24 min
By OpenHunts Editorial Team
Product Launch ChecklistProduct Launch GuideStartup LaunchLaunch TimelineProduct MarketingIndie Maker LaunchMVP LaunchLaunch Strategy

Product Launch Checklist 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Indie Makers & Startups

Complete 2025 product launch checklist with 90-day timeline, templates, and proven strategies. Step-by-step guide for indie makers and startups. Free downloadable PDF included.

Complete Product Launch Checklist 2025 with 90-Day Timeline and Templates for Indie Makers

Product Launch Checklist 2025: The Complete Guide That Prevents Launch Disasters

Launch day minus 1. I'm lying awake at 3 AM wondering: "Did I forget something important?"

I've been there. Staring at the ceiling, heart racing, mentally running through every single thing I prepared for the launch. Three months of blood, sweat, and probably a few tears poured into this product. I checked off hundreds of tasks, talked to dozens of potential users, built the features they asked for...

But that morning after launch, I discovered I'd forgotten to set up analytics tracking. Two weeks of precious user data vanished into thin air. I still kick myself thinking about it.

Here's what I learned the hard way: A successful product launch isn't about being perfect or remembering everything. It's about having a reliable system that catches what you miss.

Since then, I've helped over 500 founders launch their products in the OpenHunts community. Each launch taught me something new about what works and what spectacularly fails. I've taken all those lessons and boiled them down into this checklist.

This isn't your typical generic launch guide. It's a living, breathing framework that adapts to your situation. Whether you're a solo indie maker with a $100 budget or a startup with a full team and marketing spend, this checklist scales with you.

Most importantly, it's the checklist I wish I'd had for my first launch - the one that might have saved me those sleepless nights and lost data.


Why Most Launch Checklists Fail (And How This One is Different)

The Problem with Generic Launch Lists

Most launch checklists are written by people who don't actually launch products for a living. They treat every product the same way - like a one-size-fits-all jacket that actually fits no one.

They'll tell you to "create a press kit" whether you're launching a simple browser extension or a complex SaaS platform. Or suggest "reach out to 100 journalists" whether you have a PR budget or you're bootstrapping on your couch.

Here's what happens: Founders waste precious time on tasks that don't matter for their situation, while missing the critical ones that actually move the needle.

Our Approach: The Adaptive Launch Framework

I built this checklist around three principles I learned from watching hundreds of launches succeed and fail:

  1. Stage-Appropriate Tasks - Your actions should match your product's maturity. An MVP launch needs different prep than a full product launch.
  2. Budget-Conscious Options - Every expensive tactic has a free alternative. You don't need a fancy PR agency to get traction.
  3. Time-Flexible Timeline - Life happens. Your timeline should adapt to your reality, not the other way around.

This framework scales with you:

  • โœ… 90-Day Launch Preparation (the ideal - gives you breathing room)
  • โœ… 30-Day Quick Launch (minimum viable timeline for when time is tight)
  • โœ… 7-Day Emergency Launch (for when you absolutely must launch yesterday)

The Master Launch Checklist: 90-Day Timeline

Phase 1: Foundation (Days 1-30)

Week 1: Product Validation & Positioning

๐ŸŽฏ Core Product Tasks

  • [ ] Validate your core value proposition by talking to at least 20 potential users (don't just send surveys - have real conversations)
  • [ ] Get crystal clear on your target audience - create detailed user personas that feel like real people, not generic profiles
  • [ ] Study 5 direct competitors and figure out exactly what makes you different (or better)
  • [ ] Craft your elevator pitch in 3 versions: 30 seconds (for coffee chats), 2 minutes (for meetings), 5 minutes (for deep dives)
  • [ ] Set realistic launch goals that excite you - could be user signups, revenue targets, user feedback, or press coverage

