Yahoo! Directory is one of the most expensive directories that are out there. Directories or fossilized search engines used to be a great way to give credibility to a site and get ranked higher on Google and other engines. But over the years most directories have either lost their glamor or become less of a factor as Google has updated its factors. So, can one justify paying Yahoo! $299 a year per listing in Yahoo! directory?

I have tested Yahoo! directory a few times, and I believe it is still worth it to try Yahoo! directory for your site. With my tests, Yahoo directory has worked like a charm getting me higher on Google on terms that are not super competitive (but competitive enough to matter). I’d like to think of Yahoo! directory as a tie-breaker as this point really. If you and your competitors are doing everything right, then Yahoo! can break the tie. However, if your site is completely unoptimized, then you may not get value from Yahoo! directory. Also, don’t forget that Yahoo! does not guarantee you a spot in the directory so you can be out of $299 if your site is terrible.

What to do?

I would try Yahoo! directory for a year (especially if your competitors are using it as well). I wouldn’t expect a huge increase in traffic for being listed there, but if it helps you get a bit higher in search engine rankings, then it’s probably worth it. If it does nothing for your business, toss it after a year. It’s not as if it significantly matters.