement (comments, shares) matters more than raw upvotes.
Long-Term Badges
Product of the Week: Top 20 products weekly.
Product of the Month: Highest-performing monthly launches.
Golden Kitty Awards: Annual honors for the year’s best products (voted by the community and PH team).
User Badges
Voters earn badges like “Early Supporter” or “Top Hunter” based on their activity. These are awarded annually, incentivizing the community to stay engaged year-round.
Essential Tools for a Smooth Product Hunt Launch
Maximize your chances of success with these tools:
Hunted.Space: View advanced dashboards on your product votes & comments and statistics of Product Hunt launches
Altern: Best Product Hunt alternative.
PH Launch Checklist: Pre-launch prep, timing, and promotion templates.
Canva: Create eye-catching graphics (PH prioritizes visuals).
What Happens Once You Launch on Product Hunt
Add Your Product: Submit details like name, tagline, description, and media. Pro tip: Polish your pitch—first impressions matter!
Choose a Date/Time: Timing impacts visibility. See our step-by-step guide for ideal launch windows.
Internal Jury Review: Product Hunt’s team evaluates submissions. If “featured,” you’re in the race for rankings. If not, your product won’t appear on the homepage.
The Upvote Race: Voters push products up the ranks. Focus on genuine engagement—share your PH link with communities that care.
Badges & Recognition: Daily winners earn badges, but long-term accolades (e.g., Golden Kitty) require sustained excellence.
PH Forums & Reviews: Post-launch, engage in PH discussions and encourage user reviews. These interactions boost credibility and SEO.
Ready to Launch?
Product Hunt is more than a platform—it’s a launchpad for growth. But success requires strategy, from timing your launch to mobilizing networks.
Dive deeper with our step-by-step guide:
👉 How to Launch on Product Hunt: Pre-Launch, Execution & Post-Launch Tips
Your product deserves the spotlight. Make it count.
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Good insight 😌 Can i translate part of this article into Spanish with links to you and a description of your newsletter?