The Best Free Startup Directories for Dofollow Backlinks (2026)
A shortlist of free directories that actually pass SEO value, plus how to submit efficiently without turning it into a second job.
The best free startup directories for dofollow backlinks are LaunchFree.io (The Runway), SaaSHub, AlternativeTo, Launching Next, and Indie Hackers. Each gives a real, lasting link at no cost. There are aggregator pages listing 500, 900, even 1,000+ directories, but you do not need a thousand links, you need a dozen good ones.
What makes a startup directory "good" for backlinks?
Before the list, the filter. A directory is worth your time if it's dofollow (passes link equity), relevant (startups/software, not a generic catch-all), and reviewed (someone checks submissions, which keeps quality and trust high). If it auto-approves anything instantly and marks links nofollow, skip it. We explain the mechanics in do directory backlinks still help SEO.
Which free startup directories give dofollow backlinks?
| Directory | Free? | Link | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaunchFree.io | Free forever | Dofollow | Permanent listing, human review, weekly newsletter shot |
| SaaSHub | Free tier | Dofollow on paid | Software discovery plus comparison pages |
| AlternativeTo | Free | Nofollow | Massive, evergreen, strong for long-tail discovery |
| Launching Next | Free | Dofollow | Simple, permanent startup listing |
| Indie Hackers | Free | Nofollow | A product page plus a community that pays attention |
Quality over quantity isn't a platitude here; it's the whole game. One dofollow link from a trusted, relevant directory beats fifty nofollow listings on dead sites.
How do you submit without it becoming a chore?
Turn it into a small, repeatable habit instead of a marathon:
- Write your listing copy once, name, one-line tagline, a short description, and reuse it everywhere.
- Submit to a few quality directories per week, not all at once.
- Keep a simple list of where you've submitted and which links are dofollow.
- Prioritize reviewed directories first; their links carry more trust.
Should you submit to hundreds of directories?
No. Ignore the 1,000-directory lists. Pick a dozen relevant, dofollow, reviewed directories, submit at a sustainable pace, and let the links age. Start with one that gives you a dofollow link by default: list free on LaunchFree.io.