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 filters2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 | CycloneDX Tool Center | 55 | Link type unknown | cyclonedx.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | Do first | Verified live | Add standards-valid CycloneDX support, then submit the structured your tool entry through the official contribution workflow. | Must accurately state supported CycloneDX versions, functions and licensing; a listing is not product certification. | 2026-08-05 official CycloneDX Tool Center | Open CycloneDX Tool Center submit page (new tab)CycloneDX Tool Center details |
| 2 | 100 | FreeNoSignup | — | Link type unknown | freenosignup.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Do first | Verified live | Submit one or more free your tool utilities that work without registration. | Tool must be active, useful, web-based, privacy-respecting and usable without signup. | 2026-08-05 | Open FreeNoSignup submit page (new tab)FreeNoSignup details |
| 3 | 86 | AppDirectory.org | — | Link type unknown | appdirectory.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Live, conditional | Submit your tool once with its strongest free-use case, correct category, concise copy, and product URL. | The app must be free or have a meaningful free tier; listings are curated and duplicate submissions are not allowed. | 2026-08-03 | Open AppDirectory.org submit page (new tab)AppDirectory.org details |
| 4 | 86 | Awesome-Selfhosted | 40 | Link type unknown | awesome-selfhosted.net | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Live, conditional | Submit a mature self-hosted your tool edition using the required YAML entry and canonical website/source links. | Must be a working FOSS network app with a release at least four months old; LLM-generated contributions are prohibited. | 2026-08-05 | Open Awesome-Selfhosted submit page (new tab)Awesome-Selfhosted details |
| 5 | 86 | Capterra | 90 | Nofollow | capterra.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Not submitted | List product under software categories. | Part of Gartner Digital Markets; good B2B fit. | 2026-07-30 | Open Capterra submit page (new tab)Capterra details |
| 6 | 86 | Cybil Knowledge Portal | 40 | Link type unknown | cybilportal.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Verified live | Submit a genuine international cyber-capacity-building project, tool, publication or webinar with evidence and a live resource URL. | Portal staff curate and may validate with participants; must have direct cyber-capacity-building relevance, not be a generic product listing. | 2026-08-05 — https://cybilportal.org/submit-your-cyber-capacity-building-projects/ | Open Cybil Knowledge Portal submit page (new tab)Cybil Knowledge Portal details |
| 7 | 86 | OpenSourceAlternative.to | 35 | Link type unknown | opensourcealternative.to | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Live, conditional | Submit a genuinely open-source, maintained and self-hostable your tool component as an alternative to a named proprietary tool. | Requires real open source, self-hosting and active maintenance; submission does not guarantee inclusion. | 2026-08-04 | Open OpenSourceAlternative.to submit page (new tab)OpenSourceAlternative.to details |
| 8 | 86 | PRISM Break | 60 | Dofollow | prism-break.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Live, conditional | Propose a qualifying open-source your tool privacy project through the official contribution process. | Strong privacy and free-software fit is required; follow maintainers' criteria and avoid promotional-only changes. | 2026-08-05 | Open PRISM Break submit page (new tab)PRISM Break details |
| 9 | 86 | Toolradar | — | Link type unknown | toolradar.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Verified live | Create an your tool product page for discovery, comparison, and reviews. | Vendor account and truthful product details required. | https://toolradar.com/vendors | Open Toolradar submit page (new tab)Toolradar details |
| 10 | 86 | Wikimedia Toolhub | 95 | Link type unknown | toolhub.wikimedia.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | High | Verified live | Build a tool that genuinely interacts with Wikimedia, publish accurate toolinfo.json metadata, and register it through Toolhub UI, crawler, or API. | Must serve Wikimedia projects; Wikimedia login is required and submitted metadata is CC0; unrelated utilities do not qualify. | Official Wikimedia developer search and Toolhub documentation checked 2026-08-05 | Open Wikimedia Toolhub submit page (new tab)Wikimedia Toolhub details |
| 11 | 68 | AppImageHub | 50 | Link type unknown | appimage.github.io | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Live, conditional | Package a legitimate your tool desktop app as an official AppImage, then file the requested issue or pull request for inclusion. | Requires a maintained downloadable AppImage and compliant metadata; a browser-only site is not eligible. | 2026-08-05 | Open AppImageHub submit page (new tab)AppImageHub details |
