If you’re building a MicroSaaS, a disciplined directory and marketplace launch can stack discoverability, backlinks, and qualified trials without paid ads. The playbook below curates 60+ high‑leverage platforms where you can list, launch, or integrate your product, grouped by intent. You’ll find submission links, what each platform is best for (early user feedback, SEO, dev audiences, or sales), and notes on cost. To help you ship faster, I’ve added a pre‑flight checklist and a 14‑day submission cadence you can paste into your calendar. Treat this as a distribution sprint: assemble your launch assets once, then “rinse and submit” across the right surfaces for weeks. For best results, prioritize a balanced mix: launch/discovery, beta/pre‑launch, SaaS review sites, AI directories (if relevant), app marketplaces, and a few community channels for real conversations and Show/Ask posts. Each listing includes a primary, first‑party submission or rules page so you can move quickly and confidently, while capturing SEO value and intent‑driven traffic from buyers already in research mode Product Hunt Help BetaList Submit G2 Help Capterra Vendors Slack Marketplace Guide.
Table of Contents
Launch and product discovery directories
These platforms prioritize discoverability and early traction. Most accept ongoing submissions; schedule an initial push and follow up after major updates.
Product Hunt (post/launch and Upcoming). Create and schedule a launch; follow the official flow to “Submit” a new product, and consider a teaser (Upcoming) to build followers pre‑launch Product Hunt Help Product Hunt Launch How to create a teaser.
Launching Next. Free daily curation; submit via their form to be reviewed and published Launching Next Submit Launching Next.
StartupBase. Maker/early‑adopter community with clear criteria for acceptance; use their submission flow when eligible StartupBase Criteria PitchWall note on StartupBase submit.
Startup Buffer. Premium startup directory; free to submit with optional paid boosts Startup Buffer Submit Startup Buffer.
Microlaunch. Indie maker–friendly launch feed for feedback, exposure, and first sales; submit your product on their platform Microlaunch Submit Microlaunch.
What Launched Today (launching.today). Simple, clean product feed; free submissions via form What Launched Today Submit What Launched Today.
Uneed (product discovery + “directories of directories”). Submit tools and optionally leverage their “auto‑submit” products if you want to outsource Uneed Submit Uneed Directories.
PitchWall (Betapage lineage). Community of tech lovers and early adopters to browse, submit, and get feedback PitchWall Paved listing.
Indie Hackers product listings. The community intermittently runs “List your product for free” threads and supports founder posts that add value Indie Hackers “List your product”.
AlternativeTo (software discovery via alternatives). Add your app to capture “X alternative” demand; use “Suggest new application” after signup AlternativeTo FAQ.
Alternative.me (software alternatives directory). Create an account and submit your software directly from your dashboard Alternative.me Submit.
Beta and pre‑launch platforms
Use these to validate narrative, gather early users, and drive email signups before a big push elsewhere. Expect more feedback than conversions—and aim to ship fast iterations.
BetaList. Curated pre‑launch feed; free submission with queue (paid options available via their ecosystem and external write‑ups) BetaList Submit BetaList Criteria Upvoty’s experience.
BetaTesting (formerly Erli Bird). Paid access to structured beta tests; recruit testers for mobile, web, or connected products BetaTesting Join BetaTesting Services.
GetWorm. Connect with early adopters through playful “worms”; submit your startup to attract testers GetWorm Submit GetWorm.
Product Hunt “Coming Soon/Upcoming” pages. Build followers and notify them on launch day with an official teaser flow Product Hunt Coming Soon Create a teaser.
SaaS review and comparison sites
These are critical for SEO, category presence, and intent capture. Start by claiming free listings; invest in reviews and category fit before considering paid lead gen.
G2. Add your product, build a profile, gather reviews, and manage categories via my.G2 G2 Add Product Sell.G2 Create a Profile.
Capterra. Request a free basic listing across Gartner Digital Markets; later consider PPC once you have reviews Capterra Vendors Listing Guidelines.
GetApp (Gartner Digital Markets). Follow listing guidelines and keep parity with your Capterra profile GetApp Guidelines GetApp.
Software Advice (Gartner Digital Markets). Align your listing content to their profile guidelines and FAQs Software Advice Listing Guidelines Vendor FAQ.
TrustRadius. Claim your profile via the vendor portal, then activate review motion and content syndication as needed TrustRadius Claim Your Profile Vendor Portal Guide.
