StackdropFree guide
The AI Launch Checklist
35 practical steps to launch your AI app: get ready, submit to the right directories, run launch day and keep momentum.
Pre-launch
Get the basics right before anyone sees it. Most launches fail on things that take an hour to fix.
Write a one-sentence pitch
Who it's for and what it does, in under 15 words. Use it everywhere: hero, meta description, directory listings.
Use a custom domain with HTTPS
A real domain builds trust and keeps your links stable. Make sure www and the bare domain both resolve.
Set titles, descriptions and a share image
Every page needs a unique title and description, plus a 1200x630 Open Graph image so links look good on X, LinkedIn and Slack.
Add a favicon and app icons
A missing favicon is the fastest way to look unfinished in browser tabs and directory listings.
Test signup, login and password reset end to end
Use a fresh email address on desktop and mobile. Check that confirmation emails arrive and don't land in spam.
Test payments in live mode with a real card
Run one real purchase and refund it. Confirm receipts, webhooks and access changes all work.
Add analytics and error tracking
You need to see where visitors come from and what breaks. A privacy-friendly analytics tool plus error monitoring is enough.
Publish privacy policy and terms
Required for payments providers and app stores, and expected by most directories.
Record a 30–60 second demo
A short GIF or video of the core flow converts better than any amount of copy. Reuse it on every launch site.
Prepare launch assets in one doc
Logo (square PNG), 3–5 screenshots, tagline, short and long descriptions, pricing summary and founder bio — ready to paste.
Directories to submit to
Submit in the weeks around launch. Each listing is a backlink and a steady trickle of early users.
Schedule a launch for 12:01am PT. Prepare a first comment explaining why you built it.
Post as 'Show HN: …' with a plain description and a link people can try without signing up if possible. Stay in the thread to answer questions.
Good for pre-launch and early-stage startups collecting first users.
Add your product and share a build or launch story in the community.
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