| 12 | 68 | bio.tools | 55 | Link type unknown | bio.tools | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Register a genuinely life-science-focused your tool resource with stable homepage, scientific operations, inputs, outputs, licence, and documentation. | Must perform a credible bioinformatics or life-science function; medical branding alone is insufficient and EDAM metadata is expected. | 2026-08-05 — https://biotools.readthedocs.io/en/latest/quickstart_guide.html | Open bio.tools submit page (new tab)bio.tools details |
| 13 | 68 | CapRover One-Click Apps | 50 | Link type unknown | caprover.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Create a tested CapRover one-click definition for a real self-hosted your tool service and contribute it to the linked official community repository. | The directory is community-maintained; use safe defaults, document required variables and persistence, and keep images and deployment instructions current. | Official CapRover one-click app documentation and repository checked 2026-08-05 | Open CapRover One-Click Apps submit page (new tab)CapRover One-Click Apps details |
| 14 | 68 | Chanakya Software | — | Link type unknown | chanakyasoftware.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Create a vendor account and list your tool software offering. | Provide genuine vendor, website, software, and service details. | https://www.chanakyasoftware.com/list-your-software | Open Chanakya Software submit page (new tab)Chanakya Software details |
| 15 | 68 | Common Workflow Language | 55 | Link type unknown | commonwl.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Build a genuine CWL validator, security tool, or implementation and propose its inclusion with compliance evidence. | Must actually support CWL; the community-maintained listing does not constitute formal certification. | Official CWL implementation page and website repository checked 2026-08-05 | Open Common Workflow Language submit page (new tab)Common Workflow Language details |
| 16 | 68 | CreativesFeed | 40 | Link type unknown | creativesfeed.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Submit relevant your tool utilities under AI, web, or developer categories. | Only submit tools matching available creative, AI, or development categories. | https://creativesfeed.com/contact/submit-your-software/free-software-listing/ | Open CreativesFeed submit page (new tab)CreativesFeed details |
| 17 | 68 | Dev Resources | — | Link type unknown | devresourc.es | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Needs checking | Suggest the developer utilities hub as a free resource. | Curated dev resource list. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Dev Resources submit page (new tab)Dev Resources details |
| 18 | 68 | F-Droid | 75 | Link type unknown | f-droid.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Publish a privacy-respecting open-source Android companion app, then file a packaging request or merge request. | App must be source-buildable, useful and actively maintained, with no proprietary tracking, ads or non-free dependencies. | Official F-Droid inclusion policy checked 2026-07-30 | Open F-Droid submit page (new tab)F-Droid details |
| 19 | 68 | GetApp | 85 | Nofollow | getapp.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Not submitted | Create software vendor listing. | Often managed with Capterra listing. | 2026-07-30 | Open GetApp submit page (new tab)GetApp details |
| 20 | 68 | LineZine | 20 | Link type unknown | linezine.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Choose the free listing or purchase a dedicated your tool product page. | Free clicks are redirected/nofollow; paid option provides a dedicated dofollow page. | https://linezine.com/list-your-tool | Open LineZine submit page (new tab)LineZine details |
| 21 | 68 | Research Software Directory | 35 | Link type unknown | research-software-directory.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Request access, then publish a rich your tool research-software page with source, getting-started URL, DOI, contributors, and research mentions. | Only for genuine research software with evidence and public source or releases; truthful affiliation and ORCID information are required. | 2026-08-05 — https://research-software-directory.org/documentation/users/adding-software/ | Open Research Software Directory submit page (new tab)Research Software Directory details |
| 22 | 68 | Software Advice | 85 | Nofollow | softwareadvice.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Not submitted | Submit B2B software listing. | Gartner network; use consistent product info. | 2026-07-30 | Open Software Advice submit page (new tab)Software Advice details |
| 23 | 68 | Software Heritage | 65 | Link type unknown | softwareheritage.org | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Live, conditional | Archive a genuine public your tool source repository and add its resulting SWHID permalink to release and citation metadata. | Public cloneable VCS origin only; this is preservation/citation, not a promotional directory. | 2026-08-04 | Open Software Heritage submit page (new tab)Software Heritage details |
