How to Get Your App or Product Featured and Seen at Launch

A feature on a list, a newsletter or a product board puts your app in front of people who did not know it existed. It also tells new visitors that someone else thought it was worth sharing. You can improve your chances with preparation, and you can do most of it for free.

Get your page ready first

A feature sends people to your page, so it has to be ready. It needs a clear headline, a short description, good screenshots, a way to try it and a simple way to contact you. Check that it works on a phone, that it loads quickly and that sign-up works. How to Test Your App Before Launch Like a Real Customer Would gives a checklist.

Know what editors look for

People who choose what to feature want something useful for their audience. They look for a clear problem, a good fit with their readers, a working product and an interesting story. Make these easy to see. If an editor has to dig for what your product does, they will move on.

Choose where to ask

List the places that feature products like yours: newsletters, blogs, directories, boards and communities. Pick ones whose readers match your user. A small, relevant outlet is better than a large, unrelated one. Read a few past features so you know what they like.

Write a short pitch

A good pitch is four sentences: what the product is, who it is for, why it is interesting now and where to see it. Add a link and a screenshot. Do not send a long message or attach big files. Address each person by name and say why you chose them. Offer something they can use, such as a quote, a short demo or a small exclusive.

Use a board with featured spots

Some boards give you a free listing and offer larger placements if you want more visibility. Read exactly what each placement includes, how long it lasts and where it appears. Pay only when the audience matches your user and you can afford it, since no placement guarantees results.

Time your launch

Pick a day when you can respond to people for several hours. Tell your network ahead of time. If you can line up a few friendly early users to try the app and leave feedback on launch day, the first impression is better. Avoid days when your audience is likely to be away.

Make the most of any feature

When you are featured, thank the person and share it. Add it to your page as a short mention. Watch where visits come from so you know what the feature did, using tagged links as described in How to Track Campaign Links. Reply to every comment.

After the launch

Keep going. Visibility builds over time as you list in more places, collect user stories and improve the product. How to Get Your First Users for a New App You Just Launched covers what to do in the first weeks.

Common mistakes

Pitching before the product works. Sending the same message to everyone. Paying for placement without knowing the audience. Disappearing after launch day.

Where to list and get featured

On PLTFORM, listing is free, and the Featured plan ($237 a year) and Spotlight plan ($467 a year) give your app a bigger spot on the board. See the PLTFORM Promotion Board