Guides & updates

Notes for fellow founders: how to choose sites, what to prepare, and what I learn from sharing my own project.

Pinned · methodology · 2026-09-25
How I track directory results
How I record each submission (time, cost, outcome, and visits) and how to use the results, from the planner or your AI assistant.
guide · 2026-10-25
Best free startup directories: the ones that actually listed me
The best free startup directories, judged by what happened when I submitted: 19 free with no catch put me live by 25 October 2026, 15 within a day.
guide · 2026-10-25
Startup directory requirements: what stopped 117 of my attempts
Startup directory requirements from 426 attempts: 112 stopped me before I could submit, 5 rejected me after. The reasons, counted 25 October 2026.
guide · 2026-10-04
Free startup directories, tested: which ones are really free
Free startup directories, tested with my own project: 70 of the 90 directories on my list have a free path, 8 with no catch I found. Counted 4 October 2026.
guide · 2026-10-04
Product Hunt alternatives, tested: queues, prices, and catches
I tried 14 Product Hunt alternatives with my own project. Most free launches meant waiting weeks to years, with a paid way to skip from $5 to $99.
guide · 2026-10-04
Which startup directories are dead or no longer free
Startup directories that are dead or no longer free, checked one by one: BetaList is paid only, 23 old directories are gone, two domains now lead to casinos.
guide · 2026-10-04
AI tool directories, tested: where to submit an AI tool for free
27 AI tool directories, tested 4 October 2026: 3 free with no catch, 11 free with a wait, a link back or a Domain Rating gate, 8 paid only, 5 with no way in.
guide · 2026-10-04
How long startup directories take to list you, measured
Which startup directories approve fast? Of 57 recorded waits, 9 listed me within a day, 6 need a year or more, and 44 of 48 sell a way past the line.

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