Where to launch your startup in 2026
Launching isn't one big day on one big site anymore. It's a sweep across a long tail of directories, each worth a backlink, a trickle of qualified traffic, and a badge. Here's the shortlist that matters, sorted by what each one is for.
1. Launch feeds — for a dated spike
Post, appear in a dated feed, maybe collect upvotes or a weekly ranking. DevHunt, Startup Fame, Twelve Tools, Super Launch, LaunchIgniter, Noonlaunch, Nick Launches and LetsLaunch.
2. Curated directories — for permanent discovery
Submit once, stay findable by category. Findly.tools, Founder.best, tinyshelf, FoundrList, SpacerrApps and ConfettiSaaS.
3. Dofollow backlink sites — for SEO
These lean into the link value: add their badge, get a followed link back. DANG! and EasyDoFollow are the clearest examples. Fair trade, lasting value.
4. RealRank — for the proof
Do the sweep, then come here to turn "we launched" into "here's the proof." List free for a permanent link and a badge, then connect Google Search Console (read-only) to be ranked by your verified organic clicks. The board rewards momentum, so being new and growing fast beats being big and flat. A deeper walk-through is in our launch-directories guide.
Launched here and climbing
- 1realrank.lol+150%
- 2orbanstay.co+50%
- 3waterchamp.app+29%
- 41milliontaps.lol+50%
- 5nametoavatar.com-22%
9 verified sites ranked · 30 more in the free directory. See this week's launches →
FAQ
- Where should I launch my startup first?
- Launch where the format fits: a launch feed (DevHunt, Startup Fame) for a dated spike, a curated directory (Findly.tools, Founder.best) for permanent discovery, and a verified board (RealRank) to prove the traffic is real. Most makers do all three over a week rather than betting on one.
- How many directories should I submit to?
- As many relevant ones as you can — the value is cumulative. Each is a backlink and a small stream of qualified visitors. Prepare your name, tagline, description, logo and screenshots once, then work through the list. Stagger the badges you add over a few days so the link profile looks organic.
- Do launch directories actually help SEO?
- The durable value is the backlinks. One link is noise; thirty relevant links from launch and maker sites is a real compounding signal. The referral traffic is a bonus — small per site, but qualified, and a couple will surprise you.
- What does RealRank add that a normal directory doesn't?
- Proof. Any directory will list you the moment you submit — that only proves you filled a form. RealRank reads your verified Google Search Console clicks and ranks you on them, so your listing answers the question everyone actually asks: does it get traffic?
Free · permanent link · no pay-to-rank