SourceForge. List business software and manage a product page; paid demand gen exists, but you can start organically SourceForge Vendors Product Page Docs.
SaaSHub. Independent software marketplace; free submission to list your SaaS SaaSHub Submit SaaSHub.
AlternativeTo. Already listed above, but it doubles as a powerful comparison surface for “[Competitor] alternative” searches AlternativeTo FAQ.
Alternative.me. Also doubles as a comparison surface; ensure accurate tags and categories Alternative.me Submit.
FinancesOnline. Prominent B2B directory; vendors can get free listings, and the platform awards badges—useful for social proof. Outreach is required via their team G2 overview of FinancesOnline CompareCamp overview.
Spacebar Collective’s overview of review sites can help prioritize where to invest time next (meta resource) Spacebar Collective.
VOIPReview’s round‑up is another meta resource for understanding buyer traffic across review ecosystems (use for prioritization, not submission) VoipReview.
Startup maps and databases
These aren’t high‑volume lead sources, but they improve legitimacy, discoverability, and backlinks. They’re also handy for investors and partners doing diligence.
Crunchbase. Create and claim a company profile; keep it updated after funding or milestones Crunchbase Create Profile.
StartupBlink. Add your startup to the global ecosystem map for visibility and ecosystem context StartupBlink Add Startup StartupBlink.
Startup Ranking. Register and let their system track your startup and rank signals; useful backlink and basic presence Startup Ranking FAQ.
Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent). Set up your company profile to support hiring and credibility; post roles as needed Wellfound Create Company.
Open Startup List. If you’re building in public, submit your open startup for community visibility Open Startup List.
AI tool directories (if your product uses or enables AI)
AI tool directories can drive large spikes of qualified traffic for AI‑adjacent SaaS. If your product fits, prioritize a handful of authoritative hubs first.
There’s An AI For That (TAAFT). Submit your tool for listing and potential homepage/newsletter features TAAFT Submit Get Featured.
Futurepedia. Submit your tool; verification and paid features exist, but standard submissions are available Futurepedia Submit Verification.
Toolify. Open submission for AI tools and GPTs; PPC and featured placements are optional Toolify Submit Submit GPT.
AI Tools Directory (aitoolsdirectory.com). Direct submission form for listing AI Tools Directory Submit AI Tools Directory.
AI Top Tools. Directory plus content; their guide explains the submission process and options AITopTools “How to submit”.
OpenTools.ai. Large AI directory with community curation; outreach may be required for listing OpenTools yo.directory note.
App marketplaces and integration directories
If you integrate into a major platform (Slack, Shopify, HubSpot, Atlassian, etc.), these marketplaces are unmatched for “right‑time, right‑place” intent. Even a simple connector can unlock distribution.
Slack Marketplace. Follow the distribution checklist and marketplace app guidelines before you submit Slack Marketplace Guide Marketplace Guidelines.
Zapier (public partner app). Build and publish a public integration to get listed in Zapier’s directory Zapier Publish Zapier Apps Directory.
Atlassian Marketplace (Jira/Confluence/Trello ecosystem). Create your listing and submit for approval; follow selling and listing docs Create Listing List and manage.
HubSpot App Marketplace. Use a developer account to create an App Listing and meet listing requirements HubSpot Listing Requirements.
Shopify App Store. Create an app store listing and submit for review; use Shopify’s checklist for a smooth pass Submit for Review Requirements Checklist.
Airtable Extensions Marketplace. Submit your custom extension via CLI for review Airtable Submit.
Trello Power‑Ups. Complete the developer form to submit your Power‑Up for review and inclusion Trello Submit Power‑Up.
Intercom App Store. Write your listing and submit for review; choose when to publish Intercom Listing Review/Publish.
Stripe App Marketplace. Prepare your app and listing, then submit for review and publish Stripe Apps Publish.
Asana App Directory. Submit your integration to be discoverable by any Asana user Asana Publish.
Discord App Directory. Enable Discovery in the developer portal to appear in Discord’s directory Discord App Directory Guide.
Communities, “Show” posts, and PR surfaces
Used thoughtfully, these channels bring feedback, attention, and backlinks. Lead with value, not self‑promo.
Hacker News (Show HN). Read guidelines; post with “Show HN” and a concise explanation, then engage in the thread Show HN Guidelines.
