This is a small list of useful sites where you can sign up and then add a brief article and add your URL to get some handy backlinks.

SheToldMe - Sign up and wait for approval email. Done manually so it may take a day or two.

Hubspin - A site for promoting HubPages only.

Squidstop - Another simple and quick bookmarking site to promote your Hubpages, Squidoo Lens etc.

Free Backlink Generator - This is neat. I have installed this software on this site so all you have to do is enter your URL and click the button. Your site will be promoted to about 20 different website index sites. You'll see a whole bunch of windows opening, one for each site. Takes just a minute or two to get some handy backlinks. If you want this software for your own site there is a link at the bottom of the page.

Snipsy - Is a busy wordpress blog where you can sign up and write your own small or large articles and add a link back to your website.

Sites that require rather more work but allow you to get good backlinks.
Hubpages - A great site that I think anyone should sign up and join.
Infobarrel - Another similar site which has editors checking every article and requires a proper article but allows valuable backlinks.