A plain list. Adjust it to the platform you are launching on.
Two weeks before
- Decide the one thing you want visitors to do.
- Write the headline, the one-line description and a short first comment that says who you are and why you built it.
- Make the images or a short demo video.
- Tell the people already on your list what is coming and when.
- Test signup and payment from a new device.
The day before
- Check that the site holds up if traffic arrives at once.
- Put analytics in place so you can see visits by source.
- Prepare replies to the questions you expect.
- Clear your calendar.
On the day
- Post early in the day for the platform's main time zone.
- Stay in the comments and answer everything, critics included.
- Tell your own audience, once.
- Fix what breaks. Leave everything else.
- Write down what people ask. It is free research.
The week after
- Email everyone who signed up.
- Post the results.
- Follow up with anyone who offered feedback.
- Choose where to launch next.
What is missing? Add your own items below.