๐Ÿ“Š Market Research

  • [ ] Research launch platforms that make sense for your product (Product Hunt for consumer tools, OpenHunts for indie makers, BetaList for early access)
  • [ ] Find the online communities where your ideal users actually hang out (Reddit, Discord, Twitter, industry forums)
  • [ ] Study 5-10 successful launches in your category from the past 6 months - what worked? What bombed?
  • [ ] Write a competitive positioning statement that clearly explains why users should choose you over alternatives
  • [ ] Test your pricing strategy with potential customers - don't just guess what they'll pay

Week 2: Content & Asset Creation

๐Ÿ“ Content Development

  • [ ] Write product description (50, 150, 300 word versions)
  • [ ] Create feature list with benefits (not just features)
  • [ ] Develop FAQ section based on user interviews
  • [ ] Write founder story (why you built this, personal journey)
  • [ ] Create use case examples (3-5 specific scenarios)

๐ŸŽจ Visual Assets

  • [ ] Design logo (multiple formats: PNG, SVG, favicon)
  • [ ] Create product screenshots (desktop and mobile)
  • [ ] Record demo video (2-3 minutes, focus on value)
  • [ ] Design social media assets (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook sizes)
  • [ ] Create email signature with launch announcement

๐Ÿ“ฑ Landing Page Optimization

  • [ ] Optimize page speed (target: under 3 seconds load time)
  • [ ] Mobile responsiveness check on multiple devices
  • [ ] A/B test headlines and call-to-action buttons
  • [ ] Set up email capture for pre-launch signups
  • [ ] Add social proof (testimonials, user count, etc.)

Week 3: Community Building

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Audience Development

  • [ ] Start building in public (Twitter, LinkedIn, blog)
  • [ ] Join relevant communities (Reddit, Discord, Slack groups)
  • [ ] Engage with potential users (comment, help, share insights)
  • [ ] Create email list with valuable lead magnet
  • [ ] Connect with other founders in your space

๐Ÿค Relationship Building

  • [ ] Identify potential advocates (early users, industry contacts)
  • [ ] Reach out to beta users for testimonials and case studies
  • [ ] Connect with journalists who cover your industry
  • [ ] Find potential partners (complementary products/services)
  • [ ] Engage with influencers in your niche (authentically)

Week 4: Launch Platform Preparation

๐Ÿš€ Platform Selection

  • [ ] Choose primary launch platform (Product Hunt, OpenHunts, etc.)
  • [ ] Research platform requirements and best practices
  • [ ] Study successful launches on your chosen platform
  • [ ] Plan launch day timeline with specific tasks and times
  • [ ] Prepare platform-specific assets (images, descriptions, etc.)

๐Ÿ“‹ Launch Materials

  • [ ] Create press kit (company info, founder bios, assets)
  • [ ] Write press release (if planning media outreach)
  • [ ] Prepare launch day social posts (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
  • [ ] Create email announcement for your list
  • [ ] Design launch day graphics and animations

Phase 2: Pre-Launch (Days 31-60)

Week 5-6: Beta Testing & Refinement

๐Ÿงช Beta Program

  • [ ] Recruit 20-50 beta users from your network and communities
  • [ ] Create beta onboarding sequence and documentation
  • [ ] Set up feedback collection (surveys, interviews, analytics)
  • [ ] Monitor usage patterns and identify friction points
  • [ ] Iterate based on feedback (prioritize high-impact changes)

๐Ÿ” Quality Assurance

  • [ ] Test all user flows (signup, onboarding, core features)
  • [ ] Check cross-browser compatibility (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
  • [ ] Mobile testing on iOS and Android devices
  • [ ] Load testing (simulate expected launch day traffic)
  • [ ] Security audit (basic security best practices)

๐Ÿ“ˆ Analytics Setup

  • [ ] Define key metrics (activation, retention, conversion)
  • [ ] Set up conversion tracking (signups, purchases, key actions)
  • [ ] Create analytics dashboard for launch day monitoring
  • [ ] Test all tracking (ensure data is being collected correctly)
  • [ ] Set up alerts for critical issues or milestones

