Search & discovery

Get added to 'best X tools' roundups

Find articles that list your competitors and ask the author to include you, with a short reason.

Cost
Free

Free to use. No paid tier is needed to list or post.

Verdict
works

Works: a roundup can bring steady visits. Authors are busy, so pitches must be short.

Difficulty
Medium

Needs preparation, a review, or a steady habit before results.

Effort
Medium

About 5 to 10 hours a month.

First result
2 to 8 weeks

A rough range for one person working on it part-time.

Payoff
Steady

a trickle that lasts while you run it.

Best for

Products that fit a category roundup.

Not for

Products with no clear category.

Pros

  • Readers are comparing tools right now
  • A single mention can keep sending visits

Cons

  • Authors are busy and often ignore pitches
  • Some roundups ask for payment

The full guide

Last verified 2026-10-30

Links checked 2026-10-30 · No website to check: this channel works by word of mouth or offline

01What it is and who is there

"Best [category] tools" articles list and compare products. Readers are actively comparing options, and these articles often rank well in search and are read by AI assistants. Getting added means finding articles that list your competitors and asking the author to include you, with a clear reason.

02Cost and what you actually pay for

Many authors add tools for free if they fit. Some sites charge for inclusion; treat that as advertising and judge it as such. Paying for links can conflict with Google's spam policies, so be careful with paid placements.

03Is it right for you?

It fits products in a clear category with known competitors. It fits poorly for products with no category. Authors are busy, so expect many pitches to go unanswered.

04Before you start

  • A list of "best [category]" and "[competitor] alternatives" articles, from search.
  • A short, honest reason your product belongs in each article.
  • A free account or demo the author can try.

05Step-by-step: how to distribute here

  1. Search for "best [category] tools" and "[competitor] alternatives".
  2. List the articles that rank and are recently updated.
  3. Find the author or editor's contact.
  4. Send a short pitch with a specific reason and a free account.
  5. Follow up once after a week or two.
  6. If added, thank them and check the details are accurate.

06What to post or submit

Pitch email:

Subject: Suggestion for your "[article title]"

Hi [name], I read your list of [category] tools. [Product] might fit for readers who [specific need]: it [key difference]. Here's a free account if you'd like to try it: [link]. Happy to answer questions. Either way, thanks for the article.

07Common mistakes and do-nots

  • Do not send mass templated pitches.
  • Do not demand inclusion or argue if declined.
  • Do not buy links in ways that break Google's spam policies.

08How to measure it

  • Track referrals from each article.
  • Track how many pitches lead to inclusion.
  • A realistic test: 20 pitches over a month.

09Time budget

  • Before: 2 to 3 hours to build the list.
  • Ongoing: 1 to 2 hours a week of pitching.

10Pair it with

11Sources

Sources