Glossary
Launch platform vs directory: what's the difference?
A launch platform features new products on a set day with votes and a leaderboard, sending a spike of traffic that fades within days. A directory lists products permanently by category, sending slower, steadier traffic and a lasting backlink. Most launches use one big launch platform day plus many directories over the following weeks.
Side by side
| Launch platform | Directory | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | A launch day or week | Any time |
| Ranking | Votes and comments | Category, search, recency |
| Traffic shape | Spike, then little | Slow, steady |
| Effort | Prepare, promote, reply all day | Submit and wait |
| Median DR in our catalog | 51 | 43 (SaaS), 42 (AI) |
| Badge often required | 40% | 37% (SaaS) |
Combining them
Pick one main launch platform, usually Product Hunt, and prepare properly. Spread smaller launch platforms over the next weeks. Submit to directories in batches by category, starting with those that have long queues. See launch plan.
Example
A founder's month: Product Hunt on day 1 (2,000 visits in 3 days), three small launch platforms in week 2 (300 visits), 40 directories over weeks 2 to 4 (a steady 150 visits a month afterwards, plus 30 referring domains).
FAQ
Which should I do first?
Usually the main launch platform, with slow-queue directories submitted in advance.
Do launch platforms give lasting traffic?
A little, from the permanent product page; most traffic is on the day.
Are launch platforms directories?
They keep permanent pages, so they overlap; the launch day is the difference.