Link building for startups: a practical playbook
Startup link building works best as a sequence: first the listings that accept any legitimate new product (directories, launch platforms, profiles), then the relationships you already have (partners, integrations, investors, customers), then press and content that earn editorial links over time. Skip paid link schemes; they cost more than they return.
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The three phases
| Phase | What | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Listings | Directories, launch platforms, comparison sites, profiles | Best startup directories, launch on Product Hunt |
| 2. Relationships | Integration marketplaces, partner pages, investor portfolios, customer stories, tools you use | Backlinks for a new website |
| 3. Earned | Press, podcasts, original data, free tools, outreach to list articles | Press releases for startups |
Linkable assets that work for startups
- A small dataset from your product (anonymized) with one surprising finding.
- A free tool or calculator related to your product.
- Templates people need (like our press release templates).
- A clear glossary or definitive guide for your category.
Where to spend money
Time is the main cost. Money is best spent where it saves time at scale: a directory launch service instead of filling 100 forms, a press release distribution instead of building media lists, and design for a linkable asset. Do not spend it on links themselves.
Questions people ask
Should a startup hire a link-building agency?
Only one that shows exactly where links come from and avoids paid links and networks. Many early wins can be done in-house.