Startup directories are a valuable submission target for startups looking to build their backlink profile and drive targeted traffic. The backlinks.fyi database includes 9 directories that accept Startup products, ranging from high-DR platforms with broad reach to niche communities with highly qualified audiences. Consistent submission across these directories builds domain authority and puts your product in front of users who are actively looking for solutions like yours.
Directory listings in the Startup space compound over time. Each high-DR dofollow backlink contributes to your domain authority, while the referral traffic from active communities can sustain discovery beyond your launch window. A complete, well-written listing today pays dividends for months.
Link Quality
100% dofollow
Median DR 20
Cost Profile
100% free
9 of 9 are zero-cost
Submission Speed
0% instant
0 fast-approval options
Operational friction in this category is moderate: 55.6% require account creation, 0% ask for reciprocal backlinks, and 0% include CAPTCHA. For fastest wins, start with dofollow + free + instant overlaps, then move to higher-friction listings.
Focus first on directories with the highest Domain Rating (DR) that offer dofollow links and free submission. These give you the best combination of SEO value and cost efficiency. After the free dofollow tier, evaluate paid placements based on audience quality and traffic data from your initial listings.
Submit to all relevant directories — completeness beats selectivity for directory campaigns. A full sweep of all Startup directories in the backlinks.fyi database takes a few hours but builds a backlink profile that would take much longer to replicate through other channels.
Most directories ask for your product name, URL, one-line description (60–160 characters), a longer description (200–500 words), category tags, and optionally a logo or screenshot. Prepare these assets once and reuse them across all your submissions to save time.
See the free subset of the Startup directory catalog.
See the dofollow subset of the Startup directory catalog.
Use a staged launch workflow to build visibility before and after launch day.
Understand when directory listings can support discovery and authority building.
Review how authority metrics should influence your submission priorities.