In theory, yes directories do have "some" value to them. Considering 99.9% of the time they are not directly related to your website and have "massive" outbound links the value is actually little to none. You'll find spending your time making quality unique content will benefit you much more; this helps create "natural one-way" backlinks.
most people nowadays use directories as a way of building their first initial handfull of links (useful for getting your site a bit of attention from the search engines), however i would much rather 1 backlink from a site in a similar niche to mine over 25 directory backlinks, even if the directories had high PR.
If you can get these with little or no effort get it. However keep it low priority over other tasks. Tharani
My dear friend It is good to start with directory but never go for paid directory. Never. If you can build relevant reciprocal link then also it is good but if you ask me why i will aways recommend you No. why no ? because reciprocal link is aways passing link juice to the oubound link. 100% sure. so why should we share our link juice with other which we have earned by our efforts. Why should they get our efforts merely for getting traffic. It's very bad deal to do. cool Mate and Enjoy your day.
y should we tack risk when we have other option to get back link. It is advisable to use directory but only that which are SEO friendly, not that which hurt SEO theory i.e porn site's diectory.