Do you really need a hunter when you launch on Product Hunt?

This is one of the most common questions I hear from founders these days.

And the answer is: it depends.

Why you might want a hunter?

If you’re launching for the very first time, a hunter can bring structure and clarity. They’ve seen the process, they know the small details that make a big difference, and they can help you avoid rookie mistakes. Think of it like having a personal trainer in the gym: they don’t lift the weights for you, but they make sure your form is right and you don’t get hurt.

A good hunter can also add credibility to your launch. If they’re a big name or have their own community, that can translate into extra upvotes and attention.

Why you might not need one?

If you’ve launched multiple times before (your 5th or 10th launch), you likely know the flow already. In that case, a hunter is more of a nice-to-have than a necessity. The credibility boost might still help, but it’s not mission-critical.

Also, it depends on the hunter’s motivation. If they’re not engaged, don’t expect miracles. The hunter’s name alone won’t carry your launch.

Bottom line

A hunter can definitely lower your risks and help you perform better. But if you don’t see the value, aren’t aligned on expectations, or the hunter isn’t invested it’s probably not worth it.

Curious: have you used a hunter before? Did it make a difference for your launch?👇