The Open Directory Project (ODP) ~ http://www.dmoz.org ~ is the largest human edited directory on the Internet and you want to listed there. Why?
- It's free and even if it wasn't, you still would want a listing.
- ODP supplies results to Google, All the Web, AOL, AskJeeves, HotBot, Lycos, Netscape and hundreds more. You can find all the sites that list ODP Data at http://dmoz.org/Computers/Internet/Searching/Directories/Open_Directory_Project/
Sites_Using_ODP_Data/
- There is some indication that a listing on ODP will boost your PageRank on Google, something every website could use
Because this directory is edited by human beings, you want to make sure to read all the submission guidelines prior to starting. You can find the guidelines at http://dmoz.org/add.html
Here are a few helpful tips about submission:
Don’t hype up your titles and descriptions on your submissions.
Be as descriptive as possible.
Select appropriate categories or you may find yourself rejected ~ TIP: Find your competition and you should be listed there. It might be tempting to be listed elsewhere, but this category is likely your best fit.
The directory lists alphabetically ~ You might be considering giving yourself a title to be at the head of the list, but you should always submit under your actual website name to avoid the risk of being rejected.
Do not submit duplicate sites (same site, different URL)
Do not submit URLs that redirect to another URL
Only submit once in a three week period. If you don't hear anything, you can submit again or contact the category editor (you can find the editor at the bottom of the category you are submitting to)
You can also support the online community and volunteer to be an editor. There are a number of categories which need volunteers. You can find out more about being an editor at http://dmoz.org/guidelines/
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Alice Seba is the editor of http://www.internetbasedmoms.com and author of An Internet Based Mom's Guide to Marketing Your Website ~ http://www.wahm-internet-marketing-guide.com ~ an essential guide for any mom with a cyber business.