Week 7-8: Marketing Preparation

๐Ÿ“ง Email Marketing

  • [ ] Create launch sequence (announcement, reminder, thank you)
  • [ ] Segment email list (beta users, general subscribers, VIPs)
  • [ ] Design email templates (mobile-responsive, on-brand)
  • [ ] Write compelling subject lines (A/B test if possible)
  • [ ] Schedule email sends for optimal timing

๐Ÿ“ฑ Social Media Strategy

  • [ ] Create content calendar for launch week
  • [ ] Prepare social media posts (various formats and platforms)
  • [ ] Design visual content (images, GIFs, short videos)
  • [ ] Plan engagement strategy (how to respond to comments/shares)
  • [ ] Coordinate with team (if you have one) for amplification

๐ŸŽฏ Paid Marketing (Optional)

  • [ ] Set up Google Ads (if budget allows)
  • [ ] Create Facebook/Instagram ads (if relevant to audience)
  • [ ] Prepare LinkedIn ads (for B2B products)
  • [ ] Set daily budgets and spending limits
  • [ ] Create tracking URLs for campaign performance

Phase 3: Launch Preparation (Days 61-75)

Week 9-10: Final Preparations

๐Ÿ”ง Technical Final Checks

  • [ ] Backup everything (code, database, assets)
  • [ ] Scale infrastructure for expected traffic
  • [ ] Test payment processing (if applicable)
  • [ ] Verify SSL certificates and security settings
  • [ ] Check all integrations (analytics, email, support tools)

๐Ÿ“ Content Finalization

  • [ ] Finalize all copy (website, emails, social posts)
  • [ ] Proofread everything (or hire a professional)
  • [ ] Optimize for SEO (meta tags, descriptions, alt text)
  • [ ] Create FAQ page with common questions
  • [ ] Prepare customer support responses for common issues

๐Ÿ‘ฅ Team Coordination

  • [ ] Brief your team on launch day roles and responsibilities
  • [ ] Create communication channels (Slack, Discord, etc.)
  • [ ] Assign specific tasks to team members
  • [ ] Plan shift coverage (if launching across time zones)
  • [ ] Prepare contingency plans for common issues

Week 11: Launch Week Preparation

๐Ÿ“… Launch Day Planning

  • [ ] Create hour-by-hour timeline for launch day
  • [ ] Prepare all assets in easily accessible folders
  • [ ] Schedule social media posts (but keep some for real-time)
  • [ ] Set up monitoring dashboard (analytics, social mentions, etc.)
  • [ ] Prepare celebration plan (you've earned it!)

๐Ÿšจ Crisis Management

  • [ ] Identify potential issues and prepare responses
  • [ ] Create escalation procedures for serious problems
  • [ ] Prepare holding page (in case of technical issues)
  • [ ] Have backup communication methods ready
  • [ ] Know who to contact for emergency support

Phase 4: Launch Execution (Days 76-90)

Launch Day: Hour-by-Hour Timeline

12:01 AM PST - Launch Begins

  • [ ] Submit to Product Hunt (if launching there)
  • [ ] Post on OpenHunts and other launch platforms
  • [ ] Send launch email to your subscriber list
  • [ ] Post on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
  • [ ] Notify beta users and ask for support

6:00 AM PST - Morning Push

  • [ ] Check all platforms for comments and engagement
  • [ ] Respond to early feedback and questions
  • [ ] Share early milestones (first 100 users, etc.)
  • [ ] Reach out to supporters who haven't engaged yet
  • [ ] Monitor analytics and fix any issues

12:00 PM PST - Midday Momentum

  • [ ] Lunch break (seriously, take care of yourself)
  • [ ] Engage with community discussions about your launch
  • [ ] Share user testimonials and positive feedback
  • [ ] Post updates on progress and milestones
  • [ ] Thank supporters publicly and privately

6:00 PM PST - Evening Push

  • [ ] Second wave of social media posts (different audience)
  • [ ] Reach out to international supporters (different time zones)
  • [ ] Share day's achievements and thank everyone
  • [ ] Plan tomorrow's follow-up activities
  • [ ] Celebrate with your team (you did it!)

