Directories: Are they a waste of time?

I was reading an interesting thread over at SEW about the worth of getting listed in web directories. The majority of posts concede that directory listings provide relevant inbound links that are valuable to ranking in the search engines. If you think about it - this should make sense. Directories organize sites into relevant categories. The search engines "crawl" the directories and recognize a site selling 'green widgets' is also categorized with other sites selling 'green widgets.' This natural classification helps the search engines to return the mentioned site in a query for 'green widgets.'

This is a major reason why site owners and marketing professionals submit their URLs to numerous directories on the web. But not all directories are worth the time and money to submit to. You should try to only submit to the directories that have been around for more than two or three years and have established themselves as authority web destinations. Here's my top five directories to help rank your website higher in the SERPs:

1. Yahoo! Directory - Free for non-commercial sites. $299 per year for commercial sites ($599 per year for adult websites).
2. DMOZ - All submissions are free. May take a few months before your site is reviewed. Get listed in DMOZ and you will also be listed in the Google Directory.
3. Zeal - (Part of the LookSmart Search Family) You must register and take a quiz to become an Editor where you will then have the privilege of adding only non-commercial websites.
4. BOTW Directory - Free for non-commercial sites. $39.95 per year for commercial sites ($59.95 per year for adult websites). Get both a topical and regional listing as well as a mention in the What's New section.
5. Business.com - $199 per year for a listing. Get up to five directory listings for your business.