How do I get more upvotes? What's the secret behind Product Hunt?
Hey makers,
I launched my product recently on Product Hunt. I put effort into the messaging, visuals, and value — and was honestly excited to share it. But after 24 hours, I’ve barely gotten any traction. A handful of upvotes, no meaningful feedback… just cold emails and offers from marketers.
It’s hard not to feel a little discouraged. I keep seeing others get organic love, so I’m wondering:
How do you actually drive authentic, organic engagement on Product Hunt?
Is there something I should be doing before the launch to build visibility or momentum?
What’s worked (or failed) for you when trying to get real feedback, not just inbox noise?
I’m not trying to game the system — just want to understand how others are navigating this and what’s realistic.
Would really appreciate any thoughts or lessons learned 🙏
Replies
Product Hunt
What's the product?
No secrets unfortunately, it's all about building a great product that's solving a problem in a unique way. I've launched 8 times and not all of them have been hits.
1) you didn't describe it clearly - people didn't understand what you built.
2) you didn't describe how your approach is unique / different from other tools. Or, your product isn't clearly better than other tools.
3) people don't want what you're building - it's not a problem that resonates with them.
Hey Floris - we haven't launched yet, so take this feedback with a grain of salt :)
I looked at your most recent launch. I love the concept of the product (we're building one similar, but for sales).
But your launch page has 1 still image and nothing else. All of the top-performing launches I've seen have had multiple still images and at least one video.
minimalist phone: creating folders
Hey Floris,
I think that it does when:
– your product gathered some users previously because it is somehow useful for them,
– when you are active on other platforms and actively engage with people, DM them frequently (LI, X, IG)
– when you can transform your real-life friends into PH users so they can show you some support.