# Ph Launch Timeline

> When the user needs a 30-day Product Hunt preparation timeline, launch readiness checklist, or realistic outcome expectations. Also use when planning PH launch phases, building supporter lists, or assessing launch readiness.

- Skill: `codealive-ai/ph-launch-timeline` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add codealive-ai/ph-launch-timeline`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/codealive-ai/ph-launch-timeline/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: CodeAlive-AI (https://skillmd.com/u/codealive-ai)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/codealive-ai/ph-launch-timeline

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# Product Hunt Launch Timeline & Preparation

30-day structured preparation plan for Product Hunt launches. Use alongside `product-hunt-launch` skill for tactical details.

**When invoking**: On **first use**, open with 1-2 sentences on what this skill covers. On **subsequent use**, go directly to output.

## Initial Assessment

Identify:
1. **Product type**: SaaS, AI tool, app, Chrome extension
2. **Launch readiness**: Landing page, screenshots, tagline, first comment
3. **Hunter**: Self-hunt or Top Hunter (optional but helps)

## 30-Day Preparation Plan

| Phase | Days | Actions |
|-------|------|---------|
| **Teaser** | 30-21 | Build "notify me" page; decide self-hunt vs hunter; engage in community |
| **Supporters** | 20-11 | Build list of 200+ (makers, industry contacts, followers, users) |
| **Assets** | 10-3 | Finalize tagline (<=60 chars), gallery images (1270x760), demo video (<2 min), maker comment, 3-5 topic tags; build awareness on X/LinkedIn 2-4 weeks before |
| **Launch day** | 2-1 | Clear calendar for 16+ hours; Product Hunt runs midnight-midnight Pacific |

## Product Hunt Fields

| Field | Spec |
|-------|------|
| **Tagline** | <=60 chars; no emojis unless part of product name; catchy, benefit-focused |
| **Gallery** | 1270x760 px recommended; readable, show product value |
| **Demo video** | <2 minutes; optional but recommended |
| **First comment** | Post immediately; story-driven, not feature list; significantly impacts engagement |
| **Topic tags** | 3-5 relevant; match Product Hunt taxonomy |

## Launch Day Strategy

| Practice | Guideline |
|----------|-----------|
| **Timing** | Tuesday-Thursday; 12:01am Pacific works best |
| **Narrative** | Create story (problem -> solution), not feature list |
| **Engagement** | Reply to every comment; thank supporters; answer questions |
| **Avoid** | Begging for upvotes (risk of shadowban) |

**Principle**: Product Hunt is a visibility amplifier and credibility boost -- not primarily a customer acquisition channel.

## Realistic Expectations

| Outcome | Upvotes | Placement |
|---------|---------|-----------|
| Poor | 50-100 | -- |
| Average | 200-400 | Top 10 |
| Good | 500-800 | Top 5 |
| Great | 800+ | Product of the Day |

## Beyond Listing

| Offering | Use When |
|----------|----------|
| **Product Hunt Daily** | Newsletter feature; high-intent audience |
| **Social promotion** | PH shares on X, LinkedIn; launch-day amplification |
| **Featured placement** | Paid promotion options |

## Post-Launch

- Continue engaging with new users
- Thank-you emails to supporters
- Ask for feedback
- Publish "lessons learned" blog post / X thread (week 1)
- Follow up with interested users from comments (week 2)
- Check eligibility for "Product of the Week/Month" (month 1)

## Output Format

- **Readiness checklist** (tagline, gallery, first comment, topic tags)
- **First comment** draft (story-driven)
- **Tagline** options (<=60 chars)
- **30-day timeline** (if planning ahead)

## Related Skills

- **product-hunt-launch**: Tactical PH optimization (gallery framework, tagline formulas, maker comment structure, common mistakes)

Follow output preferences from USER.md (language, format, platform constraints).