Back to Blog

How to Get 50+ Directory Submissions in Your First Month

praneetbrar7praneetbrar7
•
Featured image

Why Directory Submissions Still Matter

In the vast ecosystem of digital marketing, directory submissions stand as one of the most foundational — yet often overlooked — SEO strategies. Whether you’re launching a brand new niche directory or looking to grow your existing one, getting 50+ directory submissions in your first month can fast-track growth, build backlinks, establish social proof, and kickstart real traction.

This guide walks you through a practical, actionable approach to achieving over 50 quality directory submissions within the first month, blending proven manual tactics with powerful automation tools like NurturingMails.

What Are Directory Submissions?

Directory submissions are the process of getting a website or product listed in online directories—curated platforms that categorize and feature websites, tools, apps, services, or resources. These directories help new users discover your platform and contribute to your domain authority through high-value backlinks.

How to Get 50+ Directory Submissions in 1 Month

Now let’s break down how to hit this goal even if you’re just starting out. Each of these tactics contributes toward growing both your reach and your platform organically and efficiently.

1. Start with a Target List of High-Quality Directories

Your starting point should be a well-researched list of relevant directories. Aim for those that align specifically with your niche — SaaS tools, Chrome extensions, AI products, or B2B platforms for example.

Compile a list of 50–100 of these. Build a basic spreadsheet with submission links, requirements, and costs (if any). Free tools like Airtable or Notion can be great for tracking your outreach progress.

2. Optimize Your Product/Service Description

Most directories have submission guidelines. To streamline this process, prepare a master directory submission template with variations in tone and character count. Your content should include:

  • Product name
  • Short description (under 100 characters)
  • Long description (300–500 characters)
  • Homepage or direct landing page link
  • Social media handles
  • Screenshots or demo videos

This saves time and allows easy automation if you use tools later in your strategy.

3. Use NurturingMail to Automate Cold Outreach

NurturingMail is your key to scaling directory submissions efficiently. If you’re a directory owner or just launched one, NurturingMail eliminates the need for time-consuming list building or founder outreach. Here’s how it works:

  • Automatically tracks 50+ new Product Hunt launches daily
  • Sends customized, congratulatory cold emails with your directory’s submission info
  • Emails are spaced every 15–20 minutes to avoid the spam folder
  • Achieves a 150%+ increase in submissions in 60 days, completely hands-off

If you’re just starting out, this is perfect for validating your directory’s concept. Learn more on the NurturingMail pricing page or get started here.

4. Syndicate Updates from Product Hunt

Product Hunt is one of the best sources for fresh new products eager to acquire visibility. Subscribing to RSS feeds or tracking their daily launches lets you stay up-to-date. Pair this tactic with short, congratulatory DMs or emails encouraging founders to list in your directory.

5. Build a Personal Relationship with Founders

Founders appreciate genuine messages over cold sales pitches. When reaching out to a startup, tailor the message using their name, product name, and something you liked about their launch page.

A sample outreach could look like this:

“Hey {Name}, saw {Product} on Product Hunt today — impressive launch! I run a curated directory for {your category}, and we’d love to feature your tool. It’s a simple submission, and it helps boost visibility and SEO for new products like yours. Happy to include a backlink and a shoutout in our upcoming newsletter. Let me know!”

Using tools like Hunter.io or Clearbit helps you find verified emails quickly.

6. Submit to Reddit, Indie Hackers and Hacker News Lists

Some founders share comprehensive lists of directories or promotional sites on platforms like Reddit. Here’s where you can find and share yours:

  • Indie Hackers – Look for threads under “Launch” or “Growth” topics
  • Subreddits: r/startups, r/EntrepreneurRideAlong, r/SaaS, r/SideProject
  • Hacker News – participate in “Show HN” threads

Case Study: From 0 to 72 Submissions in 30 Days

Consider this real-world case of a founder who wanted to validate a new SaaS directory concept. By combining three tactics — direct email outreach to Product Hunt founders, Reddit sharing, and using NurturingMail automation — they rapidly attracted 72 valid submissions in less than 4 weeks.

Strategy Submissions Earned
Manual outreach (Reddit, Indie Hackers) 18
NurturingMail automation 46
Product Hunt congrats outreach 8

One of the biggest wins here was not just traffic but also the SEO benefits from new backlinks across multiple listings. Submissions earned from directories often link back, helping boost domain authority faster than traditional outbound link-building campaigns.

Tools That Can Help Speed Up the Process

Unlocking 50+ directory submissions isn’t just about hard work—it’s also about working smart. Here are the tools we recommend to streamline your efforts:

  • NurturingMail – Automates daily outreach to Product Hunt founders
  • Respona – Manage outreach campaigns
  • Canva – Easily create visuals for your directory listing
  • Notion – Track submission progress
  • Hunter.io – Find verified emails

Bonus: Turn Submissions Into Traffic

Once listings start rolling in, don’t let them sit idle. Feature new submissions on your homepage or use a Twitter/X account and newsletter to promote them in public. This positions your directory as an active, valuable resource.

If you’re looking to really scale submissions month after month, consider upgrading your outreach using NurturingMail. The hands-off automation and personalized content are built for solop

Read More Articles