Starting a new venture is challenging, and one of the biggest hurdles is finding the right avenues to promote your startup. With a plethora of free resources available, you can leverage these platforms to gain the exposure you need. Each platform offers unique benefits, from directories that rank startups based on various criteria to forums where you can engage with like-minded entrepreneurs. This guide will walk you through the best places to promote your startup, providing tips on how to utilize each platform to maximize your visibility and impact effectively.
How to Choose the Right Platform
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to promote your startup. Here are some tips to help you choose the right platforms:
• Identify Your Target Audience: Understand who your ideal customers are and where they spend their time online.
• Consider Your Goals: Are you looking for user feedback, investor interest, or general visibility? Different platforms cater to different needs.
• Evaluate Platform Features: Some platforms offer additional tools and resources that can be beneficial for your startup.
Top 99 Places to Promote Your Startup for Free
Webthat
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced online visibility, SEO benefits
Target Audience: Tech startups, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A comprehensive directory listing various tech startups and tools.
Tips for Success: Ensure your startup’s profile is complete and accurate. Use relevant keywords to improve discoverability.
Uneed
Category: Blog
Impact: Increased traffic, thought leadership
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup community
Platform Description: A blog platform that features articles about the latest in tech and startups.
Effective Utilization: Contribute high-quality guest posts that showcase your startup’s expertise and innovation.
TechPluto
Category: Blog
Impact: Increased traffic, potential media coverage
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup community
Platform Description: A blog covering the latest in startups and technology trends.
Effective Utilization: Submit well-written articles or press releases about your startup to get featured.
Startup Stash
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, resource sharing
Target Audience: Startup founders, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A curated directory of resources and tools for startups.
Effective Utilization: List your startup and ensure the description highlights your unique value proposition.
Startups FYI
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced online presence, networking opportunities
Target Audience: Startup founders, investors
Platform Description: A directory featuring a wide range of startups across various industries.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and regularly update your information.
Startup Ranking
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, potential investor interest
Target Audience: Startup founders and investors
Platform Description: A directory that ranks startups based on various criteria.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your startup meets the platform’s listing criteria. Optimize your profile for relevant keywords to improve ranking.
https://www.startupranking.com
Startup Inspire
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, community engagement
Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that showcases inspiring startup stories and products.
Effective Utilization: Share your startup’s journey and success stories to inspire and attract potential users.
https://www.startupinspire.com
Startup Buffer
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, potential partnerships
Target Audience: Startup founders, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory that lists startups and their key information.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your listing is complete and up-to-date. Use relevant keywords to improve searchability.
Startupbase
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, networking opportunities
Target Audience: Startup founders, investors
Platform Description: A directory of startups categorized by industry and location.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed and accurate information about your startup. Use keywords that potential investors might search for.
Startup Tile
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, potential partnerships
Target Audience: Startup founders, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory that features startups across various sectors.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and provide detailed information about your startup’s offerings.
StackShare
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, tech stack transparency
Target Audience: Developers, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that showcases the tech stacks used by various startups.
Effective Utilization: List your startup’s tech stack and explain why you chose each tool. Engage with the community by answering questions.
SourceForge
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased downloads, user feedback
Target Audience: Developers, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory for open-source and business software.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed information about your software and its features. Encourage users to leave reviews and feedback.
Software Suggest
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Software users, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews various software products.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your software’s profile is complete and accurate. Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews.
https://www.softwaresuggest.com
SideProjectors
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, potential partnerships
Target Audience: Side project creators, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory that showcases various side projects.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed information about your side project. Use keywords that potential collaborators might search for.
https://www.sideprojectors.com
/r/SideProject
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, community support
Target Audience: Side project creators, startup community
Platform Description: A directory for sharing and discovering side projects.
Effective Utilization: List your side project and provide detailed information about its purpose and features. Engage with the community by responding to feedback.
https://www.reddit.com/r/SideProject
Serchen
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Business software users, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews business software.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your software’s profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Encourage users to leave reviews and feedback.
