The answer to this question might surprise you. Search engines and fighting to get a top ranking on them is the goal of most folks doing business on the net, but how to do this remains the million dollar question, but should it be ????
The truth be told you will get more targeted visitors with a good link directory than you will with the search engines. With the link directory you get targeted traffic as you have linked to same topic sites, where as the search engines are much more general.
Since I started my link directory 6 months ago, I am now getting more constant hits from my links directory than I am the search engines, even though I have good keyword rankings on the major search engines.
A good links directory is a win win situation as back links( links from other sites that point to yours) will help your ranking on the search engines. If you do not have a links directory on your website you should really try one. You can do it by hand or get a link directory program such as the one I use called Zeus , which ever which way you choose start today and improve your traffic for good.
I am now in month 7 of building my directory and I am very pleased with the results so far. I have talked to many folks who have done this and they said it took them about 18 months to get their directorys to the point they are happy with them.
I like the Zeus program because it automates alot of the work including an Audit feature ( only in the paid version) which will check to make sure that your link is still on the other site.
Do not get me wrong search engines are a great way of getting traffic to your site, but if you add a link directory as well you have a win win situation. Links will get you more traffic pure and simple.
Happy linking all