Findly.tools

Quick win: Get listed on Findly.tools (Ahrefs DR 71) - Submit your product. Free plan available.

Why directories still work for SaaS SEO in 2025

If you’re chasing backlinks, authority, and early user traction, free startup directories to submit your SaaS remain a low-cost, effective play. Many directories rank for high-intent queries (“best X for startups”) and can outrank vendor blogs. One quality listing can bring:

A contextual backlink from a trusted domain (useful for DR and discovery)
Brand impressions where buyers compare options
A review pipeline that compounds trust and conversions

DR, backlinks, and topical authority - how they interact

Backlinks from strong, relevant domains help search engines place your product in the right topic graph. When several directory pages point to you with consistent messaging, they reinforce your entity within the category.

Free vs. paid submissions

Most reputable directories offer a free basic listing that’s enough to start. Paid tiers add boosted placement or lead-gen. Begin free; upgrade only if referral traffic, assisted conversions, or review velocity improve.

How to use this list efficiently

Prioritize by relevance, DR, and audience intent

Start with review-heavy platforms (G2, Capterra/GetApp), add launch communities (Product Hunt, BetaList), then “alternatives/comparison” sites (AlternativeTo, SaaSHub). This order builds trust and visibility.

One-day sprint plan

Prep (1–2 h): finalize copy, logo set, 3–5 screenshots, 60–90s demo, founder headshot
Batch 1 (2–3 h): G2, Capterra/GetApp/Software Advice, Product Hunt, AlternativeTo, SaaSHub
Batch 2 (2 h): StartupBase, BetaList, BetaPage, Wellfound, Crunchbase, Peerlist
Follow-up: request reviews, answer Q&A, refresh visuals, add badges

Use short, trackable URLs (e.g., /ph, /g2) per directory for clean attribution.

The essential starter pack: 12 high-impact free directories

(Each site is linked once; later mentions are unlinked to avoid repetition.)

Product Hunt

Free to post from your profile. Optimize gallery, first comment, and maker list; time your launch for your audience.
Help Center

G2 (free profile)

Create and claim a product profile to collect reviews and visibility.
Create a profile

Capterra / GetApp / Software Advice (free basic listing)

Gartner Digital Markets lets vendors request a free listing with shared profiles across properties - ideal to centralize reviews.
Vendor sign-up

AlternativeTo

Crowdsourced alternatives. Suggest your app; add accurate tags and platforms to match high-intent searches.
FAQ

SaaSHub

Software discovery with free submission and a maintained submission tool surfacing 100+ directories and communities.
Submit

StartupBase

Community for new startups. Free submission, with a review queue.
FAQ

BetaList

Launch platform for early-stage products. Free submission; optional fast-track.
Criteria

BetaPage

Community-driven directory. Straightforward submission for early feedback and discovery.
Homepage

Wellfound (AngelList)

Create a free company profile to build credibility, recruit, and get discovered.
Overview

Crunchbase (free profile)

Set up or claim a free company profile - useful for journalists, investors, and founders.
How to create a profile

Peerlist Launchpad

Builder community with recurring launch slots - great for developer-facing SaaS.
Launchpad

(Bonus) SourceForge Business Software

Business software directory with options to enhance your listing; a basic presence can still help.
Vendors

Expanded directory database (300+ sites)

Use this curated sheet to discover and prioritize more opportunities. Filter by DA/DR and category, then batch-submit weekly:
➡️ List of websites where you can list your SaaS for free with Domain Authority

How to optimize your listing (copy & visuals)

Assets checklist

Logos: square + wide; light/dark variants (PNG with transparency)
Screenshots: 3–5 showing before/after and key flows
Demo: 60–90s product tour; embed where supported
Social proof: review quotes, ratings, customer logos, “Used by X+ teams”

CTAs & links

Use one primary CTA (“Start free trial”) and one secondary (“Watch demo”). Link to a clean, HTTPS landing URL dedicated to that directory for attribution.

Tracking, measurement & DR wins

Tracker (suggested columns)

KPIs to watch

Indexation: check site:directory.com your-brand within 3–10 days
Referral traffic & assisted conversions: track with clean analytics
Review velocity: especially on G2/Capterra/GetApp; use official review programs
Ranking lift: monitor core category keywords after 4–8 weeks

Rule of thumb: 10–20 quality listings, well-optimized, beat 100 low-quality submissions.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Mass pasting identical descriptions - customize 1–2 sentences per platform
Skipping visuals - clean thumbnails and screenshots boost CTR
Ignoring Q&A or reviews - fast replies improve conversions
Not revisiting profiles - refresh images, add integrations
Chasing only DR - relevance and category fit matter more than a single metric

FAQs (SaaS directories & SEO)

1) How do directory submissions help SEO today?
They create relevant mentions and backlinks on pages that rank for category queries. Even nofollow links aid discovery and entity understanding.

2) DR vs. DA - which should I use?
Both are third-party authority metrics (Ahrefs DR, Moz DA). Use them for relative prioritization alongside relevance.

3) How many directories should I prioritize?
Start with 10–20 high-quality, relevant sites (see the Starter Pack), then expand using the 300+ sheet.

4) Are most directory links nofollow - and is that a problem?
Many are nofollow or mixed. That’s fine. Treat directories as multi-channel assets: discovery, reviews, and brand mentions.

5) How fast will I see results?
Indexation often takes 3–10 days; ranking impact usually needs 4–8 weeks.

6) What should I avoid when submitting at scale?
Avoid duplicate copy. Customize headings, tags, and the first lines for each platform; keep assets fresh and answer questions promptly.

Conclusion

With a focused sprint, you can publish across free startup directories to submit your SaaS, earn trusted backlinks, and appear where buyers compare tools. Start with the Starter Pack, expand via the database, and track results weekly.

Ready to list your product? Submit to Findly.tools - free listing on a high-authority domain (DR 71).

Free Startup Directories to Submit Your SaaS (2025 Ultimate List)