SaaS Worthy
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, potential partnerships
Target Audience: SaaS founders, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory featuring various SaaS products.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and provide detailed information about your SaaS product.
SaaSHub
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: SaaS founders, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews various SaaS products.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed information about your SaaS product and its features. Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews.
/r/SaaS
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, potential collaborations
Target Audience: SaaS founders, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists various SaaS projects.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and provide detailed information about your SaaS project.
Reviano
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, user reviews
Target Audience: Software users, business owners
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews business software.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed and accurate information about your software. Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews.
Resource FYI
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, resource sharing
Target Audience: Startup founders, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory that lists various resources and tools for startups.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Regularly update your listing with new resources.
Product Hunt
Category: Launch Platform
Impact: High visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Early adopters, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A popular platform where new products are launched and discussed by a tech-savvy community.
Effective Utilization: Create a compelling product page with clear value propositions and visuals. Actively engage with the community by responding to comments and feedback.
Owwly
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, community engagement
Target Audience: Startup founders, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and showcases various startups and projects.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and provide detailed information about your startup. Engage with the community by responding to feedback.
/r/Microsaas
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, community support
Target Audience: Micro SaaS founders, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory for sharing and discovering micro SaaS projects.
Effective Utilization: List your micro SaaS project and provide detailed information about its purpose and features. Engage with the community by responding to feedback.
https://www.reddit.com/r/microsaas/
Lazy Hunt
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, community engagement
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup founders
Platform Description: A directory that lists and showcases various tech projects and startups.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and provide detailed information about your project. Engage with the community by responding to feedback.
Launching Next
Category: Launch Platform
Impact: Initial user traction, feedback gathering
Target Audience: Early adopters, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A platform dedicated to launching and discovering new startups.
Effective Utilization: Create a compelling launch page with clear value propositions and visuals. Encourage early users to provide feedback.
/r/ladybusiness
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, community support
Target Audience: Female entrepreneurs, startup community
Platform Description: A directory that showcases startups and businesses founded by women.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Engage with the community by sharing your startup’s journey and success stories.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ladybusiness/
Kudobuzz
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, customer reviews
Target Audience: Business owners, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews various business software and tools.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed and accurate information about your software. Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews.
Killer Startups
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, potential investor interest
Target Audience: Startup founders, investors
Platform Description: A directory that showcases innovative and promising startups.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Regularly update your listing with new achievements and milestones.
https://www.killerstartups.com
Joinly
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, community support
Target Audience: Startup founders, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory that lists and showcases various startups and projects.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed information about your startup and its offerings. Use relevant keywords to improve discoverability.
/r/InternetIsBeautiful
Category: Reddit
Impact: Increased visibility, community engagement
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, general public
Platform Description: A subreddit where users share interesting and beautiful websites.
Effective Utilization: Share your startup’s website with engaging visuals and descriptions. Actively participate in discussions and respond to feedback.
https://www.reddit.com/r/InternetIsBeautiful/
Feed my startup
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup founders
Platform Description: A directory that showcases new and innovative startups.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Encourage users to leave feedback and reviews.
1000 Tools
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, resource sharing
Target Audience: Startup founders, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory that lists various tools and resources for startups.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and provide detailed information about your tools. Regularly update your listing with new resources.
Indiehackers
Category: Forum
Impact: Community support, networking opportunities
Target Audience: Indie hackers, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A forum for indie hackers to share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
Effective Utilization: Actively participate in discussions and share your startup’s journey. Offer and seek advice from other community members.
https://www.indiehackers.comhttps://www.indiehackers.com
Indiehacker tools
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, resource sharing
Target Audience: Indie hackers, entrepreneurs
Platform Description: A directory that lists various tools for indie hackers.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Regularly update your listing with new tools and resources.
Hacker News
Category: Forum
Impact: Community support, networking opportunities
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup founders
Platform Description: A forum where users share and discuss the latest in technology and startups.
Effective Utilization: Share your startup’s news and updates. Actively participate in discussions and respond to feedback.
