Startups Lab is a product launch platform for indie hackers, solo founders, SaaS teams and agencies. Makers submit their product to get a public page, a place in the launch feed and a backlink, with a free basic option and paid premium launches. It launched in 2025 and positions itself as a place where products keep getting seen after launch day.
At a glance
| What it is | A launch directory and community for new products |
| How it helps | Visibility, backlinks and early users |
| Cost | Free basic launch; paid premium options |
| Extras | Product analytics and a newsletter |
| Who it’s for | Indie makers, SaaS founders and agencies |
| Where it works | Online, worldwide |
How it works
You submit your product with a description, screenshots, links and categories. Basic launches are free and get a public product page and listing. Premium launches get more prominent placement. Products stay on the site after launch day, so they can keep picking up visitors, and makers get an analytics dashboard to track page views and engagement.
Backlinks
One of Startups Lab’s selling points is a backlink to your site. Its own pages have quoted different domain rating figures over time, so check the current strength yourself before counting on it. For new projects, a handful of relevant backlinks from launch directories can help search engines discover and trust the site, but they won’t replace real content and links from your niche.
Using it in a launch plan
Startups Lab works best as one of several launch directories you submit to around launch time, alongside bigger platforms. Spreading launches across a week or two gives you more chances to be seen and more referral traffic. Keep your product page consistent across directories, with the same tagline and screenshots, so your brand looks coherent.
Making the most of a listing
Write a clear one-line pitch and a description focused on the problem you solve. Use real screenshots or a short demo video. Reply to comments and questions. Link the listing from your site’s press or “featured on” section, which adds trust for new visitors.
Realistic expectations
Smaller launch platforms bring modest traffic compared with the biggest ones. The value is in steady visibility, a backlink and a few engaged early users, rather than a big spike. Free basic launches make it low-risk to try.
Getting started
Prepare your product description, images and links, then submit a free basic launch. Track the traffic it sends in your analytics before deciding whether a premium launch is worth paying for.
Choosing launch directories
There are dozens of launch directories, and quality varies. Before submitting, check that a directory has recent launches, real comments and some visible traffic, and that its listings are indexed by search engines. Prioritise directories whose audience matches your product: developers, marketers, designers or general founders. A short list of good directories beats submitting everywhere.
Keeping your page fresh
Because listings stay up after launch, update your product page when you ship major features or change pricing. An out-of-date page can confuse visitors who find it months later.
Free or premium?
Start with a free basic launch and measure the visits and signups it sends. Pay for premium only if the free listing already shows that the audience matches your product, since paid placement amplifies what works rather than fixing a poor fit.
Owen’s take
Startups Lab is a useful, low-cost addition to a launch checklist, especially for the backlink and the evergreen product page. It won’t make a launch on its own. I’d use the free option first and only pay if the numbers justify it.
Who it suits
It suits indie makers and small SaaS teams spreading a launch across several directories. It suits less well founders hoping for one big traffic spike.
Similar options
- Product Hunt is the biggest launch platform for tech products.
- Tiny Startups features small bootstrapped products.
- AppSumo sells software deals to a large buyer list.
- SideProjectors lets you showcase or sell side projects.
More options are in Resources.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free basic launches
- Backlink and evergreen product page
- Analytics on your listing
Cons
- Smaller audience than major platforms
- Backlink strength claims vary
- Premium placement costs extra
FAQ
Is Startups Lab free?
Basic launches are free. Premium launches cost extra.
Do I get a backlink?
Yes. Listings include a link to your site; check the current domain strength yourself.
What can I launch on Startups Lab?
SaaS, apps, tools, Chrome extensions, open source projects and services.
Does my product stay listed after launch day?
Yes. Products keep a public page after launch.
Is Startups Lab enough on its own?
Usually not. Use it alongside other launch platforms and your own channels.
