# Submit to Inc.com Inc 5000

> Launch Llama directory submission tracker review — last reviewed 2026-08-25

- **Canonical:** https://tools.launchllama.co/tools/launch-directories/inc-com-inc-5000
- **Markdown twin:** https://tools.launchllama.co/directory-spokes/inc-com-inc-5000.md
- **Directory:** Inc.com Inc 5000 (inc.com)
- **Submit URL:** https://inc.com
- **DR:** 91
- **Pricing:** Paid
- **Category:** Startup Directory (#2 of 15 by DR in this category)
- **Referral traffic:** Very High
- **Backlink quality:** Weak
- **Link type:** Mixed — inc.com Inc 5000 list pages with outbound company links; rel attributes vary by list template

## Quick verdict

Growth ranking program — DR 91, paid submission required. Worth it for eligible US private companies with strong revenue growth; skip if you are pre-revenue or outside the US.

**Best for:** US private companies with documented multi-year revenue growth · Teams seeking credibility badges for sales, press, and enterprise deals

## Approval & timeline

- **Time-to-live:** Annual application window — typically months of lead time before list publication in late summer. Verification adds weeks after submission.
- **Review:** Inc verifies revenue growth data and eligibility rules — private US companies meeting growth thresholds only.
- **Common rejections:** Insufficient revenue history, public companies, non-US entities, inflated or unverifiable growth claims, or incomplete applications.
- **Reputation:** Inc 5000 is a ranked list with fees — not a free startup directory anyone can join.

## Pros

- DR 91 domain with Very High traffic during Inc 5000 list publication season
- Prestigious ranking badge recognized by enterprise buyers and press
- Dedicated list page with company profile and outbound website link
- Press cycle amplifies visibility beyond the list page itself

## Cons

- Backlink quality rated Weak — ranking value is credibility, not SEO links
- Pricing is Paid — application and list inclusion involve fees
- Strict eligibility: US private companies with verifiable revenue growth
- Annual cycle — missing the window means waiting until next year

## What you need before you submit

- Verified revenue figures for required growth period (typically 3 years)
- US private company status confirmed — not public or foreign-only entities
- Company website, logo, and executive contact for verification follow-up
- Application fee budget and timeline aligned with Inc 5000 calendar
- PR plan for ranking day — badge assets, press release, social posts

**Gotchas:**

- Inc 5000 is not Inc.com editorial pitching — separate application at inc.com/5000
- Revenue verification is strict — prepare audited or documented financials
- Pre-revenue startups cannot qualify — use Product Hunt and startup directories instead

## Submission mechanics

- **Account:** Inc 5000 application portal at inc.com — annual submission during the open application window.
- **Categories:** Industry categories assigned during application — accurate revenue categorization required for list placement.
- **Anchor text:** Company name on Inc 5000 list profile; outbound link to submitted website URL.
- **Link placement:** Dedicated Inc 5000 list entry on inc.com — indexed ranking page, not a blog post.

## FAQ

### Who can apply to the Inc 5000?

US-based private companies with verifiable revenue growth over the required period. Pre-revenue startups and public companies typically do not qualify.

### Is the Inc 5000 free?

No — Pricing is Paid. Application and inclusion involve fees. Check inc.com/5000 for current pricing and deadlines.

### How is Inc 5000 different from Inc. Magazine?

Inc 5000 is the annual fastest-growing companies ranking. Inc. Magazine covers broader startup editorial — separate submission paths.

### When is the Inc 5000 application deadline?

Deadlines vary annually — typically spring submission for late-summer list publication. Monitor inc.com/5000 for the current window.

## Related

- [Directory Submission Tracker](https://tools.launchllama.co/tools/launch-directories)
- [Startup Directory directories](https://tools.launchllama.co/tools/launch-directories?category=startup-directory)
- [Directory backlink service](https://tools.launchllama.co/launch#directory-submissions)
- [llms.txt](https://tools.launchllama.co/llms.txt)