GlossaryLaunching
What is a maker comment on a launch?
Also called: first comment, maker's first comment, launch comment
Definition
A maker comment is the first comment a founder posts on their own launch page, explaining why they built the product, who it's for and what feedback they want. It sets the tone for the whole discussion.
Maker comment (first comment), explained
On Product Hunt and most platforms modeled on it, the maker's first comment appears right under the product gallery, so it's one of the most visible pieces of text on the page. Product Hunt's launch preparation guide strongly recommends writing one and says that 70% of products that achieved Product of the Day, Week or Month included a first comment by the maker. You can write it when you submit, so it's live the moment the launch is.
A good maker comment is personal and specific. It tells the short story: the problem you had, why existing options didn't work, what you built, and who it's for. It highlights two or three things that are genuinely different. It's honest about what's early or missing. And it ends with a real question, such as feedback on onboarding or which integration to build next, rather than an ask for votes.
Keep it readable: short paragraphs, maybe a few bullet points, no wall of marketing copy. Mention any launch offer plainly. Tag co-founders so they're visible as makers.
Write it in advance. Launch day is busy, and comments written in a rush at 12:01 a.m. read that way.
The same idea applies beyond Product Hunt. On Show HN, the first comment often explains technical choices. On community launches, it's where you say who you are. On LaunchRanked, your product page's description and the discussion serve the same role, and they stay up long after launch week.
Why it matters for founders
The maker comment is the part of a launch page that shows there's a person behind the product. It shapes the questions people ask and the feedback you get.
Example
"I spent two years exporting CSVs to build client reports by hand. This tool connects to the three platforms we used and builds the report in one click. It's early: PDF export is rough. What report would you want next?"
Common mistakes
- Pasting the landing page copy as the comment.
- Asking for upvotes instead of feedback.
- Writing it at the last minute on launch day.
Sources
Checked
Related terms
- MakerA maker is a person who built the product being launched, such as a founder, developer or designer, and is listed as such on a launch platform. A hunter is whoever submits the launch, who may not be a maker.
- UpvoteAn upvote is a vote of support for a launch on a platform like Product Hunt. Upvotes largely decide where a launch sits on the leaderboard for its day or week.
- Launch assetsLaunch assets are the materials you prepare before launching: product name, tagline, short and long descriptions, logo, screenshots or gallery images, a demo video, and links. Every platform and directory asks for some version of them.
- Launch dayLaunch day is the day a product or release goes live publicly on a launch platform or to an audience. It's mostly about being present: answering comments, fixing issues quickly and telling your own people.