Free backlink sites list: 1,964 places to get a link
A maintained list of 1,964 legitimate backlink sites: directories, profile creation sites, guest posting sites, launch platforms, registries and marketplaces. 1,628 are free or have a free tier, 44 usually give a dofollow link, and 781 have an estimated DA of 70 or more. Every row shows authority, link type, cost and effort, and links straight to the submit page.
- 1,964
- Opportunities
- 1,628
- Free or freemium
- 781
- Est. DA 70+
- 208
- Quick wins
All filters1
The table is wider than the screen — swipe it sideways for cost, effort and the preparation notes.
| # | Impact (sorted) | Site — sort by this | Est. DA — sort by this | Link | Domain | Type | Cost | Effort — sort by this | Priority | Status | What to prepare | Rules / caveat | Checked | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1101 | 43 | Lulu | 80 | Nofollow | lulu.com | Publishing platforms | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Publish a print or ebook guide on Lulu and add your website to the book description and author profile. | Low-quality or public-domain repackaging is not allowed. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Lulu submit page (new tab)Lulu details |
| 1102 | 43 | Mailchimp Integrations | 95 | Sometimes dofollow | mailchimp.com | Marketplaces and app stores | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | If you build a Mailchimp integration, apply to have it listed in their directory. | Integration must be live and reviewed by their partner team. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Mailchimp Integrations submit page (new tab)Mailchimp Integrations details |
| 1103 | 43 | MSSQLTips | 60 | Sometimes dofollow | mssqltips.com | Guest posting sites | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Apply to become an author and write practical SQL Server or Azure data tips in their standard format. | Tips follow a set template and are reviewed for accuracy; your link appears in the author profile. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open MSSQLTips submit page (new tab)MSSQLTips details |
| 1104 | 43 | Network World | 85 | Sometimes dofollow | networkworld.com | Guest posting sites | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Apply to the expert contributor network with your background in networking or infrastructure and a list of article ideas. | Vendor-neutral writing is required and editors control links. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Network World submit page (new tab)Network World details |
| 1105 | 43 | Noxilo | — | Link type unknown | noxilo.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Submit your tool with homepage URL, privacy-first positioning, logo, screenshots and accurate pricing. | Accurate tool details required; editorial approval controls publication. Listing link is currently reported nofollow. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/noxilo | Open Noxilo submit page (new tab)Noxilo details |
| 1106 | 43 | php[architect] | 50 | Sometimes dofollow | phparch.com | Guest posting sites | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Send an article proposal on a PHP topic you know well; accepted authors write for the monthly magazine. | Articles are technically edited and go into the magazine, so web links are limited to the author bio. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open php[architect] submit page (new tab)php[architect] details |
| 1107 | 43 | PortableApps.com | 75 | Link type unknown | portableapps.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Package your open-source tool in their portable format and propose it in the development forum. | Apps must meet their packaging spec and licensing rules. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open PortableApps.com submit page (new tab)PortableApps.com details |
| 1108 | 43 | Reach360 Launch | — | Link type unknown | reach360.app | Launch platforms | Free | Involved | Later | Verified live | Submit your tool as a genuine indie product and complete the requested launch information. | Small experimental platform; sign-in and editorial/ranking outcomes apply. | 2026-08-05 official submit page | Open Reach360 Launch submit page (new tab)Reach360 Launch details |
| 1109 | 43 | Simple Talk | 75 | Sometimes dofollow | red-gate.com | Guest posting sites | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Contact the editors with an article proposal on SQL Server, databases, DevOps or .NET development. | Articles are technically reviewed and must be original; promotional content is not accepted. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Simple Talk submit page (new tab)Simple Talk details |
| 1110 | 43 | Solid Applications | 60 | Link type unknown | solidproject.org | Other opportunities | Free | Involved | Later | Verified live | Build a genuine Solid privacy utility that lets users choose identity providers and stores or retrieves their data from Solid Pods, then confirm the current listing handoff with maintainers. | Must be a functioning Solid app; eligibility is published, but the exact current editorial submission workflow should be reconfirmed first. | Official Solid applications criteria checked 2026-08-05 | Open Solid Applications submit page (new tab)Solid Applications details |
| 1111 | 43 | Springwise | 75 | Sometimes dofollow | springwise.com | Other opportunities | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Pitch your tool as innovation/useful web tool platform. | Needs genuinely newsworthy angle. | 2026-07-30 | Open Springwise submit page (new tab)Springwise details |