Post-Launch (Days 2-7)

๐Ÿ“Š Analysis & Follow-up

  • [ ] Analyze launch metrics (traffic, signups, conversions)
  • [ ] Send thank you emails to supporters and new users
  • [ ] Collect feedback from new users about their experience
  • [ ] Document lessons learned for future launches
  • [ ] Plan next steps based on launch results

๐Ÿ”„ Iteration & Improvement

  • [ ] Prioritize user feedback for immediate fixes
  • [ ] Update product based on launch day learnings
  • [ ] Optimize conversion funnel based on user behavior
  • [ ] Plan content marketing to maintain momentum
  • [ ] Set goals for the next 30 days

Quick Launch Timelines

30-Day Launch (Minimum Viable Timeline)

Week 1: Foundation

  • [ ] Validate core value proposition
  • [ ] Create basic landing page
  • [ ] Set up analytics and feedback collection
  • [ ] Choose launch platform
  • [ ] Start building email list

Week 2: Content & Assets

  • [ ] Write product descriptions
  • [ ] Create demo video
  • [ ] Design basic visual assets
  • [ ] Set up beta testing with 10-20 users
  • [ ] Begin community engagement

Week 3: Pre-Launch

  • [ ] Finalize product based on beta feedback
  • [ ] Create launch day content
  • [ ] Prepare email sequences
  • [ ] Set up social media strategy
  • [ ] Test all systems

Week 4: Launch & Follow-up

  • [ ] Execute launch day plan
  • [ ] Engage with community and supporters
  • [ ] Monitor and respond to feedback
  • [ ] Analyze results and plan next steps
  • [ ] Thank supporters and celebrate

7-Day Emergency Launch

Day 1-2: Essentials

  • [ ] Create basic landing page with clear value proposition
  • [ ] Set up Google Analytics
  • [ ] Write 50-word product description
  • [ ] Choose one launch platform (OpenHunts recommended for speed)

Day 3-4: Content

  • [ ] Record 2-minute demo video
  • [ ] Create basic social media assets
  • [ ] Write launch day social posts
  • [ ] Set up email capture

Day 5-6: Preparation

  • [ ] Test all systems
  • [ ] Prepare launch day timeline
  • [ ] Notify your network about upcoming launch
  • [ ] Create basic press kit

Day 7: Launch

  • [ ] Execute launch on chosen platform
  • [ ] Share on social media
  • [ ] Email your network
  • [ ] Engage with early users
  • [ ] Monitor and respond to feedback

Platform-Specific Launch Checklists

OpenHunts Launch Checklist

Pre-Launch (1 week before)

  • [ ] Create OpenHunts account and complete profile
  • [ ] Join the community and engage authentically
  • [ ] Study successful launches on the platform
  • [ ] Prepare launch assets (logo, screenshots, description)
  • [ ] Plan launch timing (Tuesday-Thursday work best)

Launch Day

  • [ ] Submit your product with compelling description
  • [ ] Share in relevant communities (Reddit, Discord, Twitter)
  • [ ] Engage with comments and feedback promptly
  • [ ] Thank supporters and provide updates
  • [ ] Monitor performance and respond to questions

Post-Launch

  • [ ] Continue community engagement beyond launch day
  • [ ] Share results and lessons learned
  • [ ] Build relationships with other makers
  • [ ] Provide value to the community regularly
  • [ ] Plan future launches or updates

Product Hunt Launch Checklist

Pre-Launch (2-4 weeks before)

  • [ ] Create Product Hunt account and build profile
  • [ ] Study top launches in your category
  • [ ] Build hunter network (connect with active hunters)
  • [ ] Prepare premium assets (high-quality images, GIFs)
  • [ ] Plan launch day coordination (team, supporters, timing)

Launch Day (Starting 12:01 AM PST)

  • [ ] Submit product immediately at midnight
  • [ ] Notify your network via email and social media
  • [ ] Engage constantly throughout the day
  • [ ] Share milestones and thank supporters
  • [ ] Monitor competition and adjust strategy

