From MVP to #2 on Product Hunt: What Actually Works

Hey makers! We built our MVP in a month and launched Migroot (spoiler: hit #2). Instead of generic advice, here's the real, practical stuff I wish I knew before: 1. Coming Soon Page Strategy Get 200+ subscribers before launch. This isn't about gaming the system - it helps PH support team understand your product has genuine interest. Worth the effort. 2. The Feature Check Nobody Talks About Check if you're featured 24h before launch. Seriously. Without being featured, you can't compete for Product of the Day. I've seen amazing products fail because founders didn't know this simple step. 3. Community Matters Being active in PH and founder communities isn't optional. Real relationships > last-minute outreach. Always. 4. Success Ready Our big miss: We hit #2 but weren't ready with press materials. Got quoted with unprepared responses (oops). Don't be us. Have your PR kit ready. 5. Thank You Strategy Prepare personal thank-you messages with your social links. Turns out, launch momentum can fuel sustainable growth if you handle it right. These aren't theoretical - they're lessons from our trenches to yours. Building in public is humbling. Would love to hear your launch experiences