There is much more about web directories than most people know; the general knowledge is that they are simply websites where you can post links in categories. But there is a type of web directories called specialized web directories which address a smaller niche and are much more effective when it comes to advertising and exposure.
Web directories come with a lot of benefits; besides backlinks and increasing page ranks, some web directories can give you feedback on your performance such as different listings and visitors who were interested in your website. Submitting to a lot of web directories can be counterproductive on long term; this usually means that you will spend a lot of time submitting without any real benefit from that. The key is to submit on specialized web directories that offer a bigger exposure to users who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
How can you find specialized web directories?
Usually, you can search for them online and they will easily appear. Make sure that you only submit to those more popular but you can always give a chance to others if you have time on your hands; you never know when a website becomes more popular. Some web directories might require a fee while others are simply free and will require a backlink to them from your website.
When submitting on specialized web directories you need to make sure that you have a good profile and a very good presentation since you are actually competing with your own niche and not the general categories; this will usually make people want to click your link and visit your website. Creating a good profile doesn’t mean that you will have to write tons of information about your website, actually the less info you put there, the better. However, you have to make sure that the short summary you give is presented in a way that makes people want to go and visit your website.
Remember that the golden rule is to post on high quality web directories, not a big quantity of web directories, not only it takes less time but also gives you better exposure. However, most high quality web directories might have a more exigent submitting policy and your website will have to meet certain criteria.