Our product is #1 on Product Hunt today -- here's how

Early this morning I launched a new project with @NontechAna and @pbteja1998

What we built.

Our project is Wizen Guides and it's a blog of how-to articles for startup struggles like building an email list, starting a communities, and yes, launching on product hunt.

We're currently holding on to the number 1 spot and the competition is fierce.

Here's a breakdown of our entire launch marketing plan.

First of all, we had some cheat codes. i.e. unfair advantages (that anyone can build over time).

1. All three of us already have an audience >1,000 on Twitter.

Anyone can do this by being active and engaging on that platform. Too much has been written about Twitter on IH already so I'll leave it at that.

2. I run a community for indie founders.

It's called Indie Worldwide and it's full of the most supportive indie founders I've ever met. Huge unfair advantage goes to anyone who's a member there and doubly so to me as the "founder".

3. We've made a lot of friends over the years.

Just be nice to people over time, give long before you ask, and you can do this too.

Let's assume you've got some unfair advantages of your own and you're ready to launch a new project. Here's what comes next:

1. Build a good project. Pour all your spare energy into it. Make it beautiful and useful.

I really hope we've accomplished this.

2. Get lots of friends involved in the building.

Gather feedback and let people contribute. Now you're not the only one invested in your own success.

3. Launch before you launch.

PH shouldn't be the first time the world hear's about you. Post on Twitter, in your private communities, and on Indie Hackers. DM people and sell them one on one. Build up an email list as big as you can.

4. Launch!

Specifically, launch just after midnight in San Francisco.

5. Shill!

Like your life depends on it. Get as many upvotes as you can in the first hour (just don't ask for them explicitly). Comments are even better than upvotes, and your ranking at the end of hour one is the biggest factor in your ranking at the end of hour twenty four.

6. Nap!

At some point there's nothing left to do. You've DM'd every friend, you've sent every email, you've answered every comment. What will be will be and in the end a Product Hunt launch is just another step in your journey. Whatever your "rank" was always remember that the real goal is the friends you made along the way is fat stacks of cash. LET'S GO!