If You’re Not on These 5 Directories, Your Startup Is Invisible

If you're building a startup and trying to get found online, you can’t rely on social media alone. Visibility starts with being in the right places — and that includes web directories. But not just any directories. You need modern, active ones that offer dofollow links, are free to join, and are built for today's fast-moving startup world.

In 2025, these 5 directories are where your startup needs to be. If you're not listed on them, you're leaving visibility and backlinks on the table.

1. BestofWeb.site

   Why it matters:
   It's the indie hacker’s go-to directory. BestofWeb.site curates high-quality startups, tools, and solo projects. Listings are clean, modern, and tailored to early-stage founders looking for real exposure.

   Bonus: They provide dofollow links, so you get SEO value, not just traffic.

   Great for: Bootstrapped founders, SaaS tools, indie apps
   Cost: Free

2. StartupBase

   Why it matters:
   StartupBase has a tight-knit community and real users who are curious about new products. The platform is startup-focused and includes categories for tech stacks, launch stage, and monetization type.

   SEO tip: Fill out your full description and use keywords naturally.

   Great for: MVPs, side projects, early launch products
   Cost: Free with paid promotion options

3. Betalist

   Why it matters:
   Betalist gets you early adopter attention. If you're launching soon or just did, this is the place to gather feedback and build hype. It also links back to your site with a dofollow link.

   Pro tip: Add a clean thumbnail and a short, punchy pitch to get approved.

   Great for: Pre-launch products, new tools, tech startups
   Cost: Free with fast-track paid option

4. AlternativeTo

   Why it matters:
   People go here when they're searching for replacements to big-name tools. If your product solves a similar problem, listing here can get you high-converting traffic.

   Bonus: It's a powerful SEO backlink and gets you in front of users with purchase intent.

   Great for: SaaS, browser extensions, developer tools
   Cost: Free

5. Product Hunt

   Why it matters:
   While not a traditional directory, Product Hunt is a must for discovery. The SEO impact is strong because listings often get picked up by blogs, newsletters, and even search snippets.

   Launch tip: Prep your visuals, ask your community to support you, and post early in the day.

   Great for: Startups at any stage, especially consumer-facing ones
   Cost: Free

Why This Matters for Your SEO

• Dofollow links: These help you climb Google’s rankings by passing authority to your domain.
• Social proof: Being listed on trusted platforms signals to users and search engines that your brand is legit.
• Referral traffic: These directories drive niche, high-quality visitors to your site.

If you're not listed on these, your startup might be invisible to both search engines and potential users.

Next Steps

• Pick 2 or 3 to apply to today
• Craft a short, clear product pitch
• Use your startup’s main keywords in your listing description
• Set up tracking to measure referral traffic and SEO boosts

Final thought:

Listing your startup on the right directories is one of the lowest-effort, highest-impact things you can do in early-stage marketing. It’s free, fast, and puts your name where it needs to be seen.