# Startup Launch Day Playbook — Hour-by-Hour Checklist

Your launch day is ONE shot. This playbook gives you an hour-by-hour execution plan so nothing falls through the cracks. From T-minus-12-hours prep to the 72-hour post-launch sprint.

## The Timeline

### T-12h: Final Checks
- [ ] All servers load-tested and stable
- [ ] Payment processing verified (test transactions)
- [ ] All links working (landing page, docs, social)
- [ ] Copy proofread by 2+ people
- [ ] Analytics/tracking confirmed firing
- [ ] Team roles assigned with backup contacts

### Hour 0: Coordinated Channel Activation
| Channel | Action | Owner |
|---------|--------|-------|
| Product Hunt | Go live at 12:01 AM PST | Founder |
| Twitter/X | Launch thread (10+ tweets) | Marketing |
| Email list | Launch announcement | Growth |
| Discord/Slack | Community ping | Community |
| Hacker News | Show HN post | CTO |

### Hours 1-6: Real-Time Monitoring
- Monitor PH ranking every 30 minutes
- Respond to every comment within 15 minutes
- Watch for server load spikes
- Track sign-up velocity
- Engage in Twitter conversations

### Hours 6-24: Second-Wave Amplification
- Activate KOL/influencer posts (staggered)
- Cross-post to LinkedIn, Reddit
- Send "we're live" to press contacts
- Share early metrics/milestones publicly

### 72-Hour Post-Launch Sprint
- Day 2: Share user testimonials and early wins
- Day 3: Publish "behind the launch" content
- Follow up with every sign-up who hasn't activated
- Continue community engagement

## Crisis Management
| Scenario | Response | Timeframe |
|----------|----------|-----------|
| Site goes down | Switch to status page, communicate on social | < 5 min |
| Negative HN comments | Engage thoughtfully, don't be defensive | < 15 min |
| Competitor attack | Ignore unless factually wrong, then correct once | As needed |
| Payment issues | Fix immediately, offer manual onboarding | < 30 min |

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