As we all know, for start-ups the hardest thing has always been finding a way to get those first customers through the door. Trying to do it within a budget seems impossible due to a lack of credibility and exposure. However, there are numerous places across the web which actually make it much easier than you think, where people who actually want to try your product hang out. Sounds crazy right?

We’ve curated the list from a bunch of tools and directories across the web to make your life easier. Give this list a try and let us know which of these work best for you or leave us a comment if you’d like any more added. Happy growing!

Websites for beta testers

These websites are perfect for new projects who need that initial feedback.

Websites for startups

These websites are good for getting some initial outreach and feedback on your startup stage.

Startup focused small to medium news outlets

These outlets are perfect for companies who have got their initial feedback and are ready to take their project to the next step. P.S. we got bored of adding the cards :)

kickoffboost.com

geekopedia.me

killerstartups.com

nextbigwhat.com

feedmyapp.com

superbcrew.com

springwise.com/tipus

new-startups.com

alltopstartups.com

jcount.com/startups/submit-your-startup

startupbeat.com/about

launchingnext.com

netted.net/contact-us

venturevillage.eu/about-us/contact

readwrite.com

lifehacker.com/5732066/about-lifehacker

web.appstorm.net/about/submit-an-app-for-review

Directories worth the effort, to get to the top

These directories are perfect for start-ups looking to increase their distribution across the early adopting tech community.

news.ycombinator.com

producthunt.com

firespotting.com

Competitions

These websites are perfect for start-ups who have incredibly well designed and functional projects looking to get that extra bit of attention.

awwwards.com

webbyawards.com

Large news outlets

Small companies usually struggle to make it onto here, but hey it’s worth a try.

mashable.com/the-launchpad

about.gigaom.com/contact-us

techcrunch.com/contact

allthingsd.com/contact

readwrite.com

qz.com/3444/contact-and-connect

venturebeat.com/contact

wired.com/about/feedback

thenextweb.com/about/contact

mashable.com/submit

The overall landscape for getting your first customers will always be a tough one. Tirelessly hacking away can become hard sometimes, but the grass is always greener once your product has got its feet off the ground.

At Boffin we specifically focus on helping start-ups and small companies get onto the main stage. We’re currently running a competition worth $2,000 in Design, Copyrighting and Branding services to one lucky start-up. All you need to do is to share the contest and you’re already on the way to winning $2,000! Click the image below or this link to enter now.

Click the image above to get involved in the competition.

The Boffins,

Sharan, Tibor & Ed