Everyone Needs a Link From the ODP
Everyone knows that being tops for your keyphrase in Google is the Zen of search engine optimization right? There are lots of elements that lend to attaining those high rankings, but one of the most often overlooked and under appreciated elements of high serps is a quality link from the Open Directory Project. If you want those top spot site rankings what are you waiting for? Your site needs an ODP listing and it needs it NOW!
A Little ODP history
If you have never heard of the ODP, rest assured it is not the alcoholic problem-ridden seventh member of the Wu-tang clan, rather it is one of the cornerstones of the Internet that your website needs to be a part of. DMOZ.org (also known as the ODP) is the largest human edited directory on the web boasting over 11,000 volunteer editors editing over 430,000 sites in 65,000 categories. The directory has grown faster than a adolescent teenager drinking miracle-gro shakes, and has even outgrown the original computer infrastructure that was put in place to support it. Because of the extreme growth of the ODP, you may get a “cannot process your search request” when looking for your category. Be persistent, and try you search a couple times or try back at an “off-peak” time if you cannot perform a search
Now that you know the scoop on the ODP, let’s examine why your site needs a link from the so badly. Firstly, inclusion in the directory is free! You really can’t beat a free listing even if it were posing as the family mule. Inclusion in the directory can be tricky, but the time spent it takes to do it correctly is well worth the effort. The ODP feeds many other directories, the most worthy of note being the Google Directory (directory.google.com) That’s right, the Google Directory IS essentially the Open Directory. So you are really getting AT LEAST two quality links for the price of one. Monty Hall couldn’t even match this deal! The ODP also feeds many other not so well known directories that could possibly help out the rankings for your site in the long run by increasing your link popularity.
Be Nice to Poindexter, He Might be Your Boss One Day.
Before you jump right into submitting to the directory, let’s look at a couple things. Firstly, have some respect for the people who edit the directory. There are somewhat strict guidelines that govern submission to the ODP (http://www.dmoz.org/add.html), but rightfully so. Remember, this is some Poindexter sitting behind his desk VOLUNTEERING his time to include your site into this massive conglomeration of compiled information. Making their job a little bit easier is the least you can do for the free PR (public relations AND the other kind). Have a little respect for the editors and follow the guidelines TO A TEE. With these considerations in mind, be sure to represent your site effectively as well. Write a strong description that will incorporate your keywords as best as possible while still adhering to the given guidelines. Take some time and write some good copy. Don’t be a talentless hack. This description will show up often, and the link text could help your site a lot… Don’t screw it up Bubba!
If you read one piece of this article, make it this one!
The two biggest mistakes most people make when submitting sites to the Open Directory is submitting multiple times and not following up on the status of their inclusion request. This is the gold in this article so listen up. Most people are aware of the Open Directory and how it works. The big secret (FNOD) that most people are unaware of is that the ODP has a sister site at http://www.resource-zone.com where you can check into the status of your inclusion request. As with the directory, the Resource Zone has many little guidelines, so don’t just jump right in and commit the faux-paus of bugging meta editors that are already donating all of their free time editing sites when they could be playing Quake or shopping for pocket protectors. Be polite, and don’t check on the status of your site for at least a month. When submitting your site, you will most likely have to use the Mozilla browser (mozilla.org). The preferential treatment given by the ODP renders many versions of Internet Explorer useless for the submission process. If you do try to submit your site via IE, be sure to save a copy of your site description so you don’t have to retype it when you get the “page cannot be displayed” error after submitting the form.
The BIGGEST most IMPORTANT element of getting your listing is, “DON’T SUBMIT YOUR SITE MORE THAN ONCE!” Not only will multiple submissions NOT get you better consideration, it will actually get your site pushed to the bottom of the inclusion que. If you wait a month and re-submit your site, you overwrite the first inclusion request and you’ve got odds of getting included about as good as a child actor who has an expensive coke habit and Micheal Jackson as a best friend. The point…..DON’T RESUBMIT! Be patient, and check Resource Zone after a month, then after another month. Keep track of the status, but maintain patient persistence. Getting listed in some categories can be tricky, but your patient persistence will ultimately pay off.
It took radio 34 years to have 50 million listeners...it took TV 13 years to have 50 million viewers...it took the internet only 4 years to have 50 million users.