Reddit r/SaaS (and relevant subreddits). Each subreddit has rules; give value first and avoid spammy self‑promotion r/SaaS rules discussion Another rules thread.
TechCrunch pitching primer. Study what’s newsworthy and how to pitch to tech journalists the right way TechCrunch guide.
Slashdot (submit a story). Tech audience; submit newsworthy updates or launches with links Slashdot Submit Editorial FAQ.
Indie maker marketplaces, side‑project hubs, and founder‑centric surfaces
These won’t be your primary growth driver, but they compound serendipity, backlinks, and small waves of niche users.
SideProjectors. Marketplace to show off, sell, or simply list a side project; submission guidelines apply SideProjectors Submit SideProjectors.
Microns. If you’re open to selling or just want extra eyes, list your micro‑startup (great for exits and learning what buyers value) Microns Sell Your Startup Microns.
Startups.fyi. Community showcasing profitable online businesses; you can promote via sponsorships and featured spots, and community guides cover submissions Startups.fyi Sponsor How to submit (guide).
Peerlist Launchpad. Weekly showcase for projects to get early users and feedback—developer/design audience Peerlist Launchpad Guidelines Peerlist Launchpad.
Dev.to (write your launch post). Developer community—share learnings and context; point to your demo (no hard sell) Dev.to launch story example.
Quick reference table (60+ places)
Launch/Discovery: Product Hunt; Launching Next; StartupBase; Startup Buffer; Microlaunch; What Launched Today; DevHunt; Uneed; PitchWall; Indie Hackers listing threads; AlternativeTo; Alternative.me Product Hunt Help Launching Next Submit StartupBase Criteria Startup Buffer Submit Microlaunch Submit What Launched Today Submit DevHunt Uneed Submit PitchWall Indie Hackers AlternativeTo FAQ Alternative.me Submit.
Beta/Pre‑launch: BetaList; BetaTesting; GetWorm; Product Hunt Upcoming/teaser BetaList Submit BetaTesting GetWorm Submit PH “Coming Soon”.
SaaS Reviews: G2; Capterra; GetApp; Software Advice; TrustRadius; SourceForge; SaaSHub; AlternativeTo; Alternative.me; FinancesOnline; plus meta prioritization resources (Spacebar, VoIPReview) G2 Help Capterra Vendors GetApp Guidelines Software Advice Guidelines TrustRadius Claim SourceForge Vendors SaaSHub Submit AlternativeTo FAQ Alternative.me Submit FinancesOnline overview.
Startup Databases: Crunchbase; StartupBlink; Startup Ranking; Wellfound; Open Startup List Crunchbase Create Profile StartupBlink Add Startup Ranking FAQ Wellfound Create Company Open Startup List.
AI Directories: There’s An AI For That; Futurepedia; Toolify; AI Tools Directory; AI Top Tools; OpenTools TAAFT Submit Futurepedia Submit Toolify Submit AI Tools Directory Submit AITopTools article OpenTools.
App Marketplaces: Slack; Zapier; Atlassian Marketplace; HubSpot; Shopify; Airtable; Trello; Intercom; Stripe Apps; Asana; Discord Slack Marketplace Guide Zapier Publish Atlassian Create Listing HubSpot Listing Shopify Submit Airtable Submit Trello Submit Intercom Listing Stripe Apps Publish Asana Publish Discord App Directory.
Communities/PR: Show HN; r/SaaS; Submit.co; TechCrunch pitching guide; Slashdot Show HN r/SaaS promo rules Submit.co TechCrunch guide Slashdot Submit.
Pre‑flight checklist (copy/paste)
140‑character tagline, 50‑word value prop, and a 150‑word full description. Draft variants for developer‑centric, business‑centric, and AI‑centric directories. Keep 6–8 core keywords consistent across listings to reinforce relevance G2 Help Capterra Guidelines.
Logo (512×512), 3–6 screenshots (1200×800+), a 60–90‑second demo video link, and a press kit ZIP or Notion page. Many marketplaces (Shopify/HubSpot/Atlassian) require media assets to pass review—don’t submit without them Shopify Requirements HubSpot Requirements Atlassian Listing.
One clear CTA per listing (Start free trial, Add to Slack, Install on Shopify), plus a pricing table link and docs link. Revise the CTA to match each platform’s intent (e.g., “Add to Slack” on Slack Marketplace) Slack Marketplace Guide.
