Which startup directories still give dofollow backlinks for free?
Updated Markdown version
| Directory | Type | DR | Free | Dofollow | Badge | Account |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n8n.io | Web directory | 90 | Yes | Yes | Unknown | Yes |
| Startup Fame | Launch platform | 84 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| f6s.com | Startup directory | 83 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Turbo0 | AI tool directory | 81 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SaaSHub | SaaS review site | 80 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| peerpush.com | Launch platform | 78 | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| showmebest.ai | AI tool directory | 76 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ToolFame | AI tool directory | 76 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AI Agent Marketplace & Directory | AI tool directory | 75 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dofollow.Tools | AI tool directory | 74 | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
What the numbers mean
LinkPing could determine the link type for 128 of 410 directories, because the link only appears after a listing is live. For the remaining 282 it is listed as unknown, not guessed. Of the known ones, 87% are dofollow.
Dofollow conditions to watch
- Some launch platforms give a dofollow link only to the top daily slots or only when you place their badge on your site.
- Some switch a link to nofollow after a trial period or for free tiers.
- A dofollow link from a low-quality page still carries little weight; the directory's own standing matters.
Browse the live list at dofollow directory list. Each page shows the date we last checked it.
Related directories
Related questions
- Which directories require a backlink badge, and is that worth it?
- Do directory backlinks still help SEO in 2026?
- Do nofollow directory links have any value for AI search?
Domain Rating by Ahrefs. DR values are from LinkPing's directory snapshot dated 2026-10-20.
Source: LinkPing directory library snapshot 2026-10-20. Figures update when the snapshot is refreshed.
Frequently asked questions
Is a dofollow directory link better than nofollow?
A dofollow link can pass ranking signals while a nofollow link is treated as a hint, so dofollow is generally preferred. A nofollow link can still send visitors and get your brand mentioned.
How can I check whether a directory link is dofollow?
Open the live listing page, inspect the link to your site, and look for rel="nofollow", rel="sponsored" or rel="ugc" in the HTML. If none is present it is dofollow.