My 48-Hour Pre-Launch Checklist

My 'Zero-to-Launch' Checklist: What I Actually Do in the 48 Hours Before Releasing a New MVP

I still remember the night before launching my first real MVP. I was a mess.

My heart was pounding, my palms were sweating, and I had this recurring nightmare where I’d forgotten to include the actual "buy now" button. It was pure, unadulterated panic.

Even though I'd built something, the idea of putting it out there felt like stepping off a cliff. This feeling hasn't entirely disappeared, even after releasing dozens of products. The final 48 hours before an MVP launch are always a wild mix of excitement and sheer terror.

The problem is, most "launch checklists" you find online are either too generic or focus on things you should have done weeks ago. They don't capture the messy, real-world chaos of a solo founder trying to get one more thing done before the big reveal.

So, I want to share what I actually do in those crucial 48 hours. It’s my personal, slightly chaotic, "48-Hour Pre-Launch Shield" - designed to prevent those last-minute meltdowns and ensure a smoother, less frantic launch.

The '48-Hour Pre-Launch Shield'

This isn't about perfection; it's about preparedness. It’s about ticking off the absolute essentials that can derail your launch if you miss them.

Phase 1: The Final Polish & Sanity Check (T-48 to T-24)

This is where I try to nail down the last few critical pieces.

1. One Last User Test (with a friend): I get a non-technical friend to use the MVP with fresh eyes.

I don't guide them. I just watch and listen.

This often reveals usability issues I've become blind to.

2. Bug Squashing Blitz: Armed with feedback from the user test (and any lingering bugs I know about), I dedicate a solid chunk of time to fixing the most critical issues. I'm not aiming for perfection, just blocking any show-stoppers.

3. Onboarding Flow Check: Is the first-time user experience clear?

Does it guide them to the "aha!" moment? I re-walk through the onboarding myself, imagining I know nothing.

4. Payment Gateway Sanity Check: This is crucial.

I do a test transaction. Does it go through?

Is the confirmation email sent? For my latest project, this involved ensuring Stripe was correctly configured.

Phase 2: Prepping the Launch Pad (T-24 to T-0)

Now, it's about getting ready for the world to see.

5. Schedule Day 0 Content: My "Day 0" content is what I post right as the product goes live.

This usually includes a quick announcement on X (Twitter) and maybe a short TikTok video showcasing the core problem/solution. I write and schedule these in advance.

6. Finalize Landing Page Copy: I give the landing page one last read-through.

Is it clear? Does it speak to the target user's pain points?

Is the call to action obvious?

7. Legal Basics Check: This is often overlooked by solo founders.

I make sure I've a basic Privacy Policy and Terms of Service linked. I use templates for this, but having them is better than nothing.

8. Set Up Analytics (if not already done): Ensure Google Analytics or a similar tool is tracking basic usage. I focus on key events, not vanity metrics.

9. Prepare "Thank You" / Welcome Emails: What happens after someone signs up or buys? I make sure that automated email is ready to go, welcoming them and setting expectations.

10. Mental Prep & Deep Breath: This is as important as any technical step.

I try to step away from the computer for a few hours. Go for a walk, listen to music, do something to clear my head.

It's a lot, I know. And it's not always done in this exact order.

Sometimes a critical bug pops up at T-12 and throws everything off. But having this framework helps me prioritize and avoid that paralyzing fear of the unknown.

Your Takeaway

The final 48 hours are about moving from "building" to "sharing." Focus on the essentials that prevent immediate failure: usability, payment, clarity, and a bit of mental readiness.

Don't aim for a perfect product. Aim for a launched product. You can iterate and improve based on real user feedback.

What's on your pre-launch checklist? I'd love to hear what works for you in the comments below!