Launch Playbook
Discovery Platforms
Part of Launch Day Strategy - detailed guidance for this specific area.
Discovery Platforms
Beyond Product Hunt, there are hundreds of platforms where you can submit your app to reach different audiences. A systematic approach to these platforms can significantly amplify your launch reach.
Platform Categories
💎 High-Impact Platforms
- • Product Hunt
- • Hacker News
- • TechCrunch
- • AngelList
- • Betalist
🎯 Niche Communities
- • Indie Hackers
- • Designer News
- • Reddit communities
- • Dev.to
- • GitHub
📱 App Stores
- • Apple App Store
- • Google Play Store
- • Chrome Web Store
- • Microsoft Store
- • Mac App Store
Submission Strategy
Prioritize quality over quantity
Focus on platforms where your target audience is most active
Customize submissions for each platform
Tailor your messaging, visuals, and approach to each community
Time submissions strategically
Spread submissions over several days to maintain momentum
Engage authentically with communities
Build relationships before submitting, participate in discussions
Top 20 Discovery Platforms
Tier 1: High Impact
Tier 2: Targeted Reach
Reddit Strategy
Reddit communities are sensitive to self-promotion. Build genuine relationships and provide value before sharing your product.
Relevant Subreddits
- • r/startups (2.1M members)
- • r/entrepreneur (2.9M)
- • r/SideProject (450K)
- • r/IMadeThis (350K)
- • Industry-specific subs
Best Practices
- • Read and follow subreddit rules
- • Share your story, not just product
- • Be transparent about being creator
- • Respond to all comments quickly
- • Provide value, ask for feedback
App Launcher's Submissions Dashboard
Use App Launcher's Submissions Dashboard to manage your discovery platform campaigns:
Our platform provides ready-to-use submission templates and tracks which platforms give the best ROI for apps like yours.
Submission Timeline Strategy
Pre-Launch Setup
Create accounts, join communities, prepare assets and copy
Primary Launch
Product Hunt, Hacker News, and your top 3-5 platforms
Secondary Wave
Niche communities, Reddit, industry-specific platforms
Extended Reach
Smaller platforms, directories, app stores, newsletters
Success Metrics to Track
Traffic Metrics
- • Referral traffic by platform
- • Time spent on site
- • Bounce rate by source
- • Pages per session
Engagement Metrics
- • Signups per platform
- • Conversion rates
- • Comments and feedback
- • Social shares
Platform ROI
- • Time invested vs results
- • Quality of leads
- • Long-term user retention
- • Platform-specific LTV