I recently launched my site and I trying to generate as much traffic as posssible since i need to promote my products. I have been submitting like crazy to a lot of different directories (but I don;t think they all have good page rank) check out submit-add-url.com (is where i found these directories). But, initially what I was wondering if it worth it to submit to various directories or to certain paid directories. I wanted to keep my cost low until I started seeing some returns.
Start with the list at IVS. If your site is above board you will pick up links on sixty percent of them. Thereafter you just keep submitting to the new ones after every update. Paid review directories should give you better long term value and IVS has a good list but no one really knows who is in for the long haul or not. My advice would be to stick to those charging between $5 to $25 max as a one time charge to review your site. But its a lucky dip right now.
I would go with both free and paid directories The only difference between free and paid directories is review time and quality. Paid directories take less time to review your site and also you will be listed along with good quality websites.
If you want to submit to a paid directory, I "think" it's better to submit with Yahoo dir. As of now I have submitted some of my sites to free directories, which also offers paid listing, and I can't see any indexed backlinks pointing to my site using Google.
Both! Try for any professional seo company for submitting to free directories and then submit to some good paid directories
Dont look at Google for back links. They hide this info deliberately. Have a look at the site you sumitted to. If the page you submitted to has been cached your link is guaranteed.
If they are free submit and forget. Rather watch your serp's for the key words you are working on. Time is money and as long as your serp's are responding you have nothing to worry about. This takes time and regular updating.