Startup Launch Checklist: 50 Essential Steps

Launching a startup is chaotic. This checklist ensures you don't miss critical steps. Save it, check items off, and launch with confidence.

Pre-Launch: Product (Steps 1-15)

MVP Readiness

• [ ] 1. Core feature works reliably


• [ ] 2. User can complete main job-to-be-done


• [ ] 3. Basic error handling in place


• [ ] 4. Loading states for async operations


• [ ] 5. Mobile responsive (or native app ready)

User Experience

• [ ] 6. Onboarding flow tested with real users


• [ ] 7. Empty states designed (first-time user experience)


• [ ] 8. Success/error messages are helpful


• [ ] 9. Navigation is intuitive


• [ ] 10. Accessibility basics (alt text, keyboard nav)

Technical Foundation

• [ ] 11. SSL certificate installed


• [ ] 12. Custom domain configured


• [ ] 13. Error monitoring (Sentry, LogRocket)


• [ ] 14. Basic analytics (Plausible, GA4)


• [ ] 15. Database backups automated

Pre-Launch: Business (Steps 16-25)

Legal & Compliance

• [ ] 16. Privacy policy published


• [ ] 17. Terms of service published


• [ ] 18. Cookie consent if needed (GDPR)


• [ ] 19. Company entity formed (or planned)


• [ ] 20. Trademark search for name

Monetization

• [ ] 21. Pricing page live


• [ ] 22. Payment processing works (Stripe, etc.)


• [ ] 23. Subscription management functional


• [ ] 24. Invoices/receipts automated


• [ ] 25. Free trial or freemium tier defined

Fundraising (If Applicable)

• [ ] Pitch deck ready with key metrics


• [ ] Financial projections prepared


• [ ] Investor materials generated with Charlia.io


• [ ] Target investor list compiled

Pre-Launch: Marketing (Steps 26-40)

Brand Assets

• [ ] 26. Logo in multiple formats


• [ ] 27. Color palette defined


• [ ] 28. Social media handles secured


• [ ] 29. Email domain configured


• [ ] 30. Brand guidelines documented

Website Optimization

• [ ] 31. Homepage clearly explains value prop


• [ ] 32. Meta titles and descriptions optimized


• [ ] 33. Open Graph images for social sharing


• [ ] 34. Favicon set


• [ ] 35. 404 page designed

SEO Foundation

• [ ] 36. Sitemap.xml submitted to Search Console


• [ ] 37. Robots.txt configured


• [ ] 38. Core pages indexed


• [ ] 39. Submitted to Cut & Ship for backlinks


• [ ] 40. Listed in 5+ relevant directories

Launch Day (Steps 41-45)

Launch Execution

• [ ] 41. Product Hunt scheduled (if using)


• [ ] 42. Twitter/X announcement thread ready


• [ ] 43. Email list notified


• [ ] 44. Personal network messaged


• [ ] 45. Reddit/community posts prepared

Post-Launch (Steps 46-50)

Monitoring & Iteration

• [ ] 46. Monitor analytics daily for first week


• [ ] 47. Respond to all user feedback within 24h


• [ ] 48. Fix critical bugs immediately


• [ ] 49. Thank early supporters publicly


• [ ] 50. Plan Week 2 based on feedback

Launch Timeline

4 Weeks Before Launch

• Complete MVP readiness (1-15)


• Start building email list


• Submit to Cut & Ship

2 Weeks Before Launch

• Finish business setup (16-25)


• Complete brand assets (26-30)


• Begin teasing on social media

1 Week Before Launch

• Finalize marketing (31-40)


• Prepare launch day content


• Test everything one more time

Launch Day

• Execute launch (41-45)


• Be available all day


• Engage with every comment

Week After Launch

• Post-launch tasks (46-50)


• Analyze what worked


• Keep momentum going

Common Launch Mistakes

1. Launching Too Late

Perfection is the enemy of shipping. Launch when core value works.

2. No Launch Plan

"Just put it out there" doesn't work. Have a coordinated plan.

3. Ignoring Feedback

Early users are gold. Respond quickly and implement suggestions.

4. Only One Launch Platform

Diversify: Cut & Ship, Product Hunt, Reddit, Twitter.

5. Disappearing After Launch

The real work starts post-launch. Stay engaged.

Download This Checklist

Copy this checklist to Notion, Trello, or your tool of choice. Check items off as you complete them.

Ready to Launch?

You've built something. Don't let it sit. Work through this checklist and ship.

Start with visibility: Submit to Cut & Ship today.

Read also: How to Launch a SaaS in 2025 and Product Hunt Alternatives.