DMOZ (Directory listing)

[bart0r]

can i ask what it is?
Being a big newbie to SEO ive heard alot about it and i dont exactly fully understand what it is?

Adam

[cbp]

DMOZ = Open Directory Project
http://www.dmoz.org

Its a volunteer edited directory. It is the larget and fastest growing directory and some believe that a listing may get you an extra boost in Google. It makes its database avaliable to others to use as their own directory - over 4000 sites do this.

Only about 25% of suggested sites get listed. Of those that do, about 50% are done within 3 months of being submitted. Of all the new sites that get listed only about 50% are submitted - the rest being found by an editors own initiative.

There are a lot of myths and misunderstandings about DMOZ. A lot of them are from those who look upon DMOZ as a free listing service for a webmasters SEO's purposes ---- its not this. A lot of the criticisms and calls for DMOZ to change are from those who complain that DMOZ is not meeting their own SEO expectations -- DMOZ is not there for that purpose, so those complaints will always exist (its also probably the very reason that Google uses DMOZ as the basis for its own diretory and may give more weight to a listing)

To get listed:
1. Have a site that would had value to a category - it has to have unique content (its no use complaining that your competitors are listed and you are not - you have to have something they don't as you would add no value to the category).
2. Write a perfect guideline compliant title and description - any marketing hype or keyword stuffing is a good way to get an editor to ignore your site
3. Submit ONCE to the ONE best category (the only exception is a topical and regional category if you have a 'bricks annd mortar' business)
4. Forget about. Move on. Get a life. Improve the site. There is absolutly nothing more you can do.

CBP

[dburdon]

I would just like to emphasise CBP's advice about category selection.

Changing a DMOZ entry is harder than getting in first time round. So take your time writing your description. And make absolutely sure you've entered the right category.

[TrafficProducer]

DMOZ = Open Directory Project
http://www.dmoz.org

Once listed, (lots of sites have problems getting listed) it is said that some other search engines will also list your site as well because they use data from DMOZ and this should increase visitors to your site.

For images how DMOZ links, and other search engines link together check out :-

A visual look at the internet

[bart0r]

thanks for taking the time to explain, i understand now.
well, i have submitted my site so i will wait and see.

Can you gents offer any other tips on getting alot of external links? or is Dmoz the only way?

If i have two domains, could you have a hidden page on each domain filled with links to the other domain, or will SE's just ignore that?

Adam

[cbp]

will SE's just ignore that?

More likely to penalize or ban for it.

CBP

[TrafficProducer]

could you have a hidden page on each domain filled with links to the other domain, or will SE's just ignore that?

Why would you want to hide it anyway?

A normal link that users could follow should be OK!

View Content Doorway Pages Cross Population Traffic Producer. Not really doorway pages but your own non-duplication of content sites that link togeather.

[bart0r]

so have you any other recomendations, other than Dmoz?

[cbp]

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=21900

[bart0r]

Thanks CBP, i'll get listing when i have a spare hour to spare!

In your opinion, listing with these websites obviously does make a big difference then?

[adbart]

Originally Posted by cbp

To get listed:
1. Have a site that would had value to a category - it has to have unique content (its no use complaining that your competitors are listed and you are not - you have to have something they don't as you would add no value to the category).

That's incorrect - if you are have more competitive prices for example, you would be adding value for the people who use the directory.

[bart0r]

sounds good.
Can i ask if its more aimed at websites that 'sell' items on their websites, such as supplies and wholesalers or other companies too?

the company i represent build/supply electrical control panels for the water/waste water/ quarry industry (mainly).

The company is also capable of supply fully automated system packages with PLC control etc.

This is not an everyday sort of company.

[cbp]

That's incorrect - if you are have more competitive prices for example, you would be adding value for the people who use the directory

Its not incorrect - if you have more competitive prices, then thats "unique content" --> listable

CBP