| 1112 | 43 | SQLServerCentral | 65 | Sometimes dofollow | sqlservercentral.com | Guest posting sites | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Register and submit a technical article on SQL Server or data platform work for editorial review. | Articles must be original and technical; you can link to your own blog in your profile. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open SQLServerCentral submit page (new tab)SQLServerCentral details |
| 1113 | 43 | Starter Story | 70 | Sometimes dofollow | starterstory.com | Startup directories | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Pitch founder story if revenue/traffic story is strong. | Often paid; needs real metrics. | 2026-07-30 | Open Starter Story submit page (new tab)Starter Story details |
| 1114 | 43 | StickyMinds | 60 | Sometimes dofollow | stickyminds.com | Guest posting sites | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Submit an article proposal on testing, QA or agile delivery to the editors through the site. | Articles must share practical experience and avoid vendor promotion. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open StickyMinds submit page (new tab)StickyMinds details |
| 1115 | 43 | TechSoup | 75 | Link type unknown | techsoup.org | Other opportunities | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | If your tool helps nonprofits or libraries, reach out about their resource articles or partner programme. | Editorial decision; only for tools with a clear nonprofit use. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open TechSoup submit page (new tab)TechSoup details |
| 1116 | 43 | The AI Generation | — | Link type unknown | theaigeneration.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Submit your tool with homepage URL, privacy-first positioning, logo, screenshots and accurate pricing. | Accurate tool details required; editorial approval controls publication. Dofollow is reported but recheck after approval. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/the-ai-generation | Open The AI Generation submit page (new tab)The AI Generation details |
| 1117 | 43 | The Startup Pitch | — | Link type unknown | thestartuppitch.com | Startup directories | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Create concise startup pitch linking your tool. | Older site; verify active review queue. | 2026-07-30 | Open The Startup Pitch submit page (new tab)The Startup Pitch details |
| 1118 | 43 | TheSaaSDirectory | — | Link type unknown | thesaasdirectory.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Submit your tool with homepage URL, privacy-first positioning, logo, screenshots and accurate pricing. | Accurate tool details required; editorial approval controls publication. Dofollow is reported but recheck after approval. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/thesaasdirectory | Open TheSaaSDirectory submit page (new tab)TheSaaSDirectory details |
| 1119 | 43 | Tildes | 55 | Nofollow | tildes.net | Social channels | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Once invited, share thoughtful posts and only link your own work when it fits a discussion. | Invite-only; self-promotion is frowned upon. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Tildes submit page (new tab)Tildes details |
| 1120 | 43 | UXmatters | 60 | Sometimes dofollow | uxmatters.com | Guest posting sites | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Contact the editors with a proposal for an in-depth UX article or column based on your professional experience. | Articles are edited for depth and must not promote products; your link goes in the author bio. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open UXmatters submit page (new tab)UXmatters details |
| 1121 | 43 | Waild World | — | Link type unknown | waildworld.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Submit your tool with homepage URL, privacy-first positioning, logo, screenshots and accurate pricing. | Accurate tool details required; editorial approval controls publication. Link treatment varies by tier/page. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/waild-world | Open Waild World submit page (new tab)Waild World details |
| 1122 | 43 | WebNovel | 75 | Link type unknown | webnovel.com | Publishing platforms | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Publish an original novel through their writer portal; your profile can mention your site. | Contract terms apply to monetised books; read them before signing. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open WebNovel submit page (new tab)WebNovel details |
| 1123 | 43 | wikiHow | 90 | Nofollow | wikihow.com | Publishing platforms | Free | Involved | Later | Needs checking | Write or improve a how-to article where you have real expertise, and cite sources properly. | External links are tightly controlled and nofollow; treat it as visibility, not link equity. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open wikiHow submit page (new tab)wikiHow details |
How to build backlinks with this list
Four steps that work for a new site, a SaaS or a side project. No paid link packages, nothing that risks a penalty.
Get the basics right first
Before submitting anywhere, have a one-line description, a 150-word description, a square logo and two or three screenshots ready. Every form asks for some mix of these.
Claim profiles and free listings
Start with the free, quick rows: profile creation sites and free directories. They are one form each and build the entity signals search engines use to understand who you are.
Go after a few strong links
Then pick a handful of high DA and dofollow sites that fit your niche, and write proper guest posts or launch posts for them. Ten relevant links beat a hundred random ones.
