11 replies to this topic

[btreloar]

A new client has previously been submitted to DMOZ with an absolutely horrible description that includes no keywords at all. Consequently, they can only be found there via a search for the company name.

I know directories hate to see resubmissions without good reason. And keyword inclusion in a description isn't considered a good reason by many of them.

Can anyone suggest a strategy to correct this?

Thanks!
Bill

[Jill]

Welcome, Bill!

You would have to be able to prove to DMOZ that the current description doesn't accurately reflect your site's content. If indeed it does, then you're basically out of luck.

Jill

[skiguide]

1) when trying to correct errors, always use the "UPDATE URL" link at the top right hand of the category where the site is listed.

2) You're right when you say DMOZ editors rarely care about using keywords in a description, of course, I believe they absolutely shouldn't 'cut' keywords out of descriptions because it's not helping the end users, which is what they claim is their reason for being. without including keywords in a description, the search engines have little to go on.

In an attempt to change the listing, find something that is factually incorrect about the description, or implies something the company or website is not. Then, craft a suggested description to include with your request, but ONLY use one or two of the best keywords at most, because if you try to pack it with keywords, it won't get changed at all. with just one or two carefully chosen terms, it's easier to find a compromise with an editor.

Don't worry so much about the client not coming up in DMOZ search - it's rarely used by surfers, but it will be more important to the engines that use DMOZ as a source of directory listings.

[btreloar]

Thanks, Jill & SkiGuide . . .

The site is the Green Turtle Bay Vitamin Company, and their description is a litt=le tough to disprove. It says "Products that deliver from The Green Turtle Bay Vitamin Co.".

Perhaps if I appeal to the editor that the company has nothing to do with "delivery" but instead deals with nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals . . .

I'll give it a try. Thanks.

[skiguide]

whoa, i'm surprised that description even got in the directory to begin with... sounds far too promotional, and unecessarily repeats the company name in the description.

Definitely point out those two reasons, as they go against directory guidelines.

Suggest that a more generic descripton would be more appropriate, and point out the added value in the site as well:

Internet retailer of nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals. Provides articles on holistic health, alternative medicine and health conditions.

[powerofeyes]

This topic is interesting. i might learn a lot about dmoz from this forum
VIJAY

[btreloar]

Thanks, SkiGuide! What you came up with is perfect!

Bill

BTW, is anyone else having trouble connecting with DMOZ lately? It seems to take forever and either gives me a 404 or a blank page. I can eventually get through, but it often takes four or five attempts.

[ranch]

For a discussion of the current DMOZ problems visit this thread.

[btreloar]

Thanks, Henrik. It's good to know it's not just me!

Bill

[Username]

There are 2 things that you need a lot of when dealing with DMOZ. Patience and prayer.
For the most part they try hard but it is an all volunteer org.

Good luck

[kctipton]

Jill's right. Make sure that your _main_ page is clear about the content of your site. If you think it is, submit an "update URL" request with a concise description covering the essentials of

--> what someone would find on the site, and
--> what the business does.

[Lydia]

Just my two-cents worth...
I have submitted my client's site for an update of its description and title (which were horrid and didn't even mention the company's name). That was a month ago. I posted a note on http://www.resource-zone.com about the status. I was pleased that at least the editor has replied, saying that it's spending review, along 50 other sites. Not exactly what I was hoping to hear, but at least someone has acknowledged my situation. In my client's case, fortunately the company's legal name contains two keywords that are very sought after for her business.

Cheers,

Lydia