'Most founders don't understand it' - one of Product Hunt's top Hunters
As a Product Hunt Hunter and growth advisor to startups of all sizes, Rohan Chaubey has mastered the art of spotting potential hits. His keen eye has led to hunting 200+ products, many of which became Product of the Day, Week, or Month.
In this exclusive interview, Rohan shares his wisdom on what makes a product stand out in the crowded digital marketplace. Founders, get ready to learn from the best and boost your chances of breaking the internet with your next launch.
What can companies get out of Product Hunt?
Product Hunt is not just a launch platform; it's a powerful tool for building in public. "It's a great start and can be the core of all other launch activities." While it's one of many launch platforms, Product Hunt offers unique benefits:
- Gain visibility
- Generate feedback
- Showcase distribution prowess
Rohan emphasizes, "Founders can prove they have what it takes to excel at distribution, and that's a valuable skill. As a VC scout, this proves to me that the founder is capable. It's a great signal"
What should be the goals of the company?
When launching on Product Hunt, companies should focus on three key goals in a specific order:
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Get featured on the homepage. Rohan warns, "If you don't make it to the homepage, your chances of reaching the top 10 are slim to none." There are specific guidelines on how to make that happen, some of which are shared here.
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Aim for the top 10. "Landing in the top 10 from Monday to Thursday means you'll be featured in the PH newsletter for the next day," Rohan explains. "If you can make it to the top 10 on weekends (Friday to Sunday), you will be featured on Monday's weekend newsletter."
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Top 5 — Product of the Day. It's the ultimate recognition to earn on your launch day.
But the benefits don't stop there. Rohan advises companies to capture emails and registrations during their launch. "These can be invaluable for future campaigns as your company grows and expands," he says.
How did he get started?
Rohan's journey to becoming a top hunter was a natural progression. "I was just a fan of Product Hunt for years," he shares. "Then, people started asking me to hunt their products."
His passion for the platform, combined with his experience in building communities over the past two years, has propelled him to the top of the hunting game. At his core, Rohan just loves new tech products.
How does he work with companies?
Rohan's involvement with companies is threefold:
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He hunts products. For free. It's his way of giving back to the community and helping promising startups gain exposure.
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He maintains a vibrant community of Product Hunt members. Inside, you'll find actual Product Hunt engineers, community members and founders. This community doesn't just talk; it acts. They provide direct feedback to the platform, shaping its future.
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He provides advice on growth strategies post-launch. "I love helping companies navigate the platform and maximize their success," Rohan says with a smile. "It's not just about the launch; it's about making the most of it after."
Rohan is also a VC Scout. Some of his top hunts receive investors' attention based on his recommendations.
How do you get the interest of someone like him?
Top hunters get hundreds of messages per day from founders and their team. Want to catch the attention of someone like Rohan? Here's his advice:
"Reach out with context. Don't just pitch your product; connect it to the interests of the person you're contacting. A little personalization goes a long way. If you know I'm passionate about a specific topic, show me how your product relates to that."
It's about building a genuine connection, not just seeking a quick win.
How to maximise your chances for a successful launch?
Rohan emphasizes that success on Product Hunt starts long before your launch day. "Preparation is key," he says. "It's like planting seeds for a garden you want to bloom."
Here's how to build presence and a waitlist:
- Tease your product: Share sneak peeks on Product Hunt's "Upcoming" section. This builds buzz and curiosity.
- Engage early: Join discussions on related products. Be helpful, not promotional. This builds your reputation.
- Build a waitlist: Use Product Hunt's tools to gather interested users. "A strong waitlist can explode your launch day," Rohan notes.
- Connect with hunters: Reach out to top hunters in your niche.
What are the common mistakes founders make?
Rohan leans forward, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he shares his wisdom on avoiding common Product Hunt mistakes. "The biggest trap," he begins, "is seeing Product Hunt as the finish line. It's just the starting gun!"
He paints a picture of a successful launch strategy:
"Imagine your Product Hunt debut as the center of a web. From there, you should spin threads to every corner of your online presence. Plan how you'll leverage your Product Hunt momentum on Twitter, LinkedIn, even TikTok if that's where your audience lives. Then, fire up that email marketing engine. We're living in a golden age of distribution channels - use them all!"
But Rohan's advice doesn't stop at self-promotion. He shares a surprising insight:
"Don't view other launches as competition. It's rare to face a direct rival on the same day. Instead, I tell founders to support other launches. Engage, upvote, leave thoughtful comments. It's about building a rising tide that lifts all boats."
His final piece of advice touches on community building. "Your community is your secret weapon," Rohan says with a knowing smile. "Nurture it like a garden. Respond to every comment, address concerns, celebrate wins together. A thriving community doesn't just support your product - it becomes your most powerful marketing force."
Find Rohan Chaubey on Product Hunt here!
If any of this helps you out, I'd be appreciate if you could support our launch today. Every bit of support means the world when you're going it alone.