Strategies: Product Launch

Guides product launch execution—channels, timeline, checklist, and cross-functional coordination. Use this skill when planning the launch of a new product or major feature. For GTM strategy (PLG/SLG/MLG, 90-day framework, ICP, new market entry, repositioning), see gtm-strategy. For cold start (first users, no product yet), see cold-start-strategy.

When invoking: On first use, if helpful, open with 1–2 sentences on what this skill covers and why it matters, then provide the main output. On subsequent use or when the user asks to skip, go directly to the main output.

Initial Assessment

Check for project context first: If .claude/project-context.md or .cursor/project-context.md exists, read full file.

Identify:

1. Launch type: New product, major feature, market expansion
2. GTM mode: Sales-led, product-led, marketing-led, hybrid (from gtm-strategy)
3. Channels: PR, paid, organic, email, events

Launch Checklist

• [ ] GTM strategy defined (see gtm-strategy)
• [ ] PMF validated (see pmf-strategy)
• [ ] Target market and ICP clear
• [ ] Messaging consistent across teams
• [ ] Channel mix chosen (PR, paid, organic, email)
• [ ] Timeline and milestones set
• [ ] Cross-functional owners assigned (RACI)

Channel Mix

| Channel | Use | Skills | |---------|-----|--------| | PR | Press release, media relations | public-relations | | Paid ads | Scale acquisition post-PMF | paid-ads-strategy | | Organic | SEO, content, community | seo-strategy, content-marketing | | Email | Announcement to existing users | email-marketing | | Product Hunt / Directories | Launch-day buzz; early adopters | cold-start-strategy, directory-submission |

Critical Success Factors

| Factor | Guideline | |--------|-----------| | PMF first | Validate product-market fit before scaling; see pmf-strategy | | GTM alignment | One clear story; all teams use same messaging; see gtm-strategy | | Avoid rush | Most failures = scale before PMF |

Output Format

• Launch plan (timeline, channels, owners)
• Channel actions (PR, paid, organic, email)
• Checklist (pre-launch, launch, post-launch)
• Cross-ref to gtm-strategy for framework

Related Skills

• gtm-strategy: GTM framework; modes, 90-day, ICP, new market, repositioning; product launch implements GTM for new product
• pmf-strategy: Validate PMF before scaling
• cold-start-strategy: First users; Product Hunt; differs from full GTM launch
• indie-hacker-strategy: Indie hacker launch; Build in Public; first 100 users
• public-relations: Press release; media relations for launch
• paid-ads-strategy: Paid channel for launch
• website-structure: Pages needed for launch