How to Get Free Backlinks for Your Startup

Backlinks remain one of the top 3 ranking factors in 2025. But hiring an SEO agency costs $2,000-10,000/month. Here's how to build a solid backlink profile for free.

Why Backlinks Matter (Quick Refresher)

Google sees backlinks as votes of confidence. One link from a high-authority site is worth more than 100 links from random blogs. What matters:

• Domain Authority (DA): Higher is better. Aim for DA 30+


• Relevance: Links from sites in your niche > random sites


• Dofollow vs Nofollow: Dofollow passes SEO value, nofollow doesn't (but still brings traffic)

20 Free Backlink Methods for Startups

Directory Submissions (Quick Wins)

1. Startup Directories
Submit to directories that give dofollow backlinks:

• Cut & Ship - AI & SaaS directory with dofollow links


• Product Hunt - DR 92


• Indie Hackers - DR 75


• BetaList - DR 70+

2. Niche Directories
Find directories specific to your industry:

• AI tools: There's An AI For That, Futurepedia


• SaaS: SaaSHub, GetApp, Capterra


• Dev tools: DevHunt, LibHunt

3. Local Business Directories
Don't overlook these for local SEO:

• Google Business Profile


• Yelp


• Industry-specific local directories

Content-Based Link Building

4. Guest Posting
Write for blogs in your niche:

• Find sites that accept guest posts with "[your niche] + write for us"


• Pitch unique angles, not promotional content


• Include 1-2 natural links to your site

5. HARO (Help A Reporter Out)
Respond to journalist queries:

• Sign up at helpareporter.com


• Answer 2-3 queries daily


• Can land links from major publications (Forbes, Inc, etc.)

6. Podcast Appearances
Get interviewed on podcasts:

• Most podcasts link to guests in show notes


• Search "[your niche] podcast" and pitch


• Share your unique founder story

7. Create Linkable Assets
Content that naturally attracts links:

• Original research and data


• Free tools and calculators


• Comprehensive guides


• Infographics with embed codes

Community & Social

8. Reddit Participation
Build karma first, then share:

• Be helpful in relevant subreddits


• Don't spam links


• Share genuinely useful content

9. Quora Answers
Answer questions in your expertise:

• Link to relevant content naturally


• Provide value first


• Build authority over time

10. Twitter/X Building in Public
Your journey can attract links:

• Share milestones and learnings


• Other builders link to interesting threads


• Build relationships with writers

Technical Methods

11. Broken Link Building
Find broken links, offer your content as replacement:

• Use Ahrefs free version or Check My Links extension


• Find relevant 404 pages


• Email site owners with your alternative

12. Skyscraper Technique
Improve existing popular content:

• Find top-ranking content in your niche


• Create something 10x better


• Reach out to sites linking to the original

13. Resource Page Link Building
Get on curated resource lists:

• Search "[your niche] + resources" or "+ useful links"


• Reach out if your tool fits

Partnerships & PR

14. Integration Partnerships
Build integrations and get listed:

• Partner pages often have high DA


• Zapier, Slack, Notion directories


• Cross-promote with complementary tools

15. Startup Launch Coverage
Get press at launch:

• Submit to startup news sites


• Reach out to niche tech bloggers


• Create a compelling launch story

16. Open Source Contributions
If relevant to your product:

• Contribute to popular repos


• Get mentioned in READMEs


• Build tools for the community

Profile & Business Links

17. Social Profiles
Add your link everywhere:

• GitHub, GitLab profiles


• LinkedIn company page


• Twitter bio


• Crunchbase profile

18. Testimonials
Give testimonials to tools you use:

• Many showcase testimonials with links


• Genuine feedback only


• Target high-DA tools

19. Case Studies
Become a case study:

• Tools love featuring successful customers


• Reach out to tools you use and love


• Offer your story

20. Alumni Networks
University and accelerator links:

• Alumni directories


• Startup program showcase pages


• High DA, often overlooked

Building a Sustainable Strategy

Don't do everything at once. Google prefers natural growth:

Month 1:

• Submit to 5-10 directories including Cut & Ship


• Set up all social profiles

Month 2:

• Start guest posting outreach (2-3 per month)


• Begin HARO responses

Month 3+:

• Create one linkable asset


• Build integration partnerships


• Continue consistent outreach

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Spamming: Quality over quantity, always


• Buying links: Google penalizes this


• Irrelevant links: Stay in your niche


• Ignoring nofollow: They still drive traffic and brand awareness

Track Your Progress

Monitor your backlink profile monthly:

• Ahrefs (free version available)


• Google Search Console


• Moz Link Explorer

Get Started Today

The best time to start building backlinks was 6 months ago. The second best time is now.

Start with the quick wins: Submit your startup to Cut & Ship and get a dofollow backlink in minutes. Then work through this list systematically.

Read also: Top 10 Best Directories for Backlinks and Product Hunt Alternatives for more visibility strategies.