When it comes to URL submissions, the first websites that come to user's minds are Google, Yahoo, and Bing (MSN). These are obvious options since a majority of organic traffic will come from these sources. However, there are other free search and directory listing services available that even the seasoned webmaster often forgets. One of the most important one that should never be overlooked is DMOZ Open Directory Project (http://www.dmoz.org). Let me tell you why being listed on DMOZ can increase your PageRank.
DMOZ is the Open Directory Project (ODP) owned by Netscape who owns Mozilla (MOZ). It is structured in a way that volunteers manage the entries instead of computer algorithms. This value proposition sets it apart from many directory services in that real human beings review all directory submissions for accuracy. At the time of this writing, DMOZ's home page had a PageRank of 8. Just being listed on DMOZ has a positive effect on your web pages. The DMOZ ODP data can be downloaded for free by anyone and is used by other websites which means if you are listed on DMOZ, you will also be listed in those other websites that consume DMOZ data. One of these websites happen to be Google Directory (http://directory.google.com). At the time of this writing, Google Directory had a PageRank of 7. Being listed in DMOZ can effectively increase your web page's PageRank by up to 2.
To be listed on DMOZ, visit their website and navigate to the best category your company should belong to. From there, you can click the Suggest URL link. Be forewarned that DMOZ's value proposition is also its greatest weakness because all entries are manually checked, it can take up to 8 weeks for your listing to appear. Be patient while the editors review your submission. Do not submit your entry over and over again or it will be treated as spam. As part of your SEO campaign, set a reminder every month to check if your listing has appeared. If it has not appeared in the directory in 3 months, try submitting it again.
