That's several questions in one ... 1. Directories are important, and can get your site listed in all the major search engines.
Once you've got a couple of dozen, I personally doubt you'll benefit from any more.
But these should be quality directories - do not, ever, for example, submit your site to a directory that demands a reciprocal link. Don't even think about it.
Look at the directory carefully; is there evidence that it is edited, or is it just a load of rubbish? Webmasters are easily tempted by cra* directories, as they do not remove keyword packing and general hype - but think about it; how useful is a directory where the owners don't bother to edit out the excesses? Is that what your site deserves?
Most auto-submitters submit ro 100% useless directories, and most will be reciprocal linkers. plus you'll get spam email for eternity.
Either do it yourself (recommended) or choose a submission service that does manual submissions. Why? Because every quality directory is unique; they have their own style and protocols. a 'standard' submission is likely to fail.
2. Articles
I'm not at all sure what you mean by "a new Article that is targetted at a specific website". Personally, I'd publish YOUR articles on YOUR website, not give someone else the benefit. Article farms are like link exchanges; sad, little value, and often risky. Few - very few - will actually help you at all; so why help them?