Show HN
Category: Forum
Impact: Community support, initial user traction
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup founders
Platform Description: A section of Hacker News where users showcase their projects and startups.
Effective Utilization: Create a compelling post with clear value propositions and visuals. Actively engage with the community by responding to comments and feedback.
https://news.ycombinator.com/show
GetApp
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Business owners, software users
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews business software products.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your software’s profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews and feedback.
G2
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user reviews
Target Audience: Business owners, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A comprehensive directory that lists and reviews various business software and tools.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed and accurate information about your software. Actively encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews.
/r/EntrepreneurRideAlong
Category: Blog
Impact: Increased traffic, thought leadership
Target Audience: Aspiring entrepreneurs, startup community
Platform Description: A blog that shares stories and insights from entrepreneurs on their startup journeys.
Effective Utilization: Contribute guest posts that showcase your entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned. Engage with readers by responding to comments and feedback.
https://www.reddit.com/r/EntrepreneurRideAlong
Digital Samaritan
Category: Blog
Impact: Increased traffic, community engagement
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup founders
Platform Description: A blog that covers the latest in technology and startups.
Effective Utilization: Submit high-quality articles that highlight your startup’s innovations and achievements. Engage with readers in the comments section.
https://www.digitalsamaritan.co
Dev.to
Category: Forum
Impact: Community support, networking opportunities
Target Audience: Developers, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A forum for developers to share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
Effective Utilization: Actively participate in discussions and share your startup’s technical insights. Offer and seek advice from other community members.
Ctrlalt.cc
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, resource sharing
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup founders
Platform Description: A directory that lists various tech tools and resources for startups.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Regularly update your listing with new tools and resources.
Crozdesk
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Business owners, software users
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews business software products.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed and accurate information about your software. Encourage users to leave positive reviews and feedback.
CrazyAboutStartups
Category: Blog
Impact: Increased traffic, community engagement
Target Audience: Startup founders, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A blog that covers news and stories about startups and entrepreneurship.
Effective Utilization: Submit guest posts that highlight your startup’s journey and achievements. Engage with readers by responding to comments and feedback.
https://crazyaboutstartups.com
Capterra
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user reviews
Target Audience: Business owners, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews various business software and tools.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your software’s profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Actively encourage satisfied users to leave positive reviews.
Pitch Wall
Category: Launch Platform
Impact: Initial user traction, investor interest
Target Audience: Investors, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A platform where startups can pitch their ideas to a wide audience.
Effective Utilization: Create a compelling pitch with a clear value proposition. Use engaging visuals and a strong narrative to attract interest.
Betalist
Category: Launch Platform
Impact: Initial user traction, feedback gathering
Target Audience: Early adopters, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A platform dedicated to launching and discovering new startups.
Effective Utilization: Create a compelling launch page with clear value propositions and visuals. Encourage early users to provide feedback.
BetaBound
Category: Launch Platform
Impact: User feedback, product improvement
Target Audience: Beta testers, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A platform that connects beta testers with new and upcoming products.
Effective Utilization: Create a detailed product page and actively seek feedback from beta testers. Use the feedback to make necessary product improvements.
AwesomeIndie
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, community support
Target Audience: Indie developers, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that showcases various indie projects and startups.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Engage with the community by sharing your project’s updates and milestones.
AppSumo
Category: Launch Platform
Impact: Increased sales, user feedback
Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A platform that offers deals on software and digital products for entrepreneurs.
Effective Utilization: Create an enticing product listing with clear value propositions. Offer exclusive deals and actively seek user feedback.
Apprater
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user reviews
Target Audience: App developers, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and reviews various mobile and web applications.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your app’s profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Encourage users to leave positive reviews and feedback.
Alternative.to
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, software users
Platform Description: A directory that lists alternative software and tools to popular applications.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed and accurate information about your software. Highlight its unique features and encourage users to leave reviews.
Alternative.me
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, user feedback
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, software users
Platform Description: A directory that lists alternative software and tools to popular applications.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Highlight your software’s unique features and encourage users to leave reviews.
