Where to promote your startup for free

The best free places to promote a new startup or brand are launch platforms (Product Hunt, BetaList, Indie Hackers), communities (Show HN on Hacker News, Reddit), free editorial sites such as Meet New Brands, your own LinkedIn, and free directory listings. Use several of them with the same one-sentence description, and check each site's current rules before you post, because terms change often.

Which launch platforms are free?

Product Hunt is still the best-known place to launch a new product. Launching is free; what matters is preparation: a clear tagline, a short demo or good photos, and people ready to try it on launch day. BetaList features early-stage startups looking for their first users; it has a free option with a waiting list. Indie Hackers lets you share your product and progress with other founders, which often leads to honest feedback and first customers.

Where do early adopters look for new products?

If your product is technical or software, Hacker News (a "Show HN" post) can bring a lot of attention in a single day. Keep the post plain and factual and be ready to answer questions. On Reddit, communities such as r/SideProject and niche subreddits for your field or city accept product posts, but read each community's rules first: most dislike pure promotion. For consumer brands, local Facebook groups, neighbourhood apps and maker markets often work better than tech communities.

How do I get a free article about my startup?

An article about your business reads very differently from an ad. At Meet New Brands we write free articles about new startups and young brands, from AI tools to everyday products. You pitch your story, our editors choose which ones to cover and check the facts with you before anything goes live. The only thing we ask in return is that the founder reposts the article on their personal LinkedIn. Local and trade media are also worth a try: a short, specific pitch about something genuinely new works better than a long press release. Our guide on free press coverage for a new brand goes deeper.

What about my own channels?

Your personal LinkedIn is probably your strongest free channel. Write about what you are building, what you learned and what did not work. Short videos, behind-the-scenes photos, a simple changelog and a newsletter for early customers all add up over time.

Are directories worth it?

Startup directories, AI tool directories and local business listings can bring steady traffic and help search engines (and AI assistants) understand what you do. Many have a free basic listing; some charge for faster review or better placement. A free Google Business Profile is a must if you have a shop or serve a local area. You can also add your product to our brands directory for free.

How do I make every mention count?

Use the same one-sentence description everywhere, link to the same page, and keep your website clear about what you do, for whom and what it costs. When people, search engines and AI assistants see a consistent story in several places, they are more likely to remember and recommend you.

FAQ

Where can I promote my startup for free? On Product Hunt, BetaList (free option with a waiting list), Indie Hackers, Show HN, relevant Reddit communities, your own LinkedIn, free directory listings and free editorial sites like Meet New Brands.

Can I get an article about my startup or brand without paying? Yes. Meet New Brands writes free articles about new startups and young brands. There are no paid placements; the only thing asked in return is a repost of the article on the founder's personal LinkedIn. You can pitch at https://meetnewbrands.com/pitch.

Which channel should I start with? Start with your own LinkedIn and one launch platform, then add an editorial feature and directory listings. A consistent description across all of them matters more than the number of places.

Do free listings help with AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude? They can. AI assistants draw on what is published and indexed on the web, so clear, consistent mentions on several trusted sites make it more likely your business is described correctly.

Ready? Tell us about your startup.