Question 1

When should I start planning a launch?

Accepted Answer

Earlier than most teams do. A launch is a process, not a day — the day concentrates attention you built beforehand and converts it afterward. Plan from at least T-30, because the pre-launch stretch is where launches are won or lost. The readiness gate tells you whether you're ready to set a date or still building.

Question 2

How does the auto-scheduling work?

Accepted Answer

Each task carries an offset in days relative to launch. Its due date is your launch date plus that offset, so setting one date schedules all 40 tasks and changing it reschedules the whole plan. You can adjust any offset to reshape the timeline.

Question 3

Does the Launch Plan Checklist work in Google Sheets?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It's an Excel workbook (.xlsx) that opens in Google Sheets via File → Import, with the auto-scheduling, overdue flags, completion math, go/no-go gates and dashboard verdict intact.

Question 4

Is the checklist only for Product Hunt launches?

Accepted Answer

No. The worked example centers on Product Hunt, but the checklist covers any product or major-feature launch. Mark tasks that don't apply as N/A and they drop out of the math, and stretch the offsets into a rolling ramp for a soft launch.

The Launch Plan Checklist

What this resource helps you do