/r/Alpha and Beta Users
Category: Reddit
Impact: User feedback, product improvement
Target Audience: Beta testers, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A platform that connects alpha and beta testers with new and upcoming products.
Effective Utilization: Create a detailed product page and actively seek feedback from testers. Use the feedback to make necessary product improvements.
https://www.reddit.com/r/alphaandbetausers
/r/Advanced Entrepreneur
Category: Reddit
Impact: Increased traffic, thought leadership
Target Audience: Aspiring entrepreneurs, startup community
Platform Description: A blog that shares advanced tips and strategies for entrepreneurs.
Effective Utilization: Submit guest posts that highlight your startup’s innovative strategies and achievements. Engage with readers by responding to comments and feedback.
https://www.reddit.com/r/advancedentrepreneur
All Startups Info
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, networking opportunities
Target Audience: Startup founders, investors
Platform Description: A directory that lists various startups and their key information.
Effective Utilization: Optimize your profile with relevant keywords and provide detailed information about your startup. Regularly update your listing with new achievements and milestones.
AffordHunt
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, customer acquisition
Target Audience: Consumers looking for deals, startup community
Platform Description: A directory featuring special deals and offers from various startups.
Effective Utilization: Highlight your best deals and offers. Use engaging visuals and clear calls-to-action to attract users.
Peerlist Spotlight
Category: Directory
Impact: Enhanced visibility, community support
Target Audience: Startup founders, tech enthusiasts
Platform Description: A directory that lists and showcases various startups and projects.
Effective Utilization: Provide detailed information about your startup and its offerings. Use relevant keywords to improve discoverability.
Insanely Cool Tools
Category: Directory
Impact: Increased visibility, resource sharing
Target Audience: Tech enthusiasts, startup founders
Platform Description: A directory that lists various cool and innovative tools for startups.
Effective Utilization: Ensure your profile is complete and optimized for relevant keywords. Regularly update your listing with new tools and resources.
AngelList
Category: Directory
Impact: Investor interest, networking opportunities
Target Audience: Startup founders, investors
Platform Description: A platform for startups to connect with investors and job seekers.
Effective Utilization: Create a detailed profile and actively network with investors and potential employees.
Crunchbase
Category: Directory
Impact: Visibility, investor interest
Target Audience: Investors, analysts
Platform Description: A comprehensive directory of companies, investors, and industry events.
Effective Utilization: Create a detailed profile and keep it updated with the latest company milestones.
Makerlog
Category: Community
Impact: Accountability, community support
Target Audience: Makers, indie hackers
Platform Description: A community where makers log their daily progress and get support.
Effective Utilization: Regularly log your progress and engage with the community for feedback and support.
/r/SaaS
Category: Reddit
Impact: Networking, resource sharing
Target Audience: SaaS founders, marketers
Platform Description: A community for SaaS founders to share insights, resources, and strategies.
Effective Utilization: Participate in discussions, share resources, and seek advice from other founders.
/r/startups
Category: Forum
Impact: User feedback, community support
Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, startup enthusiasts
Platform Description: A subreddit dedicated to startup discussions, advice, and feedback.
Effective Utilization: Post about your startup, ask for feedback, and engage in discussions.
https://www.reddit.com/r/startups
Tips for Effective Promotion
• Optimize Your Profile: Use relevant keywords, high-quality images, and clear descriptions to make your profile stand out.
• Engage with the Community: Actively participate in discussions, respond to comments, and build relationships with other users.
• Regularly Update Your Information: Keep your profiles and listings up to date with the latest information about your startup.
Conclusion
Promoting your startup effectively without breaking the bank is possible with the right platforms. The 99 places we’ve listed offer a diverse range of opportunities, from directories and launch platforms to communities and review sites. By leveraging these platforms, you can boost your visibility, attract potential investors, and engage with your target audience. Remember to optimize your profiles, actively participate in communities, and keep your information up to date to maximize your startup’s impact.
This list is a work in progress, and we are constantly adding new platforms. If you have a suggestion or want to add your tool, please email us at [email protected]
