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 | AlternativeTo | 80 | Nofollow | alternativeto.net | Startup directories | Free | Quick | Do first | Not submitted | Create account, wait cooldown if new, submit your tool as platform alternative. | Avoid per-tool submissions for calculators/converters; no URLs in description. | 2026-07-30 | Open AlternativeTo submit page (new tab)AlternativeTo details |
| 2 | 100 | CB Insights | 90 | Nofollow | cbinsights.com | Profiles and entities | Free | Quick | Do first | Not submitted | Request an Analyst Briefing and complete the company survey with product, customer, growth, funding, and market evidence. | Submission does not guarantee profile or research inclusion; all metrics and claims must be supportable and current. | 2026-08-03 | Open CB Insights submit page (new tab)CB Insights details |
| 3 | 100 | Glama MCP Directory | 50 | Link type unknown | glama.ai | Other opportunities | Free | Quick | Do first | Not submitted | Deploy a maintained your tool MCP server from GitHub, Docker, npm, or PyPI, verify maintainer ownership, and switch it public only after production testing. | Hosted servers are private by default; public listing requires a real working server, and ranking or backlink attributes remain platform-controlled. | 2026-08-03 | Open Glama MCP Directory submit page (new tab)Glama MCP Directory details |
| 4 | 100 | Product Hunt | 90 | Nofollow | producthunt.com | Launch platforms | Free | Quick | Do first | Not submitted | Launch your platform first; prepare maker comment and assets. | No upvote asks; personal accounts; schedule proper launch. | 2026-07-30 | Open Product Hunt submit page (new tab)Product Hunt details |
| 5 | 100 | SaaSHub | 70 | Dofollow | saashub.com | Startup directories | Free | Quick | Do first | Not submitted | Submit platform, add competitor alternatives, verify domain email. | Add competitors; avoid paid multi-submit page confusion. | 2026-07-30 | Open SaaSHub submit page (new tab)SaaSHub details |
| 6 | 100 | Smithery MCP Registry | 50 | Link type unknown | smithery.ai | Developer registries | Free | Quick | Do first | Not submitted | Publish a genuine hosted, external, or stdio MCP server exposing a small set of consent-based your tool utilities with complete metadata and documentation. | Server must be operational and compliant; public page and analytics do not guarantee prominence, referral traffic, or dofollow links. | 2026-08-03 | Open Smithery MCP Registry submit page (new tab)Smithery MCP Registry details |
| 7 | 100 | Tracxn | 75 | Nofollow | tracxn.com | Startup directories | Free | Quick | Do first | Not submitted | Submit the company website and concise product, market, founder, funding, and traction details for analyst review. | Analysts decide inclusion and may request documents; provide only verifiable company, funding, team, and traction data. | 2026-08-03 | Open Tracxn submit page (new tab)Tracxn details |
| 8 | 98 | Claude Plugin Directory | 85 | Link type unknown | claude.com | AI tool directories | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Package a narrow, safe your tool plugin with a public repository, validate it with the Claude plugin validator, and submit it through the in-app directory flow. | Must satisfy directory terms and policy plus automated review; submission does not confer Anthropic Verified status or guarantee listing/backlink attributes. | 2026-08-03 | Open Claude Plugin Directory submit page (new tab)Claude Plugin Directory details |
| 9 | 98 | Dify Marketplace | 65 | Link type unknown | dify.ai | Marketplaces and app stores | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Build and test a free Dify plugin for a distinct your tool privacy or file-analysis capability, package it, add a privacy policy, and submit the required pull request. | Human and automated review checks functionality, uniqueness, value, privacy, and maintenance; acceptance and external-link visibility are not guaranteed. | 2026-08-03 | Open Dify Marketplace submit page (new tab)Dify Marketplace details |
| 10 | 98 | e27 | 70 | Sometimes dofollow | e27.co | Startup directories | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Create your tool company profile with accurate product, team, media, and website details, then submit it for verification. | Profiles are manually verified; agencies, consulting, non-tech, and pure software-development service companies are prohibited. | 2026-08-03 | Open e27 submit page (new tab)e27 details |
| 11 | 98 | Hacker News Show HN | 90 | Nofollow | news.ycombinator.com | Launch platforms | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Submit as Show HN: your tool - privacy-first toolbox people can try instantly. | No vote solicitation; use genuine account; product must be live. | 2026-07-30 | Open Hacker News Show HN submit page (new tab)Hacker News Show HN details |
