Glossary
What is a launch plan?
A launch plan is the schedule of where, when and how a product will be announced: the main launch day, which launch platforms and directories follow and in what order, the emails and posts around them, and who does what. It turns one launch day into several weeks of steady attention.
A sample plan
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Weeks -6 to -2 | Prelaunch, waitlist, assets, submit to slow-queue directories |
| Week -1 | Final checks with the launch checklist, email the waitlist the date |
| Week 0 | Main launch day (often Product Hunt) |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Smaller launch platforms, one every few days |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | AI, SaaS and niche directories in batches, review sites |
| Ongoing | Updates, relaunch after big releases |
How to order directories
Start with the ones whose queues are long, so they go live near your main launch. Then sort the rest by fit and traffic. Batch similar directories together because they ask for the same fields. Leave the long tail for last; it adds links more than visitors.
Who does what
Even a solo founder benefits from writing down the owner of each task: copy, media, submissions, replies, emails. On launch day, plan who covers each time zone.
Example
A founder plans eight weeks: BetaList and two slow AI directories in prelaunch, Product Hunt on a Wednesday, Uneed, Peerlist and Microlaunch over the next two weeks, then 40 directories in four batches. Each item has a date and a status in her tracker, and the launch produces sign-ups every week for two months instead of one spike.
FAQ
How long should a launch plan run?
Six to twelve weeks around the main launch is common.
Should I launch on Product Hunt first?
Usually, if it fits your audience; it's the biggest single spike. Some teams warm up on smaller platforms first.
Can a launch plan be automated?
The submissions can be, with tools or an AI agent following the plan. Launch-day presence can't.