What is DMOZ?
In a recent talk at the COPA Show at the London Excel Centre we were talking about free sites for backlinks and there was a lot of interest on one thing in particular that I discussed. It was the question of DMOZ, what is DMOZ and how do you get listed?
How does DMOZ work
DMOZ is called the 'open directory project' and from it's inception it was targeted as a means by which internet users can join a directory listing. In other words it is a free world where independents register to be editors and approve new listings - and sitemasters register to have their sites listed on the directory pages.
So DMOZ has a really cool history?
Yes. The DMOZ history is really cool. It started pretty much before we even considered using search engines as they work now. So much so in fact that google uses the DMOZ data when it cannot find elements of data from your site. This is how important DMOZ is. The amusing thing we find is how antiquated its layout still looks - it really isn't representative of what DMOZ means to the internet.
What can a DMOZ listing do to help your site?
The holy grail of internet search engine optimisation work is trying to get some effective backlinks to your site. Using sites like DMOZ is key to being able to do that - what we are effectively doing by creating backlinks is telling google our site is more important.
One thing we have found about what DMOZ can do to your site is that it will work better for 'younger' less mature sites than older established sites. This is to do with the fact that domain and page authorities work exponentially - in essence the lower your site ranks to begin with, the easier it is to climb. Conversely for established sites it is harder to climb here. This is hopefully a challenge you will all face at some point.
How do I register with DMOZ
The hardest part of what DMOZ does is trying to find a relevant category to register in. As a guide the following categories are relevant to 75% of our clients. If you are not sure have a dig around using the search. There are different categories that you may come under that may be relevant for example some DMOZ sections have specific categories if you are based in London:
Osteopaths try UK osteopaths.
Chiropractors try UK chiropractors.
Physiotherapists try UK physiotherapists.
Once you have found your category you want your listing to show in you then need to click on the 'suggest URL' link at the top. It's all quite straightforward and the required detail is as follows:
DMOZ Site URL
Enter your site URL in this section ie your domain name.
What type of DMOZ link will you want?
For this field you will pretty much always use 'regular'.
Title of your site
DMOz want the title of your site. For example 'Westwood Chiropractors'.
DMOZ Site Description
In here you can enter some detail about your site.
Email Address
It is important to add a valid email address.
Once you have your submission complete, fill in the captcha and click submit. Now all you have to do is wait and hope that someone will approve it.
What can I do to ensure my DMOZ listing gets approved?
Here is the important bit. What DMOZ does in effect is monitor applications. If it doesnt think your site is worthwhile it is not going to get approved. I would suggest the following as worthwhile tips:
Get a professional site. Make sure your site is up to date with css and html standards. Make sure it looks professional.
DMOZ likes a site with good content. Make sure your content is clear, informative and unique. It is not just DMOZ that likes this. Good content is liked by the search engines too.
Be nice. Don't forget it is a DMOZ volunteer who approves the listings. Your listing will not show immediately. It could take months. So give it time and do not keep submitting a listing.
When filling out the fields don't spam keywords. You may operate from a location but don't keep repeating it in the application. You must keep the application informative and about your website.
DMOZ Summary
We hope this article helps you understand more about what is DMOZ and how it can help your site. Please use the comments below if you have any queries. Or - don't forget you can always give us a call on 01702 558001 for more detail or if you need any help getting your site listed better in the search engines.
