Google Signaling The Decline of ODP?

[Garrett]

Google moved the ODP off the front page, causing a stir in forums and blogs around the web. Is this a big deal, and what does it mean for webmasters?

According to GoogleGuy, "when we stacked up overall clicks on the directory tab, directory descriptions, and the directory category at the top of searches against the overall screen real estate that it took, I think the clickthrough on the directory-based items was lower overall."

Peter Norvig, Google's director of search quality, told SearchEngineWatch, "we analyzed what people were using, and that had become less popular over time. As the web grows, directory structures get harder to use. It didn't seem to be worth the real estate on the home page."

So this decision shows a decline in directory searches over at Google, and Norvig's quote points to the eventual abandonment of directories.

Don't quit submitting yet though - there are still plenty of reasons to be in directories like the ODP and Jayde (high pagerank links, for one thing).

Over at the SEORoundtable, Barry Schwarz discusses the value he's found from directories, specifically from the directory links from the front page of Google.

He also posted GoogleGuy's dismissal of trying to get multiple links in the ODP: "we can process the RDF file and count the number of listings just as well as someone's CGI script can. I'd concentrate more on getting quality links and not obsess about trying to lots and lots of ODP links."

Tony, over at the Rugles blog, noted that, "the Google links in the SERPs also do not show whether the pages belong to an Open Directory category as they did before."

And finally, the biggest statement Google made by moving the ODP to their "more" page is that Froogle's a major part of their plans for the future. If you sell products online, get them in Froogle.

[WebMetro]

DMOZ has been dieing a slow death for quite some time now. It's a shame to see one of the best directories slowly crumble, however, maybe it's about time.

If anyone was going to put DMOZ out of its misery, let it be Google.

[cbp]

How can DMOZ be dieing if its adding 3000-4000 new sites a day? No other directory comes close to that.

A DMOZ link is still going to be just as valuable as it always was. It will still get you in the Google Directory and still give the PR benefits from both as it always has.

CBP

[WebMetro]

Of course a dmoz link will be valuable, but it is quite obvious that is now less relevant today, than it was 12 months ago, or even last month. It was always nice having your dmoz description show up under your listing in Google SERPs. The listing would stand out more, and you would get better click-thru rates.

Just the fact that Google is walking away, is another hit to just a great directory. IMO, the end is near for DMOZ.

[Linda Buquet]

Whoa,

Thanks for the heads up Garrett, I didnt know. I use the directory right from the toolbar and never go to the Google home page, so didn't even know about this.
I LOVED all the listings I had in the Google directory for the affiliate programs I consult for and my own sites. But like others have said the DMOZ listings still do show up other places too. Oh well!

[cbp]

Here is a different take on this - maybe being in DMOZ is now more important than ever and Google have actually given more emphasis to its version of DMOZ.

I have just been playing with Googles beta personalized search and if what i am seeing is correct then the Directory seems to be playing am important role in the ranking for the search results when more personalized.

...we just have to wait and see what happens with personalized search.

CBP

[Andilinks]

Directories serve a function that search engines cannot, but the need for this function is much smaller than for a pinpoint search.

An exhaustive search, or a browse through a category is where directories excel. There will always be a need for this, but it is a much smaller slice of the search pie.

The removal of the directory from Google's front page is a move toward the shopping model and away from the library model... Did someone say IPO?

Andi

[williamc]

Directories serve a function that search engines cannot, but the need for this function is much smaller than for a pinpoint search.

An exhaustive search, or a browse through a category is where directories excel. There will always be a need for this, but it is a much smaller slice of the search pie.

The removal of the directory from Google's front page is a move toward the shopping model and away from the library model... Did someone say IPO?

Andi

Very true.

[dmcgill]

What a lot of people seem to forget about directories is the fact that google and many different robots crawl directories all the time. I can bet that Google will continue to crawl DMOZ as well and if you have submitted your site correctly with a good description, keywords and title, you will be picked up by google.
Our directory is still getting anywhere from 700 to 1000 hand submission per day so the whole internet has not yet given up on directories.
I agree with Williamc though, if you are making a pin point search, you are far better off using an engine like google just for the speed.

[Andilinks]

...I agree with Williamc though, if you are making a pin point search, you are far better off using an engine like google just for the speed.

Ahem, cough, cough...

Not to be picky or anything but that was WilliamC quoting AndiS, directory operator.

Andi