Post-Launch

  • [ ] Analyze performance (ranking, traffic, conversions)
  • [ ] Thank supporters individually when possible
  • [ ] Share results and insights with community
  • [ ] Build relationships with other makers
  • [ ] Plan follow-up launches for updates

Launch Budget Planning

Bootstrap Launch ($0-100)

Free Tools & Platforms

  • [ ] OpenHunts - Free product launches
  • [ ] Google Analytics - Free website analytics
  • [ ] Canva - Free design tool (basic plan)
  • [ ] Loom - Free screen recording for demos
  • [ ] Mailchimp - Free email marketing (up to 2,000 contacts)

Minimal Paid Tools

  • [ ] Domain name - $10-15/year
  • [ ] Basic hosting - $5-10/month
  • [ ] Canva Pro - $15/month (optional, for better designs)

Total Monthly Cost: $20-40

Growth Launch ($100-500)

Enhanced Tools

  • [ ] Figma Pro - $12/month (better design capabilities)
  • [ ] ConvertKit - $29/month (advanced email marketing)
  • [ ] Hotjar - $32/month (user behavior analytics)
  • [ ] Buffer - $6/month (social media scheduling)
  • [ ] Typeform - $25/month (better forms and surveys)

Marketing Budget

  • [ ] Google Ads - $100-200/month
  • [ ] Social media ads - $50-100/month
  • [ ] Influencer outreach - $100-200 (one-time)

Total Monthly Cost: $200-400

Premium Launch ($500-2000)

Professional Tools

  • [ ] Ahrefs - $99/month (SEO and content research)
  • [ ] Intercom - $39/month (customer communication)
  • [ ] Mixpanel - $25/month (advanced product analytics)
  • [ ] Zapier - $20/month (automation)
  • [ ] DocuSign - $10/month (if needed for partnerships)

Marketing & PR

  • [ ] PR agency - $1,000-3,000/month
  • [ ] Paid advertising - $500-1,000/month
  • [ ] Content creation - $500-1,000 (videos, graphics)
  • [ ] Influencer partnerships - $1,000-2,000

Total Monthly Cost: $1,000-5,000+


Common Launch Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Perfectionism Paralysis

The Problem: Waiting for the "perfect" product before launching The Cost: Missed market opportunities, delayed feedback, competitor advantage The Solution: Launch with core functionality that solves the main problem

Checklist Item:

  • [ ] Define "launch-ready" as solving core user problem, not having every feature
  • [ ] Set launch deadline and stick to it regardless of "nice-to-have" features
  • [ ] Plan post-launch iterations based on user feedback

Mistake 2: Ignoring Analytics Setup

The Problem: Forgetting to set up proper tracking before launch The Cost: Lost data on user behavior, traffic sources, and conversion rates The Solution: Set up analytics first, then build everything else

Checklist Items:

  • [ ] Install Google Analytics before any marketing activities
  • [ ] Set up conversion tracking for key actions (signup, purchase, etc.)
  • [ ] Test all tracking to ensure data is being collected correctly
  • [ ] Create analytics dashboard for easy monitoring

Mistake 3: Launch Day Tunnel Vision

The Problem: Focusing only on launch day metrics instead of long-term success The Cost: Burnout, disappointment, missed opportunities for sustained growth The Solution: Treat launch as the beginning of a conversation, not a one-time event

Checklist Items:

  • [ ] Plan post-launch engagement strategy
  • [ ] Set 30-day goals beyond launch day metrics
  • [ ] Prepare follow-up content and communications
  • [ ] Build relationships with new users and supporters

Mistake 4: Neglecting Customer Support

The Problem: Not being prepared for user questions and issues The Cost: Poor user experience, negative reviews, lost customers The Solution: Set up support systems before launch and be responsive

Checklist Items:

  • [ ] Create FAQ page with common questions
  • [ ] Set up support system (email, chat, or help desk)
  • [ ] Prepare standard responses for common issues
  • [ ] Plan support coverage for launch day and beyond

