how important are directory for seo?

I totally agree on this. But I can't say it's unimportant. It's just that there even better avenues in which you can promote your site. You don't have to spend most of your time to it.

 

I think directories used to give alot better effects in google but the market is flooded with them now and most of them mean very little to google (but I doubt they mean nothing). There are obviously some directories that mean a whole lot, the most important two are the yahoo directory (kind of expensive - up to you) and the DMOZ directory (this is googles own directory and it is very selective and hard to get into) if you can get in either of those it will noticeably help your pagerank.

 

it helps increase traffic to your website, that is for sure..

 

It's a decent method, but it really depends on the quality of web directories where you submit and list your site. Choose the ones that are authority sites, have good PR and reputation.

 

Directory plays a role in any online marketing. Although,it might not be a powerful tool but,as long as it helps then go for it!

 

It does not help you wth page rank directly. But it helps you to generate huge traffic and this make good rank indirectly.

 

Directory submission is best for your site backlinks and traffic.
Directory submission helps in permanent listing in another websites.