For any websites, directory listings are an excellent way of getting both back links to boost Pagerank for search engine result positions, as well as being a useful source of traffic in their own right.  A link from the correct page in a well structured directory that provides a high level of editorial control to the kind of websites that it lists is both relevant and respected in the algorithms of the various search engines, and can provide a real boost to your search rankings.

Although directory links have been downgraded in recent years in the eyes of many search engine optimization specialists, they still play an important role in any link building campaign, and can really help to get a site indexed quickly by the main search engines.

One of the main benefits of directory links from the point of view of an SEO campaign is that they are generally a one way link, and if the site that you are getting the link from is a recognized specialist in a particular field or niche, then the link can be very powerful indeed.

While it is true that certain links from general directories are of little value, and there are literally thousands of directories to choose from, by listing your site in the good ones that offer a first class service, you can enjoy a number of benefits.

What a lot of people fail to realize is that many internet users still prefer to use a directory style listing to find the site that they are looking for rather than relying on search engines, and such users tend to be very loyal customers, so if you choose a directory with a  large number of users, they will start to use your internet site to, so whether you sell a specific product or service, or are simply an information portal on a particular subject, getting traffic from certain directories can be an essential part of your marketing strategy to get the best results from your site.