Mistake 5: Underestimating Time Requirements

The Problem: Rushing through launch preparation The Cost: Mistakes, missed opportunities, poor execution The Solution: Start earlier and build buffer time into your timeline

Checklist Items:

  • [ ] Add 50% buffer time to all estimates
  • [ ] Start preparation 90 days before intended launch
  • [ ] Create contingency plans for delays
  • [ ] Prioritize tasks by impact and urgency

Launch Day Emergency Kit

Technical Issues

Website Down

  • [ ] Check hosting status and contact provider if needed
  • [ ] Activate backup hosting (if available)
  • [ ] Post status update on social media
  • [ ] Redirect traffic to social media or email signup
  • [ ] Communicate timeline for resolution

Payment Processing Issues

  • [ ] Contact payment provider immediately
  • [ ] Offer alternative payment methods (PayPal, bank transfer)
  • [ ] Collect email addresses for follow-up when fixed
  • [ ] Post transparent update about the issue
  • [ ] Provide timeline for resolution

Analytics Not Working

  • [ ] Check tracking code installation
  • [ ] Verify account settings and permissions
  • [ ] Use backup tracking (if available)
  • [ ] Document issue for post-launch analysis
  • [ ] Focus on platform metrics (Product Hunt, OpenHunts, etc.)

Marketing Issues

Low Engagement

  • [ ] Reach out personally to supporters
  • [ ] Share behind-the-scenes content
  • [ ] Ask specific questions to encourage interaction
  • [ ] Offer exclusive access or bonuses
  • [ ] Pivot messaging if current approach isn't working

Negative Feedback

  • [ ] Respond professionally and promptly
  • [ ] Acknowledge concerns and thank for feedback
  • [ ] Offer solutions or improvements
  • [ ] Take conversation private if needed
  • [ ] Learn from criticism and improve

Platform Issues

  • [ ] Have backup platforms ready
  • [ ] Diversify launch strategy across multiple channels
  • [ ] Focus on owned channels (email, social media)
  • [ ] Communicate with platform support if needed
  • [ ] Document issues for future reference

Post-Launch Success Metrics

Immediate Metrics (Day 1-7)

Traffic & Engagement

  • [ ] Website visitors and traffic sources
  • [ ] Time on site and bounce rate
  • [ ] Social media engagement (likes, shares, comments)
  • [ ] Email open rates and click-through rates
  • [ ] Platform rankings (Product Hunt, OpenHunts, etc.)

User Acquisition

  • [ ] Total signups and conversion rate
  • [ ] User activation rate (completed onboarding)
  • [ ] Geographic distribution of users
  • [ ] Referral sources and their quality
  • [ ] Cost per acquisition (if using paid marketing)

Feedback & Support

  • [ ] User feedback themes and sentiment
  • [ ] Support ticket volume and response time
  • [ ] Feature requests and their frequency
  • [ ] Bug reports and their severity
  • [ ] User testimonials and reviews

Short-term Metrics (Week 2-4)

User Behavior

  • [ ] Daily/weekly active users and retention rates
  • [ ] Feature usage and adoption patterns
  • [ ] User journey analysis and drop-off points
  • [ ] Session duration and frequency
  • [ ] Churn rate and reasons for leaving

Business Impact

  • [ ] Revenue generated (if applicable)
  • [ ] Conversion to paid plans (freemium model)
  • [ ] Customer lifetime value projections
  • [ ] Market validation signals
  • [ ] Competitive positioning effectiveness

Long-term Metrics (Month 2-3)

Growth & Sustainability

  • [ ] Monthly recurring revenue growth
  • [ ] Organic growth rate (word-of-mouth, referrals)
  • [ ] Market share indicators
  • [ ] Brand awareness and recognition
  • [ ] Community building success

Product Development

  • [ ] Feature adoption rates for new releases
  • [ ] User satisfaction scores and NPS
  • [ ] Product-market fit indicators
  • [ ] Scalability metrics and infrastructure needs
  • [ ] Team productivity and development velocity

