The Whole Truth About Search Engines
A Pet Sitter's Guide to Google, Yahoo and DMOZ

Part 6: Don't Forget DMOZ

Our discussion thus far has been in regard to search engines, but what of directories? Directories are fundamentally different from a search engine, although they can be searched using keywords in much the same way. Directories are collections of websites, grouped into categories by topic. They start with broad category headings and branch into smaller and smaller, more specific categories. The Pet Sitter Portal is essentially a directory. One of the most important features is that they are usually built manually by human beings--not bots and spiders.

Both Yahoo and Google have a directory component. Most search engines do. However, most of the content in their directories is not unique. They borrow their contents from something else--the ODP or Open Directory Project (also referred to as DMOZ). The ODP is edited by volunteer editors. Anyone can submit an application to become a contributing editor. ODP also accepts independent URL submissions, although not all submissions are guaranteed inclusion, and processing times vary.

To submit your site, you must first choose an appropriate subcategory. Most entries can be placed in only one category. The exception is when an entry fits equally well in a regional category and a topic category. Businesses with specific service areas (like pet sitters and groomers) usually fit into a regional business sub-category. On the page that best fits your site, you will find a "suggest URL" link.

When submitting a site, the key is to give a short and concise description. Include the topic of your site, and summary of the pages on your site (example: Professional pet sitter in Austin, Texas. Site includes list of services and rates, photo gallery and sign-up form). Do not give repetitive descriptions with self-promotional language. Make sure the title for your entry sticks strictly to the name of your business.

The good news is, if you are listed in the ODP, you are all but guaranteed a listing in every other major directory on the internet, as most of the hundreds or thousands of directories on the web derive their listings from ODP.