Ask HN: What's the best (non-spammy) way to promote an open source tool?

by zeviron 4/10/2023, 10:28 PMwith 18 comments

I have an open source CLI tool for provisioning preview environments. I want to get it in front of relevant developers. What are the most effective methods for doing this? Thank you!

by tester457on 4/11/2023, 1:07 AM

Share it on relevant subreddits and make a gif out how to use it with https://github.com/charmbracelet/vhs

Projects with gifs on reddit get more attention.

Example: https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/comments/z0zm8x/oc_nap_a_c...

by evolve2kon 4/10/2023, 10:52 PM

Share it here. Seriously, prepare a Show HN post and give enough info on what it is and why people might want to use it.

by lordkrandelon 4/10/2023, 11:01 PM

There are "awesome" lists on github, get in touch with maintainers

by magarnicleon 4/11/2023, 3:49 AM

https://console.dev/tools/

I find a lot of tools from their newsletter.

by cozzydon 4/11/2023, 12:53 AM

I wish freshmeat was still a thing! Is there a replacement?

by tabtabon 4/11/2023, 12:11 AM

Make a website showing several realistic scenarios of it doing helpful things, and document it well.

by pharmakomon 4/11/2023, 6:11 AM

Be wary asking this. People may state how they prefer to be contacted / promoted to, but this may not align with what is actually effective.

by hammyhavocon 4/11/2023, 10:41 AM

Good projects don't need promotion. Unless you're looking to monetize it, surely the reward is creating the solution you needed?