4 silly Product Hunt launching mistakes that may cost you a top position

1) Not linking your launch page
Often people share the link to the Product Hunt home and ask to "find our tool and support". No one will search for your tool. Even if some want to upvote, they will most possibly forget the name of your product. Just share the direct link to your launch page. It is fine and most possibly does not affect the ranking algorithms.

2) Asking for upvotes
You should never ask to "upvote" directly. It is a manipulation. Manipulations are forbidden.
You can ask to "support" or "check out". People will upvote it if they like.
Even in private emails never ask to upvote directly. Someone may send the screenshot of the email to the staff and you will end up delisted.

3) Paying to a hunter with X followers
A hunter's followers won't play a significant role. Their followers will not get a email notification. You'd better to hunt it yourself and spend extra time on polishing your product rather than negotiating with a famous hunter.
A powerful hunter may play big role ONLY if they genuinely like your product. They will then share the launch on their socials and bring new upvotes.

4) Not engaging in comments
People may check your launch and see that you do no care. Or you asked your manager to reply. It is boring. Makes people close the tab and leave. Do some work and engage.