Curated web directories to submit your site
Curated, human-edited web directories that still list quality websites by topic and region.
Short answer
The best curated web directories to start with are BestSitesIndex, Curlie and Tipo Directory. Of the 12 on this list, 4 are free to list and 6 take under 15 minutes. Use the same name, website and description on every one.
Why curated web directories help
A handful of human-edited directories still review every submission. Listings there are slow to get and selective, which is exactly why they are worth having. Skip any directory that accepts every site.
Tips
- Write a factual, non-promotional description: editors reject sales copy.
- Choose the narrowest matching category and your real region.
- Avoid directories that require a reciprocal link or list anything for a fee.
- Submit once and be patient: editors can take weeks.
Curated web directories to submit your site to
Best first: high reach, free and quick come before slower or paid ones. Open any name for the steps.
| Website | Cost | Link | Effort | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BestSitesIndex | Free | Followed link | Quick | Worldwide |
| Curlie | Free | Link type unverified | Moderate | Worldwide |
| Tipo Directory | Free | Followed link | Quick | Worldwide |
| Gimpsy | Free plan | Link type unverified | Quick | Worldwide |
| Link Centre | Free plan | Link type unverified | Quick | Worldwide |
| Blogarama | Free | Link type unverified | Quick | Worldwide |
| ExactSeek | Free plan | Link type unverified | Quick | Worldwide |
| Aviva Directory | Paid | Link type unverified | Moderate | Worldwide |
| Best of the Web (BOTW) | Paid | Link type unverified | Moderate | Worldwide |
| Jasmine Directory | Paid | Link type unverified | Moderate | Worldwide |
| Skaffe | Free plan | Link type unverified | Moderate | Worldwide |
| JoeAnt | Paid | Link type unverified | Moderate | Worldwide |
Questions about curated web directories
Are web directories still worth it?
Most are not. Avoid directories that list anything for a fee or ask for a link back to be listed at all. The few that are edited by people and reject weak sites are still worth a listing.
Which category should I choose?
The most specific one for your site’s topic and region. A narrow category puts you next to related sites instead of thousands of unrelated ones.
Other places to earn links
Every other kind of site on the list, with how many places each one holds.
- Business listings58 places · Free business listings on maps and local directories: the first citations every website owner should claim.
- India directories23 places · Indian business directories and B2B marketplaces where a company can list its website, address and services.
- Startup & launch28 places · Startup and product launch directories where a new website, app or product can get a listing and early users.
- Software reviews28 places · Software review and comparison sites where an app or SaaS product gets a profile, reviews and alternatives pages.
- AI tool directories20 places · AI tool directories that list new tools and apps, with a profile page and a link to the product website.
- Design showcases28 places · Web design galleries and showcases that feature well-designed websites, with a credit link to the site.
- Developer communities28 places · Developer communities and code platforms where a project, profile or article links back to your website.
- Publishing25 places · Publishing platforms where an article, newsletter or answer can link to your website and reach a new audience.
- Social profiles27 places · Social networks and profile pages where your website link belongs: quick, free and part of a complete brand.
- PR & media22 places · Journalist request and expert quote platforms where an answer can earn a mention and a link in an article.
- Reviews & trust22 places · Review and trust platforms where customers rate your business, with a profile that links to your website.
- Podcasts & events25 places · Podcast guest platforms and event listings where an appearance or event page links back to your website.
- Q&A communities10 places · Question-and-answer communities where a genuinely helpful answer or a complete profile can link to your website.
- App marketplaces13 places · App stores, plugin marketplaces and integration directories where a product listing links to the maker’s website.
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