Announcing Spotlight: launch platform for Mocha apps
Building something cool is half the battle. Getting people to actually see it is just as important, and it can be harder than it seems.
“Build it and they will come”, they say. OK, but where are they coming? Now, we have the answer!
The Mocha team is really excited to launch Spotlight, our answer to two problems every Mocha user faces:
- how to get your first users
- where to find inspiration for what’s possible with Mocha.
Think of it as Product Hunt, but specifically for apps built with Mocha.
What is Spotlight?
Every week, the top five apps voted by the community win up to 1000 credits each. But here’s the real prize: exposure to thousands of potential users browsing for the next cool thing.
It’s your app’s debut party. The Mocha community votes on their favorites, and the most-loved apps rise to the top. Winners get featured, shared, and discovered by people who might become your first customers.
The rules are simple:
- Submit any published Mocha app (one per week)
- Our team reviews submissions for quality and approves manually
- The community votes throughout the week
- Top 5 apps win 1000 credits every Thursday
Submit or explore what others are building: getmocha.com/spotlight
Two Problems, One Solution
Problem 1: Getting Your First Users
Your app might be perfect for someone out there, but if they don’t know it exists, it doesn’t matter. Spotlight puts your creation in front of people actively looking for new tools and solutions.
Every week, hundreds of people browse Spotlight to vote and discover. These aren’t random visitors—they’re engaged users who understand what Mocha apps can do and are looking for solutions to their problems.
Problem 2: Finding Inspiration
Writer’s block isn’t just for writers. Sometimes you open Mocha and think, “what should I even build?”
Spotlight is your inspiration gallery. See what others are creating. Notice patterns in what gets votes. Spot gaps where your idea could shine. Some of our best apps started with someone thinking “I could build a better version of that” after browsing Spotlight.
Your Roadmap to Spotlight Success
Make Your Submission Stand Out
Your Spotlight submission is your elevator pitch. Don’t just drop a link and ghost. Tell people:
- What problem your app solves
- Who it’s for
- Why you built it
Rally Your Network (Without Being Annoying)
Share your Spotlight submission everywhere, but make it about the value, not the votes:
On X/Twitter: “Just built a [what it does] app with @getmocha. Would love feedback from anyone who [has this problem]. Check it out: [Spotlight link]”
On LinkedIn: Share the business problem you solved, mention you built it without coding, drop the link naturally.
In Communities: If you’re in relevant Discord servers, family group chats, Slack groups, or forums, share it where it adds value.
Beyond Spotlight: Growing Your App
Winning Spotlight can kickstart your growth, but don’t stop there:
Double Down on Product Hunt Think of Spotlight as your warm-up round. If your app does well here, you’ve validated the idea with a friendly audience. Launch on Product Hunt the following week while momentum is high. You’ll already know what messaging works and have social proof from your Spotlight win.
SEO from Day One Every Mocha app can rank on Google. Use descriptive titles, write clear copy about what your app does, and watch organic traffic grow.
The Compound Effect of Shipping
There’s a really important lesson behind Spotlight. Building is about launching. Spotlight is our way of encouraging the community to ship their ideas into the world and get actual, real feedback.
Spotlight isn’t just about this week’s app. It’s about building your shipping muscle.
Every submission teaches you something:
- What resonates?
- How to pitch your idea clearly?
- What features actually matter?
- How to handle both wins and losses
Submit consistently. Vote on others’ apps. Build relationships Discord link. The Mocha community is small enough that people remember who’s helpful, who builds cool stuff, who supports others.
The builders who win aren’t always the ones with the best first submission. They’re the ones who keep showing up, keep improving, keep shipping. Each week is a new chance to apply what you learned from the last.
Your Move
Right now, someone’s browsing Spotlight looking for exactly what you’re building. They just don’t know it exists yet.
The worst that happens? You learn what doesn’t work and come back stronger next week.
The best? You find your first customers and realize your idea has legs.
Submit your app or get inspired: getmocha.com/spotlight
See you in the winner’s circle. ☕