Introduction
A free SEO tool for estimating Ahrefs Domain Rating growth from SaaS directory submissions.
What is SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator?
The SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator is an online, free SEO tool designed to help SaaS founders, startup marketers, and SEO professionals predict how their Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR) might increase through strategic directory submissions. The tool solves the common problem of uncertainty in link-building campaigns by providing data-driven projections. Users can select from over 700 directories, filter by link type (DoFollow vs NoFollow), and instantly see an estimated DR increase based on their current score and chosen directories. This makes it an essential planning resource for anyone looking to build a website's authority and improve search engine rankings through scalable backlink building.
Key Features of SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator
Real-Time DR Growth Estimation
The calculator provides an immediate, visual projection of your estimated Domain Rating after factoring in your current DR and selected directories, allowing for quick scenario planning.
Extensive Database of 700+ Directories
Users have access to a vast, filterable list of over 700 software, startup, AI, and general directories, each with its listed Domain Rating, type, and pricing model.
DoFollow vs NoFollow Link Analysis
A critical feature is the clear labeling of whether a directory offers a DoFollow backlink, which passes link equity, or a NoFollow link, helping users prioritize submissions for maximum SEO impact.
Interactive Selection and Filtering
The tool allows users to search, sort, and filter directories by DR, type, and link attribute, making it easy to build a targeted and efficient submission list.
Data-Driven Projections Based on Typical Outcomes
The estimates are calibrated using observed DR growth patterns from hundreds of actual SaaS submissions, providing a realistic approximation rather than a simple guess.
Use Cases for SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator
Planning a New SaaS Launch Backlink Strategy
Startups can use the calculator before launch to estimate how many high-quality directory submissions are needed to achieve a target Domain Rating, helping to allocate time and resources effectively.
Evaluating the Potential ROI of a Submission Service
Businesses considering paid submission packages can use the tool to model potential DR gains from different package sizes, aiding in the decision-making process.
Prioritizing High-Value Directory Submissions
SEO managers can filter for high-DR directories with DoFollow links to identify and prioritize the submissions that will deliver the most significant link equity for their effort.
Building a Natural Backlink Profile
The tool helps users intentionally include a mix of DoFollow and NoFollow links from various directory types, contributing to a diverse and natural-looking backlink profile.
How to Use SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator
Using the SubmitSaaS DR Calculator is a straightforward process designed for quick insights.
- Set Your Current DR: Enter your website's current Ahrefs Domain Rating into the "Your Current DR" field. This serves as the baseline for the calculation.
- Browse and Select Directories: Explore the list of 700+ directories. You can search, filter by type (e.g., Software Directory, AI Directory), and sort by DR. Click to select the directories you are considering for submission.
- Review the Selection Summary: As you select directories, the tool's summary updates to show the total number selected, along with the count of DoFollow and NoFollow links.
- Analyze the Estimated DR: The "Estimated DR" gauge will update in real-time, showing your projected new Domain Rating based on the authority and link type of your chosen directories.
- Refine Your Strategy: Use the insights to adjust your selection—perhaps swapping low-DR for high-DR directories or ensuring a better mix of link types—until you find an optimal submission plan.
Target Audience for SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator
- SaaS founders and startup marketers launching a new product.
- SEO specialists and digital marketing agencies managing client backlink profiles.
- Small business owners looking to improve their website's domain authority.
- Content marketers and bloggers focused on building website credibility.
- Indie hackers and solopreneurs seeking cost-effective SEO strategies.
Is SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator Free?
The SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator itself is a completely free SEO tool with no usage limits. The reference material also mentions done-for-you submission services offered by SubmitSaaS. The pricing for these managed services is as follows:
| Plan | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $60 (one-time) | Submission to 60+ directories. Guaranteed DR increase from 0 to 10+. 48-hour turnaround. |
| Standard | $100 (one-time) | Submission to 100+ directories. Guaranteed DR increase from 0 to 15+. 48-hour turnaround. |
| Premium | $140 (one-time) | Submission to 140+ directories. Guaranteed DR increase from 0 to 20+. 48-hour turnaround. |
SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator's Pros and Cons
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Provides immediate, data-backed projections for DR growth. Excellent for campaign planning. | Projections are approximations; actual results may vary based on existing backlink profile. |
| Usability | Intuitive, filterable interface with a massive directory database. Completely free to use. | The tool is a calculator only; it does not perform the actual submissions. |
| Value | Empowers users to make informed decisions before investing time or money in directory submissions. | To achieve the projected results, users must still manually submit to each directory or purchase a service. |
| Data | Clear presentation of DoFollow vs NoFollow status and directory DR is highly valuable for SEO. | The effectiveness of some listed directories may change over time, requiring periodic updates to the database. |
Frequently Asked Questions about SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator
How accurate are the DR growth estimates?
The calculator provides an approximation based on typical DR growth patterns observed from hundreds of real submissions. For example, data suggests ~10 DR points for 60 DoFollow submissions from DR 0. Actual results can vary based on your site's existing backlink profile, content, and other SEO factors.
What is the difference between DoFollow and NoFollow backlinks for DR?
DoFollow backlinks pass "link equity" to your site and directly contribute to increasing your Ahrefs Domain Rating. NoFollow backlinks include a tag that tells search engines not to pass this equity, so they do not increase DR. However, NoFollow links can still drive referral traffic and add to a natural backlink profile.
How long does it take to see a DR increase after directory submissions?
It typically takes 2 to 8 weeks for Ahrefs to crawl the new backlinks from directories and update your Domain Rating. The speed can vary depending on how quickly the specific directories are crawled by Ahrefs' bots.
Are directory submissions safe for SEO?
Submitting to legitimate, curated directories is a safe and white-hat SEO strategy. Unlike spammy link schemes, listings on genuine software and business directories are considered a natural way to build an online presence. The SubmitSaaS database features manually vetted directories.
Why is it harder to increase DR at higher levels?
Ahrefs Domain Rating uses a logarithmic scale. Moving from DR 0 to 20 requires significantly fewer referring domains than moving from DR 60 to 80. This diminishing return means directory submissions are most impactful and cost-effective for new websites or those with a lower starting DR.
Can I use this tool if I'm not a SaaS company?
Absolutely. While optimized for SaaS and startups, the principles of backlink building are universal. Any website owner, blogger, or small business can use the calculator to estimate the impact of directory submissions on their Domain Rating.
SubmitSaaS Domain Rating Calculator Tags
domain rating calculator, ahrefs domain rating, DR calculator, free SEO tool, backlink building, directory submissions, SaaS SEO, increase domain rating, DoFollow vs NoFollow, backlink strategy, SEO estimation tool, website authority, startup marketing, link equity calculator





