Maidensail vs. the alternatives
Startup directories and link marketplaces solve the same underlying problem — a real backlink and a place for buyers to find you. Here's how the costs and terms actually compare.
| Option | Cost to list | Link type | Listing lifespan | Paid skips? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maidensail | Free | Dofollow* | Permanent | Never |
| Typical paid directory | $50–200 | Dofollow | Varies | Yes |
| Link marketplace guest post | $200–500 | Dofollow | Until removed | It's the product |
*Dofollow on verification only — embed the badge and keep it live. Figures are typical market ranges, checked periodically. Spot something off? Tell us.
If you need a backlink today with zero conditions attached, a paid directory that doesn't require an embed is faster. Our dofollow only activates once the badge is live on your own site, and it reverts to nofollow if you remove it — a real trade, not a one-time purchase. We're also a weekly-launch model, not an always-open queue, so timing is less flexible than a directory you can join any day.
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How the verification, badge, and dofollow backlink actually work.
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