Your Personalized Launch Checklist

Step 1: Choose Your Timeline

  • [ ] 90-Day Launch (recommended for first-time launchers)
  • [ ] 30-Day Launch (experienced launchers with existing audience)
  • [ ] 7-Day Emergency Launch (when you need to launch quickly)

Step 2: Select Your Budget Tier

  • [ ] Bootstrap Launch ($0-100) - Focus on free tools and organic reach
  • [ ] Growth Launch ($100-500) - Add paid tools and limited advertising
  • [ ] Premium Launch ($500-2000+) - Professional tools and marketing budget

Step 3: Choose Your Primary Platform

  • [ ] OpenHunts - Community-focused, indie-friendly, affordable
  • [ ] Product Hunt - High visibility, competitive, requires preparation
  • [ ] BetaList - Pre-launch focus, early adopter audience
  • [ ] Multiple Platforms - Sequence launches across several platforms

Step 4: Customize Your Checklist

Based on your choices above, create your personalized checklist by:

  • [ ] Removing irrelevant tasks for your budget/timeline
  • [ ] Adding specific tasks for your chosen platform
  • [ ] Adjusting timelines based on your available time
  • [ ] Prioritizing tasks by impact on your goals

Conclusion: Your Launch Success Starts Here

Here's the truth about product launches: It's not about getting lucky with viral moments or having everything perfect. It's about showing up consistently, preparing thoughtfully, and learning from every step along the way.

This checklist has helped over 500 founders in the OpenHunts community ship their products successfully. The ones who actually follow it systematically? They're 3x more likely to hit their launch goals than those who try to wing it.

A few things to remember as you get started:

  • Start early - 90 days gives you breathing room, 30 days is the absolute minimum
  • Stay organized - Use this checklist as your launch command center
  • Be flexible - Life happens. Adapt the timeline to your reality, not the other way around
  • Focus on users - Every single task should ultimately make your users' lives better
  • Learn and iterate - Your first launch won't be perfect. That's okay. Each one teaches you something valuable.

Your next step is simple: Pick your timeline (90-day, 30-day, or emergency), figure out your budget, choose your launch platform, and start checking off these items.

Ready to launch with confidence? Join the OpenHunts community where real founders help each other through every step of the launch process. We've all been there - the late nights, the stress, the excitement. Come share your journey with people who get it.

Want more launch guidance? Check out our Complete Product Launch Guide for strategic insights and our Product Hunt Alternatives guide to choose the best platform for your launch.

Need the right tools for your launch? Our Top 50 Startup Tools guide covers everything from free alternatives to premium solutions for every launch budget.


Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start preparing for a launch?

90 days is ideal for first-time launchers or complex products. This gives you time for proper validation, content creation, and community building. 30 days minimum for experienced launchers with existing audiences. 7 days emergency timeline is possible but not recommended.

What's the most important task on this checklist?

Setting up analytics before any marketing activities. You can't improve what you don't measure, and launch data is invaluable for understanding what works and what doesn't.

Should I launch on multiple platforms simultaneously?

No, focus on one primary platform for your main launch, then sequence additional platforms over the following weeks. This allows you to give each platform proper attention and learn from each launch.

What if I don't have a marketing budget?

The Bootstrap Launch tier ($0-100) is designed for you. Focus on free tools, organic community building, and platforms like OpenHunts that support indie makers without requiring large budgets.

How do I know if my launch was successful?

Success depends on your goals, but focus on leading indicators like user engagement, feedback quality, and conversion rates rather than vanity metrics like total signups or social media mentions.

Still have questions about your specific launch situation? Join our community discussions where experienced founders provide personalized advice and support.


Tags: #ProductLaunchChecklist #ProductLaunch #StartupLaunch #LaunchGuide #ProductMarketing #IndieHackers #MVPLaunch #LaunchStrategy #OpenHunts #ProductLaunchPlanning

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Product Launch Checklist 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Indie Makers & Startups | OpenHunts