Becoming an Open Directory Project Editor

Why the Open Directory Still Matters for Your Site

The Open Directory Project, often called DMOZ, is still a valuable reference for search engines, especially for smaller, niche sites that may not be caught by algorithmic crawlers alone. When a site appears in the directory, search engines take notice of its inclusion and, as a result, give the site a credibility boost that can translate into higher rankings. The directory also provides a curated list of links that users trust, making it a useful resource for people searching for specialized content. If your site has yet to appear in the directory, the path to inclusion can be frustrating. Sometimes your application may be rejected outright, or your site may appear under a generic or misleading category, causing potential visitors to miss it entirely. In such cases, becoming an editor yourself can give you the leverage you need.

Many site owners try to submit their own links through the standard “Add a Site” form, but the Open Directory’s review process is strict. The reviewers look at relevance, quality, and the overall structure of the category. Even a well‑written site can be rejected if the category is already full or if the site’s description does not meet the directory’s style guidelines. The directory’s style guidelines are explicit: descriptions must be concise (no more than 15 words), written in the third person, and free of all‑caps or exclamation points. They also emphasize the importance of an accurate title and the correct category hierarchy. Meeting these standards on every submission can be a tedious task, but it is the key to a successful listing.

When your site is denied or placed in an inappropriate category, you face a double setback: your link is missing from a highly respected directory, and even if it is present, it may not appear where potential visitors are most likely to find it. By becoming an editor, you gain direct control over the category, the ability to curate listings, and the chance to optimize your own site’s placement. The following sections walk through how to secure an editor role, manage a category effectively, and ultimately place your site in the spot it deserves.

Securing Your First Editor Role: From Regional Categories to Expert Positions

Getting on the editor list starts with picking the right category. The Open Directory is organized hierarchically: continent, country, city, and then more specialized sub‑categories. Because the directory’s review process is more lenient for lower‑level categories, the best entry point is often a city or local category in which you live. This local focus lets you present genuine experience and interest without claiming a business affiliation that might raise a red flag.

To find an available city category, start at the directory’s main page and click “Regional.” From there, choose your continent, then your country, and finally your city. At the bottom of the city page, you’ll see whether an editor is already listed. If there is one, the directory typically does not accept a new editor for that category. In that case, look for a sub‑category beneath the city that still lacks an editor. If none exist, you may need to try a different city in your region or move one level up the hierarchy, accepting the increased competition for editor positions.

Once you locate a category without an editor, click the “Become an editor” link at the top of the page. The registration form requires basic personal information - first name, last name, email address, username, and password. In the “Describe your experience and interest in this subject area” box, keep it simple and authentic: “I am a resident of ” is often sufficient. The directory specifically asks whether you have any business affiliation with the category; answer “No” to avoid immediate disqualification. The real trick is to demonstrate genuine knowledge of the local web landscape, not to claim affiliation with any company.

The next step involves submitting three sample sites that you would add to the category if you were an editor. Here’s a practical approach: open a new browser tab, go to Yahoo! or another search engine, and search for “ web sites.” Browse the results for relevant businesses, community sites, or local news outlets. Check each site’s presence in the directory by typing its domain into the directory’s search box. If a site is not listed, note it. If it already exists, skip it and look for another. You’ll eventually compile a list of three non‑listed, relevant sites. For each, you’ll need to provide the URL, an official title (usually found on the site’s homepage or “About” page), and a concise description. Stick to the guidelines: no all‑caps, no exclamation points, third‑person tone, 15 words or fewer, and a period at the end.

After you’ve filled in all three site entries, hit “Submit.” The directory will review your application and may request confirmation via email. Reply promptly to close the loop. If everything checks out, you’ll receive an email within two to three weeks confirming your new editor status. It may feel like a small victory, but it’s the first step toward gaining influence over the category that matters most to your site.

As an editor, you’ll be asked to read the Directory Guidelines thoroughly. Understanding these rules will help you maintain a clean, high‑quality category and prepare you for the next level of editor responsibility - applying for a higher‑level category that aligns more closely with your own site’s niche.

Using Your Editor Role to Optimize Your Site’s Visibility

Once you’re an editor of a city or local category, your main objective is to refine the category’s listings. Start by reviewing all unreviewed sites: the directory will flag them for your attention. Evaluate each submission’s relevance, title accuracy, and description quality. If a site belongs in the category, approve it and ensure its title and description meet the style guidelines. If it doesn’t, delete it outright - adding a misplaced site can hurt the category’s reputation and later impact your editor credibility.

While you’re reviewing, take note of any sites whose titles or descriptions fall short. Even a minor tweak can improve a user’s understanding and help search engines parse the page’s relevance. Edit the title to match the site’s actual name and rewrite the description to follow the 15‑word rule. If a site appears out of place, post a brief note in the Editor Forum asking other editors for their opinion. This collaborative step can prevent accidental miscategorization and strengthen the community’s overall quality control.

After cleaning up the category - removing unreviewed or irrelevant entries, polishing titles and descriptions - you’ll be ready to apply for a higher‑level category that aligns with your site’s content. This process involves two steps: first, add a bookmark to the target category in your editor dashboard; second, submit a formal request to become an editor there. To bookmark, click the “Bookmarks” link on the editor page, scroll to the bottom, and click “Add @link.” Enter the full path to the desired category (for example, “Computers/Consultants/Business Systems”) and give the bookmark a descriptive name.

When you’re ready to apply for the higher category, browse its listings and note any that violate the style guidelines. Also check if the category already has an editor. When you click “Edit” at the bottom of the category page, explain why you want to join. Mention the number of unreviewed sites, specific examples of poorly formatted titles or descriptions, and, if applicable, the absence of an editor. Provide the same type of information you used when applying for the local category - personal details, interests, and a statement of no business affiliation. Once submitted, monitor your email and editor dashboard; approvals usually arrive within a few weeks.

After gaining editor status in the target category, you can add your own site. If your site is already listed but the description is suboptimal, use the editor tools to update it. Follow the same style rules: concise, third‑person, no exclamation marks, and accurate title. Keep the description within 15 words and end with a period. By aligning your site’s directory entry with the guidelines, you improve its discoverability by both users and search engines.

Be mindful that higher‑level editors - those who oversee broader categories - will occasionally audit your listings. They may adjust your description if it doesn’t match the directory’s standards. That’s a normal part of the process. Avoid attempts to “cool” your own site, a practice that places it at the top of the list. The directory actively monitors for self‑promotion, and being caught can harm your editor reputation. Instead, focus on maintaining quality, transparency, and adherence to guidelines. Over time, this approach builds trust with the editor community and secures a strong, accurate placement for your site.