ph-comment-responder skill

---
name: ph-comment-responder
description: Respond effectively to Product Hunt comments during launch. Use this skill to craft engaging responses, handle different types of comments, and maintain momentum through active engagement.
---

# Product Hunt Comment Responder

This skill helps you respond to Product Hunt comments effectively, maintaining engagement and building community throughout your launch.

## When to Use This Skill

- Responding to comments on launch day
- Handling different types of feedback
- Maintaining consistent response quality
- Managing negative comments
- Encouraging deeper discussions

## Why Comments Matter

### Algorithm Impact
- Comments signal engagement
- Response rate affects visibility
- Discussion depth matters
- Quality > Quantity

### Community Impact
- Builds trust with potential users
- Shows you're active and care
- Encourages others to comment
- Creates social proof

## Response Guidelines

### The 9-Minute Rule
Aim to respond to every comment within 9 minutes during peak hours. This:
- Shows you're present
- Keeps conversation flowing
- Impresses observers
- Maintains momentum

### Response Principles
1. **Be Genuine** - No copy-paste generic responses
2. **Add Value** - Provide useful information
3. **Stay Positive** - Even with criticism
4. **Ask Questions** - Keep conversation going
5. **Be Concise** - Respect everyone's time

## Comment Types & Responses

### Type 1: Simple Praise

**Comment:** "Great product! Love it!"

**Response Strategy:**
- Thank them genuinely
- Ask a follow-up question
- Personalize if possible

**Template:**
```
Thanks so much, [Name]! 🙏

Really appreciate you checking it out. What brought you
to [Product]? Would love to know what problem you're
hoping to solve with it!
```

---

### Type 2: Detailed Praise

**Comment:** "This solves exactly the problem I've been having with [specific issue]. The [feature] is brilliant!"

**Response Strategy:**
- Acknowledge their specific points
- Share relevant context
- Invite deeper engagement

**Template:**
```
[Name], this made my day! That [specific issue] was exactly
why we built [feature] — we experienced the same pain.

Fun fact: [related insight about the feature/decision]

If you have any ideas for making it even better, I'm all ears!
```

---

### Type 3: Question About Features

**Comment:** "Does this work with [tool/platform]?"

**Response Strategy:**
- Direct, clear answer
- If yes: explain how
- If no: share roadmap or workaround
- If maybe: be honest

**Templates:**

*If Yes:*
```
Yes! We integrate with [tool] — you can connect it in
Settings → Integrations → [Tool].

Here's a quick guide: [link if available]

Let me know if you hit any snags!
```

*If No (but planned):*
```
Not yet, but it's on our roadmap! [Tool] integration is
something we've heard a lot about.

Mind if I add you to our notify list for when it ships?
Your use case would really help us prioritize.
```

*If No (not planned):*
```
We don't currently integrate with [tool]. Our focus right
now is on [current priority].

That said, we have an API that some users have used to
connect with [tool]. Happy to share details if useful!
```

---

### Type 4: Technical Question

**Comment:** "What's the tech stack? How does [specific feature] work?"

**Response Strategy:**
- Be open and detailed
- Show technical credibility
- Invite deeper discussion

**Template:**
```
Great question! Here's the quick version:

Stack: [Languages/frameworks]
[Feature]: [Brief technical explanation]

We chose [approach] because [reasoning].

Happy to dive deeper if you're curious about any specific part!
```

---

### Type 5: Constructive Criticism

**Comment:** "Looks good, but the [aspect] seems lacking. Would be better if [suggestion]."

**Response Strategy:**
- Thank them sincerely
- Acknowledge their point
- Share your thinking
- Ask for more detail

**Template:**
```
Really appreciate this feedback, [Name].

You're right that [aspect] could be stronger. We've been
debating [related decision] and your point about
[suggestion] is exactly the kind of input that helps.

Quick question: how would you ideally want [aspect] to work?
Any examples you've seen that do it well?
```

---

### Type 6: Negative Criticism

**Comment:** "This is just another [category]. Nothing new here."

**Response Strategy:**
- Stay calm and professional
- Acknowledge their perspective
- Share your differentiation
- Don't be defensive

**Template:**
```
Fair point on first look! There are definitely a lot of
[category] tools out there.

Where we focus differently is [key differentiator]. For
example, [specific example].

Might not be for everyone, but for folks who struggle with
[specific pain point], we've seen it make a real difference.

Appreciate you taking the time to check it out!
```

---

### Type 7: Bug Report / Issue

**Comment:** "Tried signing up but got an error."

**Response Strategy:**
- Apologize immediately
- Get details to fix
- Show urgency
- Follow up

**Template:**
```
So sorry about that, [Name]! That's definitely not the
experience we want.

Would you mind sharing:
• What browser/device you were using?
• What the error message said?

DM me at [contact] if easier — I'll personally make sure
you get set up.

Working on this right now. 🔧
```

---

### Type 8: Competitor Comparison

**Comment:** "How is this different from [Competitor]?"

**Response Strategy:**
- Be respectful of competitor
- Focus on your strengths
- Don't badmouth
- Be specific

**Template:**
```
Great question! [Competitor] is solid — respect what
they've built.

Main differences:
• We focus on [your focus] vs their [their focus]
• [Specific feature/approach you do differently]
• [Pricing/philosophy difference if relevant]

Best way to know is to try both! Happy to help you
evaluate based on your specific needs.
```

---

### Type 9: Pricing Question

**Comment:** "What's the pricing? Is there a free tier?"

**Response Strategy:**
- Be clear and upfront
- Highlight value
- Mention any PH offer

**Template:**
```
Happy to break it down!

Free tier: [What's included]
Paid plans: Starting at $[X]/mo for [what you get]

For Product Hunt: We're doing [special offer] for the
launch — [details].

Worth noting: [Key value point that justifies price]

Any specific features you're looking for?
```

---

### Type 10: Off-Topic / Spam

**Response Strategy:**
- Brief, polite redirect
- Don't engage with trolls
- Report if truly spam

**Template:**
```
Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to DM if you have
questions about [Product]. 👋
```

## Response Quality Checklist

### Every Response Should:
- [ ] Address commenter by name
- [ ] Directly answer their point
- [ ] Add value or information
- [ ] End with engagement hook (question/invitation)
- [ ] Match appropriate tone
- [ ] Be typo-free

### Red Flags (Don't Do):
- ❌ Copy-paste same response
- ❌ Ignore the specific comment
- ❌ Be defensive
- ❌ Use excessive emojis
- ❌ Make promises you can't keep
- ❌ Get into arguments

## Efficiency Tips

### Prepare Templates (But Customize)
Have a library of response starting points, but always personalize for each comment.

### Use Keyboard Shortcuts
If using a tool, set up text expansion for common phrases.

### Batch Similar Comments
Group similar questions and address at once while personalizing each.

### Tag Team with Co-Makers
Assign comment types to different team members.

## Engagement Patterns

### Comment Threading
When conversations develop:
- Keep replying to maintain thread
- Tag relevant team members
- Ask follow-up questions
- Circle back with updates

### Cross-Referencing
If similar questions appear:
```
Great question! I touched on this in my reply to [Name]
above — [brief summary]. But specifically for your case,
[additional info].
```

## Output Format

```
COMMENT RESPONSE FOR: [Product Name]

ORIGINAL COMMENT:
"[Comment text]"
— @[username]

COMMENT TYPE: [Type from list above]

RESPONSE:
[Your crafted response]

RESPONSE INCLUDES:
✓ Name personalization
✓ Specific answer
✓ Value add
✓ Engagement hook
```