How to post a Show HN that people try
Show HN can bring thousands of technical visitors in a day, or nothing. Most of the difference is whether you followed the rules and made it easy to try.
The rules
- It has to be something people can try. "Show HN is for something you've made that other people can play with" (Hacker News).
- You made it, and you're around. It should be something you've worked on personally and are there to discuss (Hacker News).
- Not reading material. Blog posts, sign-up pages, newsletters, lists, landing pages and fundraisers are off topic (Hacker News).
- Early is fine. "The community is comfortable with work that's at an early stage" (Hacker News).
- No vote asking. Don't ask people to upvote or comment (Hacker News).
Make it easy to try
Hacker News suggests letting people try it "ideally without barriers such as signups or emails" (Hacker News). A demo account, a playground, or a free first use all help.
Write the post
- Title: "Show HN:" plus what it does, plainly. No superlatives.
- First comment: what it is, why you built it, how it works technically, and what you'd like feedback on.
- Be there: answer questions, especially critical ones, openly.
A note on video
HN readers prefer trying to watching, so lead with the live product. A short video still helps in the comments or on your page for people who want the gist first. Teasr makes one from your site in under 10 minutes, from €39.
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