We firmly believe that the majority of automated services are ineffective. Many make claims that are simply not true. This will not necessarily improve your search engine rankings, but it will generally ensure that you are listed quicker. Once your site is listed you can always use submission software to submit updates. Looksmart and The Open Directory are very important sites.
Directory is important in terms of sheer volume of traffic.
For example, AOL feeds of information form The Open Directory, as do several other important search engines. Follow each of their guidelines for submissions very carefully. If your site does not conform exactly to the submission policies and guidelines then chances are it won't be given serious consideration and it will just be 'dumped' by the Yahoo editor. It then took around 7 days to show up is searches on their directory. The Business Fast track service does not guarantee that you will be listed, just that you will be reviewed.