Yes, it does, but only when done right. Online directories, if you remember right, literally worked like Yellow Pages of the Internet that helped people a lot in their daily searches. But things have much changed now. Unless you submit to the right directory, you may go haywire in the dense Internet jungle. Moreover, in this age of highly sophisticated search engines and still more sophisticated Internet users, obtaining the desired SEO results from online directories could be a far cry.Yet another reason for which people are gradually losing faith on directories are the low-quality links that obtained through equally low-quality directories that actually hurt their SEO efforts – a phenomenon recently created by Google after the issue of Panda and Penguin updates.

But does these all mean that we should stop submitting to directories? Perhaps not; because online directories can surely boost your SEO, provided the job is done properly. However, here is the help line.

Directory Quality

Directory Quality matters a lot. Since all directories are not made to perform equally well, choosing the right one will make all the difference. The best thing will be to focus on those that are indexed by Google. Also, your preference should go in favor of submitting to paid directories in your niche. There are quite a good many paid directories offering choice links since their editorial know-how invariably helps in ensuring quality. (Remember Google’s advice about going for quality links than quantity).

Relevance

Relevance is equally important. If you intend to submit to directories that are miles away from your niche, how do you expect your buyers to find you? Therefore, choose directories in your category or  group. One of the ways of testing the relevancy of a directory involves search queries for your given keyword and then to observe whether the directory functions. Alternatively, follow blogs(industry wise) that provides directory lists.

Variety

Variety is significant too. Effective directory strategy warrants that you create a diverse link profile consisting of content that includes varied keywords.  Your best bet would be to write interesting titles and descriptions containing both long- and short-tail keywords that are relevant to each directory.Directories actually offer an opportunity for marketers to reach new markets through a more diverse link profile, so using them for this purpose would be a novel idea.

Schedule your submission

Schedule your submission so that they can have better effect. Why not submit to most relevant niche directories over time. The truth is, with the introduction of Panda and Penguin updates to Google’s algorithm, organic links are more highly valued than ever, and the best way to get them is through building your SEO through natural search traffic.

Conclusion

Directory submission for SEO still works fine. But as I said earlier, it has to be done appropriately. Adopt an up to date link-building strategy to your directory campaign to get the best results. Keep your traffic organic, as much as possible while attracting the best quality links to boost your online visibility. Then relax and take a deep breathe to watch how your intelligent efforts are paying off.