Track and keep it clean
Note where you submitted and when. Recheck after a month, update stale descriptions, and never pay for bulk link packages: they put the whole site at risk.
Behind the list
A link opportunity is not a link.
Every row here starts as a line in a sheet, gets normalised into one of 16 groups, scored for cost, effort and impact, and written up with the steps to actually submit. The floor below represents that pipeline.
Open the sheet viewAn illustration of the AltF Backlinks floor: opportunities sourced at the back, vetted for cost and effort by the engineering pod, written up for outreach by the design pod, then tracked to placement along a line.
Backlink sites by category
Product launch sites87
One-shot launches where timing and preparation decide the outcome.
Guest posting sites55
Publications that accept contributed articles. Slow and editorial, but the links are earned.
AI tool directories200
Fast-growing listings specifically for AI-powered tools.
App stores and marketplaces273
Extension, plugin and integration stores. Real review processes, real distribution.
Startup directory submission sites120
Startup listings, beta lists and founder media.
Software directory submission sites215
General tool and software catalogues with real search traffic.
Software review sites29
B2B review sites. Slow to approve, strong once live.
Developer platforms for backlinks139
Package, image and docs hosting that carries real authority.
Web design galleries for backlinks87
Showcases judged on craft. A good screenshot matters more than copy.
Web 2.0 and publishing sites214
Write once, link back. Editorial standards vary widely.
PR and press release sites41
Get quoted or distribute a release. Slower, higher ceiling.
Business directory submission sites109
Company and local listings. Unglamorous, consistently indexed.
Profile creation sites163
Owned pages you control: company, founder, knowledge-panel entities.
Forum and community backlink sites61
Answer real questions. Never drop a bare link.
Social bookmarking sites18
Brand surface and referral traffic more than link equity.
More backlink opportunities153
Everything that does not fit the buckets above.
Common questions
Do backlinks still matter for ranking in 2026?
Links remain one signal among many, and low-quality bulk links do more harm than good. What still works is being listed where your buyers actually look — directories with real traffic, registries your peers use, and launch platforms with engaged audiences. Every entry in this list is a place a human might plausibly find you, which is why they are worth submitting to regardless of link equity.
Which submissions should I do first?
Start with the quick wins filter: free, low effort, and not in the lowest priority band. 208 of the 1,964 entries qualify, and those are the ones where a single form submission gets you a live listing the same week. Launch platforms are worth saving until your product is genuinely ready, because you only get one good attempt at each.
How is the impact score calculated?
It starts from a hand-assigned priority band (do first, high, medium, later), then adjusts for cost and effort. A free, quick opportunity scores above a paid, involved one in the same band, because it is the one you can realistically finish today. The score is a queueing aid, not a measure of domain authority.
Are these links free?
1,628 of the 1,964 entries are free to submit to or offer a free tier that includes a listing. Cost is shown on every row, and the "nothing to pay" filter narrows the list to exactly those.
Which backlink sites are dofollow?
44 entries are known to give a followed link on a normal listing, and more give one only in some placements. The link type is shown on every row and can be filtered. Sites change their link policy without notice, so treat the label as a starting point and check the live page after you are listed. A nofollow link from a busy site still sends visitors and helps search engines discover you.
What does the DA number mean?
It is our estimate of the site's domain authority, a third-party style 0-100 score of how strong a domain's link profile is, rounded to the nearest 5. 1,580 of the 1,964 sites have one. It is useful for comparing sites, not a Google metric, so relevance to your niche still matters more.
How do I get backlinks for a new website?
1. Get the basics right first: Before submitting anywhere, have a one-line description, a 150-word description, a square logo and two or three screenshots ready. Every form asks for some mix of these. 2. Claim profiles and free listings: Start with the free, quick rows: profile creation sites and free directories. They are one form each and build the entity signals search engines use to understand who you are. 3. Go after a few strong links: Then pick a handful of high DA and dofollow sites that fit your niche, and write proper guest posts or launch posts for them. Ten relevant links beat a hundred random ones. 4. Track and keep it clean: Note where you submitted and when. Recheck after a month, update stale descriptions, and never pay for bulk link packages: they put the whole site at risk.
Will submitting everywhere hurt my site?
Submitting to spam directories can. That is why this list is curated rather than scraped, and why entries carry a status showing whether they have been verified as live. Skip anything that promises hundreds of links for a fee, and prefer places where a real person reviews submissions.