Are web directories still relevant for SEO in 2026? I’m looking for some honest perspectives on this. I’m currently managing a few projects and wondering if submitting to directories is still a productive use of time or just an outdated relic. Does the "link juice" from a niche or local directory actually move the needle anymore, or do search engines mostly ignore them now?
The main problem is that majority of the link directories are abandoned and approval on the links never come up. So from this perspective is waste of time. Not many links get indexed by Google from directories. On the other hand niche directories are still good.
The Reality of Web Directories in 2026 The thread correctly points out that most general directories are "outdated relics." Google’s algorithms have become highly sophisticated at identifying and ignoring "link farms"—sites that exist solely to host links without providing value to human users. for Keyword Research
Yes, directory backlinks still work for SEO in 2026, but you must emphasize quality over quantity. They're not a "magic bullet," but they are foundational.
You should not rely on the directories for the promotion through the search engines. Instead, you should use the directories for the promotion directly to the human public.
You may want to opt for business directories that are indexed by Google and provide "dofollow" backlinks. At Voreu.com, we take our work seriously, and many of the companies listed with us are indexed on Google. Our experience with business directories dates back to 2015. The Voreu.com project was conceived in 2023 and officially launched in 2026.