18 free startup directories with a followed link
Directories where a new listing costs no money and the sources report a followed link. Some ask for a badge or a link on your own site in return, and each row says which.
What the list shows
- 18 free startup directories are listed. Of the 18, 9 are free with no strings and 9 are free for a link back.
- DR runs from 55 to 84, with a median of 74. Each figure is Ahrefs DR as the audits behind that row report it.
- Evidence is 11 strong, 7 moderate.
Left out on purpose: DEV Community, Web Design Inspiration, SaaSpo, Substack and PyPI. They also give a followed link for free, but they host articles, packages or design showcases rather than product listings.
Free is not the same as easy: several of these make you wait weeks, and the ones that ask for a link back are asking for a link exchange. The growth catalog's strategy for directories recommends about ten well-chosen listings over mass submission.
Free, no strings (9)
- SaaSHub
Verify the listing with an email on your domain or a meta tag, then reconfirm it each quarter. Unverified listings stay nofollow, and only the top button is followed.
Free, no stringsDR 80FreeModerate evidence
- Launch Llama Tools
A published free listing gets a permanent dofollow link, after about four weeks of review.
Free, no stringsDR 74FreeAbout 4 weeksStrong evidence
- PeerPush
Free launches wait in line behind paid ones; the $39 launch goes live at once. A link back from your site only adds a small ranking boost, and nothing requires it.
Free, no stringsDR 72FreeBehind paid launchesModerate evidence
- Supertools (The Rundown)
Editors pick what gets in, so acceptance is not guaranteed. An accepted listing links straight to your site.
Free, no stringsDR 72FreeModerate evidence
- PitchWall (ex-BetaPage)
At least 30 days of waiting. Every plan, free included, lists a "Do-follow backlink (DR 70)".
Free, no stringsDR 68Free30 days or moreStrong evidence
- MicroLaunch
Pick the free option after signing up. Free and paid launches were followed alike, though the site only sells the link with Launch Pro.
Free, no stringsDR 64FreeStrong evidence
- DodoDirectory
None. Its homepage offers a "free dofollow backlink" with no badge.
Free, no stringsDR 58FreeStrong evidence
- AItoolnet
The free plan lists a "Do-Follow SEO backlink", after a 30 to 60 day queue. PRO at $9.90 goes live within 24 hours.
Free, no stringsDR 56Free30 to 60 daysStrong evidence
- Launching Next
Reviewed daily, with no fixed date. The $99 option only gets you in faster.
Free, no stringsDR 55FreeModerate evidence
Free with a badge or link back (9)
- Fazier
Free: a Fazier badge or link on your homepage or footer, at least 120px wide. Followed on all 22 launches checked, free ones included.
Free for a link backDR 84Free + badgeWithin 30 daysModerate evidence
- Startup Fame
Verified plan: a Startup Fame badge on your homepage, checked by a bot. The followed link lasts as long as you stay listed.
Free for a link backDR 84Free + badgeStrong evidence
- Twelve Tools
Free: one dofollow link in exchange for a link on your homepage or footer, reviewed within 72 hours. Pro gives three permanent links with no link back.
Free for a link backDR 83Free + link back72 hoursStrong evidence
- Findly.tools
A free listing in exchange for a badge. One source reports it followed; NoonLaunch could not verify it.
Free for a link backDR 82Free + badgeModerate evidence
- Turbo0
Free: three dofollow links, with a link back required, published within 2 weeks. Basic at $29.90 makes the link back optional.
Free for a link backDR 81Free + link backWithin 2 weeksStrong evidence
- ToolPilot.ai
Free with a ToolPilot badge or logo on your site, after a queue of up to 60 days. Priority at $99 goes live within 7 days.
Free for a link backDR 79Free + badgeUp to 60 daysStrong evidence
- ShowMeBestAI
The pricing card lists a free "Dofollow Backlink" reviewed in 24 hours, but the free submit flow asks you to "add our partner's link to your footer" and quotes a review of 72 hours to 4 weeks.
Free for a link backDR 76Free + footer link72 hours to 4 weeksStrong evidence
- Nick Launches
A free launch has to keep the badge to stay listed. A followed link was seen on a paid listing at about $19.
Free for a link backDR 74Free + badgeModerate evidence
- AI Toolz Dir
Free: a text link to aitoolzdir.com on your site, live in about 48 hours. $25 skips the link back and takes about 24 hours. Both plans promise a dofollow link.
Free for a link backDR 68Free + link backAbout 48 hoursStrong evidence
More lists
Before you submit
- Submit to 10 well-chosen directories
One B2B SaaS submitted to about 160 directories: 171 of 3,300 sessions and 2 attributed signups. When directories fit, and how to track them.
Sources last read Oct 13, 2026. Page updated October 21, 2026. Counted from the rows of the directories catalog: how every card was checked.
Awiser is the builder network where founders show their skills, find collaborators, and grow their projects with an AI copilot.