Social proof: 5–10 seeded reviews or testimonials with role and company, case study links, or badges (e.g., FinancesOnline awards or G2 badges) as available to improve CTR and conversion on review sites G2 Create Profile FinancesOnline overview.
14‑day directory sprint schedule
Day 1–2: Finalize assets; publish a docs “Getting Started” guide; dry‑run your onboarding. Lock your tracking UTM template and a directory submissions sheet to avoid duplication G2 Help.
Day 3–4: Product Hunt (schedule and teaser if relevant), Launching Next, Startup Buffer, StartupBase, DevHunt if you’re a dev tool Product Hunt Launch Launching Next Submit Startup Buffer Submit DevHunt.
Day 5–6: BetaList, BetaTesting/GetWorm (if pre‑launch). If launched, move to AlternativeTo, Alternative.me, SaaSHub BetaList Submit GetWorm Submit AlternativeTo FAQ SaaSHub Submit.
Day 7–8: Review sites (G2, Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice, TrustRadius, SourceForge). Seed ≥5 authentic reviews from real users to start G2 Help Capterra Vendors TrustRadius Claim.
Day 9–10: AI directories (if applicable): TAAFT, Futurepedia, Toolify, AI Tools Directory, AI Top Tools, OpenTools TAAFT Submit Futurepedia Submit Toolify Submit.
Day 11–12: App marketplaces (start with one flagship integration): Slack/Zapier/Shopify/HubSpot/Atlassian based on your ICP—reviews take time, submit early Slack Marketplace Zapier Publish Shopify Submit.
Day 13: Startup databases (Crunchbase, StartupBlink, Startup Ranking, Wellfound) Crunchbase Create StartupBlink Add Startup Ranking FAQ.
Submission kit: copy‑paste templates
50‑word discovery blurb “X is a [category] that helps [ICP] [primary outcome] in [time/value claim]. Unlike [alt/DIY], X [differentiator]. Start in minutes with [onboarding promise]. Free plan and [trial length] available.” Use this on launching feeds like Launching Next, Startup Buffer, and DevHunt; adjust tone for maker communities Launching Next Submit Startup Buffer Submit DevHunt.
“Show HN” two‑sentence opener “Show HN: X — [one‑line problem→solution]. We built it because [origin/use‑case]. Would love feedback on [specific UX or capability], and happy to answer anything.” Follow with a minimal feature list and a clear demo link Show HN Guidelines.
AI directory blurb (if applicable) “X is an AI‑powered [category] for [ICP], using [model/approach] to [outcome]. Works with [integrations] and protects [data/security detail].” Tailor to TAAFT/Futurepedia/Toolify requirements and include pricing link TAAFT Submit Futurepedia Submit Toolify Submit.
Practical tips that compound results
Seed reviews early. A handful of high‑quality, detailed reviews beat dozens of thin ones. G2/Capterra/TrustRadius listings with early reviews rank and convert better; invite customers post‑onboarding and capture role, industry, and use case for credibility G2 Create Profile Capterra Vendors TrustRadius Claim.
Match the venue. Use “Add to Slack,” “Install on Shopify,” or “Try the demo” CTAs that fit marketplace context. Many stores enforce listing quality; follow their checklists to avoid week‑long rejections Slack Marketplace Guide Shopify Requirements.
Don’t spam communities. HN/Reddit reward authenticity and learning; teach something useful and then link your tool. Read the rules in r/SaaS and adjacent subs before posting r/SaaS rules discussion Show HN Guidelines.
Track everything. Standardize a UTM schema and log each submission’s status, date, and link. When a channel pops (e.g., Futurepedia/TAAFT), double down with a short case study or tutorial for that audience Futurepedia Submit TAAFT Submit.
Closing
Directory submissions are a force multiplier when you approach them as a focused, time‑boxed sprint. Combine curated discovery sites with at least one app marketplace, a credible footprint on review platforms, and one or two community “Show” moments that spark conversation. Then, iterate. Revisit the top performers monthly with fresh screenshots, a new case study, and product updates. Doing this right can get you hundreds of qualified trials and dozens of backlinks in a few weeks—without buying a single impression G2 Help Product Hunt Launch Slack Marketplace Guide Capterra Vendors Show HN Guidelines.