| 24 | 68 | StackShare | 75 | Nofollow | stackshare.io | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Needs checking | Add your tool if accepted; create company stack. | May be stale; dev-tool angle needed. | 2026-07-30 | Open StackShare submit page (new tab)StackShare details |
| 25 | 68 | Tolodora | — | Link type unknown | tolodora.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Add your tool as a SaaS or online service with its official URL. | Use accurate categories and avoid duplicate or promotional spam entries. | https://tolodora.com/ | Open Tolodora submit page (new tab)Tolodora details |
| 26 | 65 | AppInsight | — | Link type unknown | appinsight.co.uk | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Request a free listing with your tool logo, name, slogan, short description, website and best-fit category. | Human-curated and limited to one category on the free tier; timing is not guaranteed and richer links/features require an upgrade. | 2026-08-03 • https://www.appinsight.co.uk/sellers/free-listing | Open AppInsight submit page (new tab)AppInsight details |
| 27 | 65 | BIII BioImage Informatics Index | 40 | Link type unknown | biii.eu | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Register a real bioimage privacy, de-identification, or analysis tool with accurate scientific functions, documentation, and maintainers. | Tool must genuinely solve a bioimage-analysis problem; registration and community curation apply. | Official BIII about and contribution information checked 2026-08-05 | Open BIII BioImage Informatics Index submit page (new tab)BIII BioImage Informatics Index details |
| 28 | 65 | DevApp Showcase | — | Link type unknown | devappshowcase.com | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Verified live | List your tool with live URL, icon, screenshots, category and an optional repository/demo video. | Submit a functional app with original assets; paid promotion is optional, not required. | 2026-08-03 | Open DevApp Showcase submit page (new tab)DevApp Showcase details |
| 29 | 65 | OpenSaaS Directory | — | Link type unknown | opensaas.directory | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Submit a public your tool open-source repository and product description after a reusable component is released. | Requires a genuine open-source SaaS project; do not submit the proprietary site as open source. | 2026-08-03 | Open OpenSaaS Directory submit page (new tab)OpenSaaS Directory details |
| 30 | 65 | Packagecloud | 55 | Link type unknown | packagecloud.io | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Live, conditional | Create a public your tool repository and distribute real signed DEB, RPM, npm, Maven, Helm or other supported packages with accurate metadata. | Repository must serve genuine packages; check current account limits before uploading and never create an empty profile solely for a link. | 2026-08-05 official packagecloud documentation and API | Open Packagecloud submit page (new tab)Packagecloud details |
| 31 | 65 | selfh.st/apps | 45 | Link type unknown | selfh.st | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Live, conditional | Contact the curator with a maintained self-hostable your tool edition, repository, documentation and project website. | Requires a genuine self-hosted or companion application; paid placement should be clearly treated as sponsorship. | 2026-08-05 | Open selfh.st/apps submit page (new tab)selfh.st/apps details |
| 32 | 65 | SoftwareSuggest | 70 | Sometimes dofollow | softwaresuggest.com | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Not submitted | List software in relevant category. | India-friendly B2B software directory. | 2026-07-30 | Open SoftwareSuggest submit page (new tab)SoftwareSuggest details |
| 33 | 65 | SourceForge Software | 95 | Nofollow | sourceforge.net | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Not submitted | Create software listing/vendor profile. | Good for software/tools discovery. | 2026-07-30 | Open SourceForge Software submit page (new tab)SourceForge Software details |
| 34 | 65 | Tool Commons | — | Link type unknown | toolcommons.org | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Verified live | Release one standalone your tool utility as open source, ad-free and local-first, then submit via GitHub. | Strictly requires no login, no ads/tracking, static hosting and a single-purpose open-source tool. | 2026-08-03 | Open Tool Commons submit page (new tab)Tool Commons details |
| 35 | 65 | Voice Tools Directory | — | Link type unknown | voice-tools.com | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Live, conditional | Submit a maintained your tool voice/audio utility with licensing and a clear creator or voice-AI use case. | Voice relevance and active maintenance are mandatory; generic AI/toolbox submissions are excluded. | 2026-08-03 | Open Voice Tools Directory submit page (new tab)Voice Tools Directory details |
