The Ultimate List of Startup Launch Directories for Founders & Entrepreneurs

You’ve built an amazing product, poured countless hours into it, and now you’re ready to share it with the world. But where do you start? Getting your startup in front of the right people is one of the biggest challenges for any founder. A great launch can mean the difference between explosive growth and fading into obscurity.

This is where startup launch directories come in. These platforms are designed to showcase new products, helping you attract early adopters, generate buzz, and build valuable backlinks. Submitting your project to these directories can give you the initial traction you need to get off the ground.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using launch directories to promote your startup. We’ll cover why they’re so important, which ones to prioritize, and how to make your submissions stand out.

Why Use Startup Directories?

Submitting your startup to directories might seem like an old-school marketing tactic, but it remains one of the most effective ways to build momentum. Here’s why:

• Boost Visibility: Directories put your product directly in front of an audience of tech enthusiasts, investors, and potential customers who are actively looking for new tools and services.
• Attract Early Users: These platforms are magnets for early adopters who love trying new things and providing feedback. Their engagement can be crucial for refining your product.
• Build Quality Backlinks: Many startup directories provide dofollow links, which are essential for improving your website’s search engine optimization (SEO). A strong backlink profile tells search engines that your site is credible, helping you rank higher in search results.

How LaunchDirectories.com Was Born

The idea for LaunchDirectories started with a simple spreadsheet. My name is Krzysztof, and a while back, I compiled a list of 52 directories and shared it on Reddit. The post received over 400 upvotes, and it was clear that other founders found it incredibly useful.

But the feedback was also clear: people wanted more data. They needed to know which sites had a high Domain Rating (DR), how much traffic they received, and whether they offered valuable dofollow links. A simple list wasn’t enough to make strategic decisions.

That’s when I decided to build LaunchDirectories.com. I turned that popular spreadsheet into a searchable, filterable database with all the key metrics you need to find the best launch directories for your project. Today, it features over 83 startup directories, launch platforms, and high-authority sites to help you boost your visibility and build quality backlinks.

The Top Launch Directories for Your Startup

Not all directories are created equal. To help you get started, here is a curated list of some of the most impactful platforms where you should consider listing your startup.

For Massive Reach and Credibility

These are the heavy hitters. A feature on one of these sites can send a massive wave of traffic your way and lend significant credibility to your project.

• Product Hunt (DR 91): The go-to platform for launching new tech products. Getting featured on the homepage can be a game-changer for any startup.
• TechCrunch (DR 92): A leading technology media property that obsessively profiles startups. While it’s tough to get noticed, a feature here is a massive win.
• Hacker News (DR 90): Y Combinator’s community-driven news site. A post that trends on Hacker News can drive significant traffic and attract attention from investors and tech leaders.
• Reddit (DR 95): With thousands of niche communities (subreddits), you can find a highly relevant audience for your product. Subreddits like r/InternetIsBeautiful or r/SideProject are great places to start.

For Community and Founder Support

These platforms are more than just lists; they are communities where you can connect with other entrepreneurs and get valuable feedback.

• Indie Hackers (DR 80): A community for developers and founders who are open about their journey, sharing revenue numbers and strategies. It’s a great place to connect with like-minded builders.
• AngelList (DR 90): A massive community for startups, investors, and job seekers. It’s an essential platform for networking and fundraising.

Niche and Specialized Directories

These directories focus on specific types of products or industries, allowing you to reach a more targeted audience.

• AlternativeTo (DR 80): A crowdsourced platform where users find alternatives to popular software. Listing here can attract users who are unhappy with a competitor’s product.
• Saassy Board (DR 13): A newer platform focused on SaaS products where you can launch, earn rewards, and even contribute to a good cause.

How to Get the Most Out of Launch Directories

Simply submitting your product isn’t enough. You need a strategy to make your launch successful.

1. Prepare Your Assets: Before you start submitting, gather all the necessary information. Most directories will ask for your startup’s name, URL, a catchy tagline, a concise description, your logo, and a few screenshots or a demo video.
2. Prioritize Quality over Quantity: Don’t just spam every directory you can find. Start with 10-15 high-authority directories that are most relevant to your niche. Use the data on LaunchDirectories.com to identify platforms with a high Domain Rating (DR) and significant traffic.
3. Tailor Your Submission: Take the time to customize your description for each directory. Highlight the features and benefits that will most appeal to that platform’s specific audience. A generic, copy-pasted message is easy to spot and often gets ignored.
4. Engage with the Community: After you submit, don’t just walk away. Stick around to answer questions, respond to feedback, and thank people for their support. Active engagement shows you care about your users and can help you build a loyal following.

Save Time with an Automated Submission Service

Feeling overwhelmed? Manually submitting to dozens of directories can be a time-consuming process. That’s why LaunchDirectories also offers a “done-for-you” submission service.

With our auto-submit service, you provide your startup’s details just once, and our team will manually submit your project to over 100 relevant directories on your behalf. It’s a simple way to save countless hours while ensuring your startup gets the widespread exposure it deserves.

Ready to Launch?

Getting your startup off the ground is a marathon, not a sprint. Using launch directories is a powerful way to kickstart your journey, build initial momentum, and lay a strong foundation for future growth. By being strategic and focusing on quality, you can turn these platforms into a powerful engine for user acquisition and brand building.

Explore the full list of over 83 platforms on Launch Directories  to find the perfect places to announce your project to the world.