| 12 | 98 | Linear Integration Directory | 80 | Link type unknown | linear.app | Marketplaces and app stores | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Build a maintained Linear integration that sends approved your tool audit findings into issues, then submit its listing and assets. | Linear reviews for broad utility and generally rejects scripts, low-effort tools, and hobby apps; listing and outbound-link treatment are discretionary. | 2026-08-03 | Open Linear Integration Directory submit page (new tab)Linear Integration Directory details |
| 13 | 98 | Mattermost Marketplace | 75 | Link type unknown | mattermost.com | Marketplaces and app stores | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Create a supported Mattermost plugin or app that scans user-approved text for sensitive data before sharing, with docs and a public issue tracker. | Submission needs a testable artifact, documentation, icon, bug tracker, and maintained security fixes; review and backlink attributes are discretionary. | 2026-08-03 | Open Mattermost Marketplace submit page (new tab)Mattermost Marketplace details |
| 14 | 98 | Neeed Directory | 25 | Link type unknown | neeed.directory | Launch platforms | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Launch your tool with a unique tagline, screenshots and founder profile linking to your tool. | Use original launch copy; no vote manipulation; review or queue may apply. Dofollow is reported but recheck after approval. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/neeed-directory | Open Neeed Directory submit page (new tab)Neeed Directory details |
| 15 | 98 | Nick Launches | — | Link type unknown | nicklaunches.com | Launch platforms | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Launch your tool with a unique tagline, screenshots and founder profile linking to your tool. | Use original launch copy; no vote manipulation; review or queue may apply. Dofollow is reported but recheck after approval. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/nick-launches | Open Nick Launches submit page (new tab)Nick Launches details |
| 16 | 98 | Pitchwall | 30 | Link type unknown | pitchwall.co | Launch platforms | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Launch your tool with a unique tagline, screenshots and founder profile linking to your tool. | Use original launch copy; no vote manipulation; review or queue may apply. Dofollow is reported but recheck after approval. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/pitchwall | Open Pitchwall submit page (new tab)Pitchwall details |
| 17 | 98 | TechImply | 50 | Link type unknown | techimply.com | Software directories | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Create a vendor account and submit your tool under the closest B2B software categories with an accurate feature summary. | B2B software or IT-company fit is required; the profile is categorized and reviewed, so avoid unsupported claims. | 2026-08-03 | Open TechImply submit page (new tab)TechImply details |
| 18 | 98 | TinyStartups | 30 | Link type unknown | tinystartups.com | Launch platforms | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Launch your tool with a unique tagline, screenshots and founder profile linking to your tool. | Use original launch copy; no vote manipulation; review or queue may apply. Dofollow is reported but recheck after approval. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/tinystartups | Open TinyStartups submit page (new tab)TinyStartups details |
| 19 | 98 | WebCatalog | 50 | Link type unknown | webcatalog.io | Software directories | Free | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Submit the production web app, then verify domain ownership to manage its official listing, assets, and analytics. | AltFTool must be a working web app; ownership verification is needed for official control and the submission is reviewed. | 2026-08-03 | Open WebCatalog submit page (new tab)WebCatalog details |
| 20 | 95 | LaunchIgniter | — | Link type unknown | launchigniter.com | Launch platforms | Free + paid tier | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Launch your tool with a unique tagline, screenshots and founder profile linking to your tool. | Use original launch copy; no vote manipulation; review or queue may apply. Dofollow is reported but recheck after approval. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/launchigniter | Open LaunchIgniter submit page (new tab)LaunchIgniter details |