| 36 | 65 | Yo.directory | — | Link type unknown | yo.directory | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Medium | Not submitted | Submit your tool to product-launch/tools category. | Use original description; avoid duplicated copy. | 2026-07-30 | Open Yo.directory submit page (new tab)Yo.directory details |
| 37 | 64 | 1000 Tools | — | Link type unknown | 1000.tools | Software directories | Not stated | Quick | Medium | Needs checking | Submit the PDF and image tool suite. | Curated tool directory; verify submit path. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open 1000 Tools submit page (new tab)1000 Tools details |
| 38 | 64 | Dofollow.Tools | 35 | Dofollow | dofollow.tools | Software directories | Not stated | Quick | Medium | Needs checking | Submit your tool for dofollow tools directory. | Check quality/spam risk before using. | 2026-07-30 | Open Dofollow.Tools submit page (new tab)Dofollow.Tools details |
| 39 | 64 | Insanely Cool Tools | — | Link type unknown | insanelycooltools.com | Software directories | Not stated | Quick | Medium | Needs checking | Submit the step counter and PDF tools as standout free utilities. | Curated with a newsletter; selective. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Insanely Cool Tools submit page (new tab)Insanely Cool Tools details |
| 40 | 64 | Photo Tool Finder | — | Link type unknown | phototoolfinder.com | Software directories | Not stated | Quick | Medium | Needs checking | Submit the image compressor, resizer and converter tools. | Image-tool niche directory, highly relevant. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Photo Tool Finder submit page (new tab)Photo Tool Finder details |
| 41 | 64 | SimilarLabs | — | Link type unknown | similarlabs.com | Software directories | Not stated | Quick | Medium | Needs checking | List AltFTool so it appears as an alternative to other online tool sites. | Alternatives-style pages; find the submit option on site. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open SimilarLabs submit page (new tab)SimilarLabs details |
| 42 | 48 | FreewareFiles | 60 | Link type unknown | freewarefiles.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Later | Needs checking | Submit your free Windows program through the author submission form. | Software must be free or freemium and free of malware. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open FreewareFiles submit page (new tab)FreewareFiles details |
| 43 | 48 | MacMenuBar | 40 | Sometimes dofollow | macmenubar.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Later | Needs checking | Submit your macOS menu bar app with a short description and screenshot. | Only apps that live in the menu bar are accepted. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open MacMenuBar submit page (new tab)MacMenuBar details |
| 44 | 48 | Portable Freeware | 50 | Sometimes dofollow | portablefreeware.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Later | Needs checking | Suggest your app if it runs without installation and is free. | Must be genuinely portable and freeware; community moderates entries. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Portable Freeware submit page (new tab)Portable Freeware details |
| 45 | 48 | Software Informer | 75 | Sometimes dofollow | software.informer.com | Software directories | Free | Quick | Later | Needs checking | Add or claim your program and keep version info and description up to date. | Listings are auto-checked; inaccurate entries are removed. | Added 2026-11-01 | Open Software Informer submit page (new tab)Software Informer details |
| 46 | 45 | Clutch | 90 | Sometimes dofollow | clutch.co | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Later | Not submitted | Create company profile if your tool/Anslation has service angle. | Less fit for pure tool site unless company profile. | 2026-07-30 | Open Clutch submit page (new tab)Clutch details |
| 47 | 45 | Serchen | 50 | Link type unknown | serchen.com | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Later | Not submitted | Create company listing and product profile. | Check category fit before spending time. | 2026-07-30 | Open Serchen submit page (new tab)Serchen details |
| 48 | 45 | SubmitMatic | — | Link type unknown | submitmatic.com | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Quick | Later | Needs checking | Use free launch/listing tools to prep copy and track submissions. | Research/operations support. | 2026-07-30 | Open SubmitMatic submit page (new tab)SubmitMatic details |
| 49 | 44 | Cuspera | 50 | Link type unknown | cuspera.com | Software directories | Not stated | Quick | Later | Needs checking | Claim/request listing if eligible. | No obvious direct form; use contact if needed. | 2026-07-30 | Open Cuspera submit page (new tab)Cuspera details |
| 50 | 44 | ToolThump | — | Link type unknown | toolthump.com | Software directories | Not stated | Quick | Later | Needs checking | Study accepted multi-tool positioning; possible outreach/partnership. | Research/comparable, not direct submission. | 2026-07-30 | Open ToolThump submit page (new tab)ToolThump 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.