Although link directories are not as effective as they used to be, they can still be considered quality links and are very cost effective. But not all directories are created equal. There are very few directories left on the web that are still worth submitting to.

The other day I came across an interview with Greg Hartnett whom many in the SEO industry consider the authority on directories. Greg is the co-founder of Best of the Web (BOTW) and when he talks about finding quality directories that are worth submitting to it would be wise to listen. One of the questions Greg was asked in the interview was, "What does he looks for in a quality directory?"

More than anything, I would examine the quality of the sites listed.  Is the directory listing any site that pays or are they only listing sites that contain relevant information for the category?  Is the focus of the directory on the user experience, or is it simply a listing service for webmasters?  Are they adding sites on their own to create a resource of relevant information, or are they relying on paid submissions for their build?

Additionally, I’d consider the taxonomy, and navigability of the directory.  Are the sites being listed in a relevant and intuitive manner, or are they being placed in categories in a haphazard way?  Age of the directory is another thing I’d consider.  A history of providing a quality resource would go a long way in my decision.

Greg was also asked if he thinks directories are becoming irrelevant now that algorithms are improving and social media is becoming more popular.

Definitely not. Social bookmarking sites and directories need not be mutually exclusive.  If a user wants to find quality resources on a given topic, a directory will always maintain relevance.  And search engines will continue to rely on directories for guidance â a quality directory makes the job of spiders easier.

The takeaways from this interview are: Relevant directories that have quality links on them are still considered important and people still use them to find quality resources. It is important not to waste your money submitting to every directory under the sun. Instead focus on finding relevant and quality directories that provide value to users instead of ones that are just listing services.

Some of my favorite directories are; Business.com, Yahoo, BOTW, and DMOZ.