BetaList vs. Product Hunt: Which is Better for Pre-Revenue Startups?
BetaList is best for "Idea Stage" startups needing email signups (waitlists). Product Hunt is for "Live Products" needing immediate users. Don't launch on PH without a working product.
What is Pre-Revenue Launch?
Pre-Revenue Launch is A launch strategy focused on validating a problem and collecting emails before a product is fully polished or monetized.
The 3 Core Benefits
BetaList = 300+ Emails
BetaList is specifically for collecting emails. It consistently delivers 100-300 signups for decent landing pages before a single line of code is written.
Product Hunt = Traffic Spike
Product Hunt delivers volume (1k-10k visitors), but they expect a working product. Launching a "waitlist" there often leads to low upvotes.
The Mesh Advantage
While BetaList and PH are one-time events, integrating Mesh turns that temporary traffic into a permanent growth loop by cross-promoting with other founders.
How to Sequence Your Dual Launch Strategy
Month 1: BetaList (The Tease)
Submit to BetaList 4 weeks before your MVP is ready. Focus on the "Concept" and "Problem." Goal: 300 highly interested email subscribers.
Month 2: The Mesh Warmup
Install the Mesh widget on your "Thank You" page. When users sign up, they see other cool startups, and you earn credits to get featured on their sites.
Month 3: Product Hunt (The Event)
Once your product is stable, use your BetaList email list to "warm up" your Product Hunt launch. Ask them for feedback/support on launch day.
Create Exclusivity
Tag BetaList users as "Founding Members." Give Product Hunt users a specific "Launch Day" discount code to track conversion sources.
Post-Launch Retention
Redirect your fading Product Hunt traffic back into the Mesh network. This ensures you keep growing even after your post drops off the homepage.
The Siloed Way vs. The Networked Way
| Feature | The Siloed Way | The Networked Way |
|---|---|---|
| Audience Type | Tourists (One-time visitors) | Founders (Reciprocal Partners) |
| Timing | Single Day Spike | Continuous Compounding |
| Cost | $129+ for BetaList Skip | 0$ (Earn credits by helping) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I launch on both platforms?
Yes! We recommend BetaList first (for waitlist) -> Then Mesh (for networking) -> Then Product Hunt (for public release).
Does BetaList accept free products?
Yes, BetaList prefers free or freemium products. They rarely accept paid-only enterprise tools without a free trial.
Do I need a finished product for BetaList?
No. You just need a high-quality landing page that clearly explains the value proposition.
What makes a launch channel high intent?
High-intent channels have users actively searching for solutions, not just browsing a feed.
How many channels should I launch on?
Start with 3-5 strong channels, measure conversions, then expand to 10-12 over time.
How do I avoid launch fatigue?
Stagger your launches and reuse assets so each channel gets a focused push.
What should I measure after launch?
Track qualified signups, backlinks, and demo requests, not just raw traffic.
How does Mesh of Growth fit with other platforms?
Use Mesh for compounding reviews and backlinks while other platforms provide short-term spikes.
Ready to get instant traffic from trusted founders?
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