How App Developers Can Build a Pre-Launch Waiting List with Short Links
Building an app is a long and challenging process. But if you wait until launch day to start promoting it, you’re already behind. Smart app developers create buzz before the app is live by using a pre-launch strategy, and one of the most effective tactics is building a waiting list.
Using URL shorteners like URLShortly.com, developers can generate trackable, branded short links to attract early interest and collect signups — helping turn launch day into a success story.
Let’s explore how.
Why Build a Pre-Launch Waiting List?
Before your app hits the app stores, you need to:
Validate interest in your idea
Build a community of early users
Create momentum for launch day
Get feedback before going public
A waiting list allows you to do all of this. Plus, it gives you emails of users you can reach directly — no algorithms, no ads needed.
Step 1: Create a Simple Landing Page
Use tools like Carrd, Webflow, or Framer to build a clean pre-launch page with:
Your app name & logo
One-line pitch (what your app does)
Teaser screenshot or video
Email form with a message like:
“Get early access when we launch”
This is your lead capture tool.
Step 2: Shorten Your Landing Page Link
Once your landing page is live, shorten the link using URLShortly.com or a custom domain.
Example:https://urlshortly.com/myapp-waitlist
This short, memorable link is what you’ll share everywhere.
Step 3: Promote the Short Link Across Channels
Promote the short link on:
Social Media bios and posts
Reddit and forums relevant to your niche
Tech communities like Indie Hackers or Product Hunt
Email signatures
Quora answers and blogs
Each platform can get a custom short URL so you can track performance.
Step 4: Offer an Incentive to Join
Make users excited to sign up. Some ideas:
Early access to the app
VIP beta tester badge
Free lifetime access for first 100 users
Exclusive community invite
Mention this offer on the page and in your social media posts.
Step 5: Track and Optimize with Analytics
Every short link you create should have tracking enabled. Platforms like URLShortly provide:
Click count
Location & device of users
Referral sources
Time of activity
This helps you know what’s working and what’s not — allowing you to adjust your strategy before launch.
Step 6: Engage the List Before Launch
Don’t collect emails and disappear. Engage your waitlist regularly:
Weekly updates on progress
Behind-the-scenes previews
User polls and surveys
Soft beta invite before official launch
This keeps the hype alive and builds connection.
Conclusion
A pre-launch waiting list can turn your app’s launch into a big event — not just another quiet release. With the help of smart short links, app developers can drive early traffic, build an engaged audience, and analyze which sources bring the most value.
Don’t wait until launch day — start building momentum now.