Launch day brings a spike; the next 30 days decide whether it turns into a product. In week one, talk to every new user and fix what they hit. In weeks two and three, list in directories and communities and publish what you learned. In week four, look at what brought users who stayed and do more of it.
Week 1: follow up and fix
- Email every new signup personally. Ask what they hoped the product would do.
- Watch where people drop off: signup, setup or first use. Fix the biggest leak first.
- Reply to every comment from launch day, even late ones.
- Thank the people who shared your launch.
Weeks 2–3: spread out
- Submit to the directories that fit you, a few a day. Our where to launch list has how-tos for each.
- Post one honest recap: numbers, what worked and what didn't. Recaps often outperform the launch post.
- Add your launch badges to your site; they're proof for new visitors, and some are backlinks.
- Ask your happiest users for a one-line testimonial with their name.
Week 4: measure and decide
Look at which sources brought users who came back, not just visitors. One good source beats five weak ones. Double down there, and plan the next push: a bigger launch on Product Hunt or Show HN, or a relaunch after a major update.
Build traffic that doesn't stop
Launches are spikes. Steady traffic comes from search and from pages that keep existing: directory listings, comparison and alternatives pages, guides on your own site, and mentions in the places AI assistants read. If your site isn't in Google yet, see why a new website doesn't show up and how to get recommended by ChatGPT.
Keep a permanent page after launch day
IndieLaunch launches stay live as indexed product pages, so they keep sending visitors long after the spike.
Frequently asked questions
- Why did my traffic drop after launch day?
- That's normal: launch traffic is a spike by design. What matters is how many users stayed and which sources keep sending visitors. Build on those.
- How soon can I launch again?
- Most platforms allow a new launch after a significant update. Space launches out and make each one about something genuinely new. Check each platform's rules.
- Should I keep submitting to directories after launch?
- Yes. Directory listings are long-lived, and spreading them over a few weeks lets you write a good listing for each one instead of rushing.