| 21 | 95 | Open Launch | 35 | Dofollow | open-launch.com | Launch platforms | Free + paid tier | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Launch your tool with a unique tagline, screenshots and founder profile linking to your tool. | Use original launch copy; no vote manipulation; review or queue may apply. Listing link is currently reported nofollow. | 2026-07-30 • https://www.submission.directory/site/open-launch | Open Open Launch submit page (new tab)Open Launch details |
| 22 | 95 | ToolFame | — | Link type unknown | toolfame.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | 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/toolfame | Open ToolFame submit page (new tab)ToolFame details |
| 23 | 95 | ToolPilot | 35 | Link type unknown | toolpilot.ai | Software directories | Free | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | 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/toolpilot | Open ToolPilot submit page (new tab)ToolPilot details |
| 24 | 95 | Turbo0 | — | Link type unknown | turbo0.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | 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/turbo0 | Open Turbo0 submit page (new tab)Turbo0 details |
| 25 | 95 | Uneed | 40 | Dofollow | uneed.best | Launch platforms | Free + paid tier | Moderate | Do first | Not submitted | Submit your tool as useful no-signup online toolbox. | Free queue available; unique description required. | 2026-07-30 | Open Uneed submit page (new tab)Uneed details |
| 26 | 95 | Web Tools Weekly | 45 | Link type unknown | webtoolsweekly.com | Software directories | Free | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | Submit one polished your tool web utility that is directly useful to front-end developers, programmers, or designers, with a precise one-line explanation and working URL. | The newsletter accepts tools such as libraries, scripts, web apps, APIs, editors, and services, but not articles or tutorials. Submit via the stated X or Bluesky channel and do not repeatedly pitch the whole directory. | 2026-08-03 | Open Web Tools Weekly submit page (new tab)Web Tools Weekly details |
| 27 | 92 | Appvizer | 60 | Link type unknown | appvizer.com | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | Register your tool as a B2B product, choose relevant categories, and complete the vendor profile in English. | The product must fit a B2B software category and is subject to editorial review; paid exposure is separate from the free profile. | 2026-08-03 | Open Appvizer submit page (new tab)Appvizer details |
| 28 | 92 | ShowMeBest.AI | — | Link type unknown | showmebest.ai | Software directories | Free + paid tier | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | 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/showmebest-ai | Open ShowMeBest.AI submit page (new tab)ShowMeBest.AI details |
| 29 | 91 | LinuxSecurity | 60 | Link type unknown | linuxsecurity.com | Publishing platforms | Not stated | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | Pitch an original advanced article with reproducible examples, such as local PII redaction or malicious-document inspection on Linux, linking only to a genuinely informative supporting page. | At least 1,200 words, intermediate-to-advanced depth, directly related to Linux/open source/cybersecurity, and at least three original images. Product promotion, company marketing, simple listicles, and links to promotional product pages are rejected. | 2026-08-03 | Open LinuxSecurity submit page (new tab)LinuxSecurity details |
| 30 | 85 | Black Hat Arsenal | 80 | Link type unknown | blackhat.com | Software directories | Paid | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | Prepare a focused open-source defensive tool with English documentation, reproducible demos, and a technical presenter, then submit to the next relevant Arsenal Call for Tools. | Arsenal is selected by a review board and demonstrations must focus on the submitted open-source tool. Product pitches, upsells, unrelated company branding, and closed-source marketing demos are prohibited. Europe 2026 submissions closed 2026-07-19. | 2026-08-03 | Open Black Hat Arsenal submit page (new tab)Black Hat Arsenal details |
| 31 | 85 | TechnologyAdvice | 70 | Link type unknown | technologyadvice.com | Marketplaces and app stores | Paid | Involved | Do first | Not submitted | Apply for the free Basic profile with a current website, clear business value, category, pricing, and authentic reviews. | Must be business-use software that fits an established category and has a clear value proposition; editorial acceptance is discretionary. | 2026-08-03 | Open TechnologyAdvice submit page (new tab)TechnologyAdvice 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.