Pre-Launch Preparation SOP (T-4 to T-1 Weeks)
March 5, 2026 ยท View on GitHub
1. Strategic Planning (T-4 Weeks)
Core Questions to Answer
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Who are your users? | Define target developer persona, analyze tech stack and pain points |
| What problem do you solve? | One clear sentence describing the key problem |
| What value do you provide? | Extract unique advantages: efficiency, cost, innovation |
| Why should users choose you? | Establish competitive advantages vs closed-source alternatives |
| Is the product ready for word-of-mouth? | Assess if core features are stable enough for organic growth |
Business Model Clarity
- Purpose of open source: Influence? Commercialization? Hiring? Fundraising?
- Business model: To Enterprise + To Developer hybrid, API/SDK/Self-host pricing
- Resource assessment: How much can be invested in maintenance and community?
Value Proposition
Method: Compare Top 3 competitor websites side by side, learn their tagline approach, then define your own compelling value proposition.
Example: AppFlowy.IO: "The Open Source Alternative To Notion"
2. Core Asset Preparation (T-3 Weeks)
GitHub Readme
- Top: Tagline + Landing Page link
- Core: Clear description, Quick Start, deployment tutorial, docs
- Community: Contributor guide, Discord/Telegram links
- Ecosystem: Partner links, cross-promotion with other projects
Landing Page
- Show core Tagline within 3 seconds
- Cross-link with GitHub Readme
- Clear navigation: GitHub, docs, community entrances
PR Article
- Story-driven, suitable for secondary distribution
- Include core features, use cases, technical highlights
- Must include website and GitHub links
- Publish on Medium as the base blueprint
Developer Documentation
- Clear API/SDK documentation
- Detailed installation, configuration, deployment guides
- FAQ list
Content Package
- Logo (multiple sizes and colors)
- Screenshots, GIFs, or short video demos
- Brand color palette and typography
- Templates for KOLs, media, and community
3. Channel Preparation (T-2 Weeks)
| Channel | Preparation |
|---|---|
| KOL/Influencer | Contact and get quotes, confirm list and schedule |
| Identify target Subreddits, prepare high-karma accounts | |
| Content Platforms | Prepare Medium, Dev.to, HN, V2EX accounts |
| Groups | Organize Telegram, Discord, LinkedIn group lists |
| Open Source Platforms | Prepare DevHunt, GitHub Topic submissions |
| Paid Channels | Research paid newsletters, get pricing |
4. Team & Budget (T-1 Week)
- Clear assignments: Create hourly, by-channel to-do list
- Budget approval: Based on KOL quotes and paid channel costs
- Communication: Set up real-time channels (WeChat, Slack)
5. Launch Sprint (T-3 Days)
Final Copy Confirmation
- Twitter: All KOL content and official launch thread
- Reddit: Posts for 5+ Subreddits
- Medium: Final PR article
- DM/Comment: Templates for Twitter/LinkedIn automation
KOL Final Communication
- Confirm exact timing (to the hour)
- Send final Content Package
AI Automation Setup
- Phantombuster: Twitter auto-comment workflows
- LinkedIn DM: Automated outreach
- Target user lists ready
Team Mobilization
- Sync final hourly execution plan
- Everyone clear on responsibilities