The DMOZ Directory: Getting Your Site Listed
The Open Directory Project (ODP) or DMOZ, is probably the single most important internet directory. Its listings are used by Google, as well as numerous other search engines and directories.
Google considers the ODP to be so important, that inclusion in their influential Google Directory depends on it. In addition, inclusion in DMOZ is practically a necessity in order to achieve high rankings in Google’s search results.
DMOZ is an entirely volunteer edited directory, where every website is examined by an editor for suitability. Therefore a listing in DMOZ will give a website a significant boost in the race to the top of the search results. Although there are a number of other important directories that are volunteer-run, Google places particular importance on DMOZ.
So you simply must get your website included in the ODP. For further information on how to begin the process of trying to get your website included go to the DMOZ website, found at https://dmoz-odp.org/
Some Tips to Achieving a Successful Listing
1.The first step towards a listing is to check the various directory categories and find the most appropriate one for your site. There are numerous categories, sub-categories and sub-sub-categories. However, it is critical that you spend some time going through these and choose the most appropriate. You have to submit to the correct category for your site. One way to ensure you are in the right one is to search through it. Look at the other sites listed there. If you don’t see any similar sites to yours, it’s time to check out another category. If you see some of your main competitors in there, you will know you have found the right one. Submitting your site to the wrong category can be costly in terms of time to the successful listing, not to mention the possibility of rejection.
2. When you have narrowed your target to the most appropriate category, go to it, and click on “Add URL”. Be absolutely certain to read the instructions very carefully and follow them to the letter. Be sure to submit just your home page to only one category. Multiple pages or category submissions will likely be treated as spam, and your site rejected. While there are occasional and exceptional sites and categories that will accept your site more than once, these are rare and it is best to concentrate on just the one category, and get included, rather than risk multiple submissions and find yourself rejected.
3. Automated submissions are expressly against DMOZ policy, so don’t even go there. They will always be rejected and you may well end up getting your site permanently banned from the directory. Always do your category submissions manually!
4. You will be asked to write a brief description of your website. Be objective and factual. Words like “best ever.” “finest website,” etc, will be removed and your description was rewritten. Also, avoid padding out your description with keywords. If the editors decide your description is too promotional, they will change it to something you probably won’t be happy with or they may even reject it entirely. Simply describe the content of the site and some features that will be of benefit to the user. A straightforward and honest description will be more successful and is less likely to be amended by the editors.
5. Once you have found the proper category, and have written a good useful description, the next stage is to submit your website, making sure that you have double-checked your submission for typos in both the description, as well as the URL. A small error could get your site removed or sent back to you for revision, resulting in delays. Make a note of the name of the category that received your submission, the category editor’s name (if listed) and the date you submitted your website. If you have to check on the status of your website submission at any stage you will need this information.
6. Now that your website has been submitted it is a waiting game, as submissions are only accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The wait can be as little as one week to as long as six months. Whatever you do, don’t resubmit your site otherwise you will find it moved to the back of the queue or even rejected.
7. You will need to keep checking the DMOZ website each week for results. While you are waiting, do update and add content to your website. The purpose of the DMOZ Directory is to be a high-quality resource for the end-user. The editors prefer websites that have a lot of pages of original content. Therefore having original content will increase your chances of your website being approved. Avoid having pages “under construction,” or any similar red flag pages e.g. 404 pages, as the editors will reject your site as not being ready. If you still have pages that are not completed, either temporarily remove them or finish the content. Be sure to fix any broken links and it also helps to correct typos. If you have an “affiliate sales” website be absolutely certain your site contains several pages of useful articles for your visitors. A website simply consisting of links and banners is highly likely to be rejected. As already mentioned, editors are looking for high quality relevant content, so reviews of your products or services and news articles will help in this respect.
8. If at any stage you need to contact the category editor about your site’s status, this can be done directly through their feedback link in the DMOZ website. Make sure you have the submission date and category information to hand.
9. Whilst you don’t have to be registered to read the forum, you must register to post a question. As always, be sure to read and follow the posting guidelines. Again, you will need details of your submission date, submission category and the category editor. While at the DMOZ forum, you can also ask questions about their requirements and regulations. While the editors will not be able to give you a date for your website’s inclusion, they can at least let you know whether or not you are in the correct category.