Web directories are a great way to get backlinks for free or near free. One of the best sources for directory information is Best-web-Directories.com, who have a rankings and reviews of the top free and paid directories. They have a very comprehensive large free directory listing. They also have lists of niche directories like travel, seo, webmaster, gambling and blogs. This site uses their years of directory knowledge to offer a directory submission service for a small fee. Once you have selected to the best directory lists and you want more, they have a sister site web-directories.ws, with 2000 directory listings. This site has about 50 categories of niche web directories like Webmaster & hosting, travel, SEO and law.
Directories will help your SEO ranking efforts. These sites will also bring a bit of search traffic. The more you submit to the better are your chances. CBravo.com is a great example of a SEO friendly general directory with information on the Arts, Internet, Business, Games, Health, Computers Business, Recreation, and the World.
If you own a travel website, Book-a-Trip Travel is an awesome Travel Planning directory. Along with a well categorized lists of travel sites they offer a range of other services including weather, maps, as well as hotel, car and flight booking. They have also added an interesting section of travel photos from locations like Yellowstone National Park, Banff National Park, Vancouver Island and Las Vegas.
Search Engine Optimization is the process of improving your website to improve its search engine rankings. SEO is really about making your site more attractive to the search engines and is the first step in achieving higher rankings. 101-SEO-resources.com is a site that has a multitude of Webmaster / SEO tips & resources. This site is a resource of ideas, tips and tricks. They have search tips for Google, MSN and Yahoo. Submitting your website to directories can be an important ally in your battle to be on top of the search engines.