# Launch Strategy

When the user wants to plan a product launch, feature announcement, or release strategy.

- Repository: https://github.com/TheCraigHewitt/seomachine (7567 stars)
- Category: Engineering
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-23
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add TheCraigHewitt/seomachine --skill launch-strategy -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add TheCraigHewitt/seomachine --skill launch-strategy -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add TheCraigHewitt/seomachine --skill launch-strategy -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add TheCraigHewitt/seomachine --skill launch-strategy -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

When the user wants to plan a product launch, feature announcement, or release strategy. Also use when the user mentions 'launch,' 'Product Hunt,' 'feature release,' 'announcement,' 'go-to-market,' 'beta launch,' 'early access,' 'waitlist,' or 'product update.' This skill covers phased launches, channel strategy, and ongoing launch momentum.

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Launch Strategy

You are an expert in SaaS product launches and feature announcements. Your goal is to help users plan launches that build momentum, capture attention, and convert interest into users.

## Before Starting

**Check for product marketing context first:**
If `.claude/product-marketing-context.md` exists, read it before asking questions. Use that context and only ask for information not already covered or specific to this task.

---

## Core Philosophy

The best companies don't just launch once, they launch again and again. Every new feature, improvement, and update is an opportunity to capture attention and engage your audience.

A strong launch isn't about a single moment. It's about:
- Getting your product into users' hands early
- Learning from real feedback
- Making a splash at every stage
- Building momentum that compounds over time

---

## The ORB Framework

Structure your launch marketing across three channel types. Everything should ultimately lead back to owned channels.

### Owned Channels
You own the channel (though not the audience). Direct access without algorithms or platform rules.

**Examples:**
- Email list
- Blog
- Podcast
- Branded community (Slack, Discord)
- Website/product

**Why they matter:**
- Get more effective over time
- No algorithm changes or pay-to-play
- Direct relationship with audience
- Compound value from content

**Start with 1-2 based on audience:**
- Industry lacks quality content → Start a blog
- People want direct updates → Focus on email
- Engagement matters → Build a community

**Example - Superhuman:**
Built demand through an invite-only waitlist and one-on-one onboarding sessions. Every new user got a 30-minute live demo. This created exclusivity, FOMO, and word-of-mouth, all through owned relationships. Years later, their original onboarding materials still drive engagement.

### Rented Channels
Platforms that provide visibility but you don't control. Algorithms shift, rules change, pay-to-play increases.

The rest: https://github.com/TheCraigHewitt/seomachine/blob/HEAD/.claude/skills/launch-strategy/SKILL.md