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?👇
Replies
TBH, the best win is to build your own brand and audience (tho not everybody has that time). I would rather go for that longer/harder pathway.
@busmark_w_nika Yep. Building an audience is the best way. But takes a lot of time.
At the end of the day, Product Hunt rewards genuine excitement. Hunter or not, that part is on you.
@awesome_amelia true!
Focus on building your product!
@awesome_amelia This is good advice!
Finden
@taylor_ashley1 Yes, the community is the leading factor for ranking. Still, I wouldn’t rule out a hunter if you’re looking for some extra credibility. But you definitely have great chances even without one, as long as you already have an audience and know how to launch.
Congrats on your success btw!
IXORD
I haven't used Hunter and I found out about them after my first launch and thought about it but I didn't end up going with them. I think the branded option is the best as Nika said.
@ixord Yes, a lot of things we only learn over time.
The brand is definitely the most solid way to launch. But it requires a lot of time, really serious time.
Scade.pro
I think for a very first launch it’s really important to have someone who can guide you through the platform. Product Hunt is not as easy for newcomers as it was even a couple of years ago.
For our two launches we didn’t work with a hunter either, but we did spend quite a lot of time consulting with people who had launched successfully, just to understand what actually matters here. Now I try to keep sharing that knowledge and following how the platform itself evolves, so I can better see how to make the most of both the presence here and the launch itself.
@nastassia_k You’re absolutely right. When you launch for the first time it can feel a bit confusing. Of course, it’s not impossible to get everything exactly right. But there are details and nuances that really take time and experience.
I agree that people who have launched successfully recently, or hunters, are the best way to gain knowledge and clarity on how to do the launch. This increases your chances of having a successful launch, which is super important given the amount of time you invest in preparation.
@nastassia_k What advice do you wish you had been given in your first couple launches?