altering listing

figments · Jun 12, 2009

Hi all...I've followed the instructions, and sent through a request to the editor to alter my listing. Google uses my DMOZ description for it's listing, and it does not accurately reflect my business anymore (I've moved into wedding photography, and my listing only states 'babies'!!). I've managed to get good ranking for my keywords but I really feel this is affecting my conversion rate...why would anyone click on a listing that say's 'baby photographer' after they've done a search for weddings.

I just can't seem to get any response to get this altered. Is there any other avenues I can pursue?

Thanks

The Old Sarge · Jun 12, 2009

If you suggested the update, an editor will eventually review it. TGhere are no time limits.

figments · Jun 12, 2009

OK, thanks. It's been ages already, I'm just being impatient i guess!

informator · Jun 12, 2009

If you are worried by Google´s use of the description in search results you may use the "NOODP"-tag. :2cents:

pvgool · Jun 12, 2009

There is even a much better and simpler way.
Did you ever wonder why Google is using the DMOZ description.
The answer is very easy.
If Google is not able to find a good description on the website itself or can only find a spammy one it uses the best alternative it can find. Wich they have decided to be the DMOZ description.
So improve your own website and Google will use your description, or part of the text on your website.

figments · Jun 13, 2009

Thanks Informator...I'd heard reports that the NOODP tag was adversely affecting ranking???
pvgool...thanks, good point. I've just updated my description, will see what happens.

tschild · Jun 16, 2009

One thing to keep in mind: update requests are checked against the web site in question, so what the site says must bear out what the update suggestion says. So, if your ODP listing says baby photographer, you want it changed to wedding photographer but your site still says baby photographer, the update request will be rejected.

figments · Aug 5, 2009

I'm still waiting for this listing to be altered, and now I honestly feel it's affecting my business. TSchild, i do still do baby photography, it's just that i also do weddings, and have an entire site devoted to this, so anyone who checked would clearly see it is not limited to baby photography surely?

pvgool · Aug 5, 2009

Are you sure the listing is not changed?
Maybe not the change you requested.
Was your request compliant with our guidelines?

makrhod · Aug 5, 2009

now I honestly feel it's affecting my business.

I don't really understand how this can be the case, but if you do, then I suggest following the above advice about NOODP tags.

figments · Aug 5, 2009

pvgool, I reviewed the guidelines both times I submitted the request. I'm sure I've complied with them!

Makrhod - the description directly under my site is offering services I no longer provide, and not offering those I do provide. I'm assuming that anyone reading that is going to move right along to the next listing. I'm going to look into the NOODP tags, thanks. I had hoped it would be easier to simply alter the listing.

Thank you both for your input.

pvgool · Aug 5, 2009

figments said:
pvgool, I reviewed the guidelines both times I submitted the request. I'm sure I've complied with them!

Did you read my first question and check for the answer?
It was: Are you sure the listing is not changed?

figments · Aug 5, 2009

pvgool, thank you! I was looking at the version google picked up, but going to the directory I can see it has been altered. Now it includes the word 'wedding' but has removed the location I serviced, and still includes services I no longer provide! Since google crawls my site regularly, can you suggest why it is using the older version?

makrhod · Aug 5, 2009

Since google crawls my site regularly, can you suggest why it is using the older version?

What Google does, (including when it updates its directory), is completely unrelated to the Open Directory Project (the subject of this forum).

The listing your site has in the ODP has been done by a volunteer editor, and you have already followed the procedure for requesting changes. Such changes are made only if they meet the editorial guidelines, so if you don't want Google to use the ODP description, you will need to use the NOODP tags mentioned above.

pvgool · Aug 6, 2009

figments said:
pvgool, thank you! I was looking at the version google picked up, but going to the directory I can see it has been altered. Now it includes the word 'wedding' but has removed the location I serviced, and still includes services I no longer provide!

We do not describe what you provide, we describe what we can see on the website.

Since google crawls my site regularly, can you suggest why it is using the older version?

You will have to ask Google.

PS The NOODP tag only works for Google Search not for Google Directory. The Google Directory is a copy, although sometimes dated copy, of the DMOZ directory.

planetmediazone · Aug 6, 2009

figments said:
Hi all...I've followed the instructions, and sent through a request to the editor to alter my listing. Google uses my DMOZ description for it's listing, and it does not accurately reflect my business anymore (I've moved into wedding photography, and my listing only states 'babies'!!). I've managed to get good ranking for my keywords but I really feel this is affecting my conversion rate...why would anyone click on a listing that say's 'baby photographer' after they've done a search for weddings.

I just can't seem to get any response to get this altered. Is there any other avenues I can pursue?

Thanks

I have had the same problem trying to get my location changed for several months.

pvgool · Aug 6, 2009

planetmediazone said:
I have had the same problem trying to get my location changed for several months.

As has been said many times before.

- there is no need to send more than one request

- we will only change a listing if we can find prove for such a change on the website

- requests which try to get title or description full of marketing hype will be discarded (this may cause us not to see the change that is needed)

So:
First update the website than send 1 update request with only that change and do not try to include titles and descriptions that do not meet the DMOZ guidelines. Try anything else and chances are very high that the request will be discarded.

figments · Aug 7, 2009

We do not describe what you provide, we describe what we can see on the website.

I understand this, but interestingly, of all the things chosen to include, the editor has selected two aspects of my business I'd do at a push, but certainly don't advertise - portrait parties and location work. I have a studio, location work to me suggests a photographer less established or just starting out, and it is worded as 'on location photography' as if that's all I do...hence requesting the change.

As has been said many times before.

- there is no need to send more than one request

- we will only change a listing if we can find prove for such a change on the website

Admittedly, I sent through two requests because I didn't initially realise the change had been done, and secondly, the change still includes services I no longer wish to provide.

First update the website than send 1 update request with only that change

I just dont see the point in altering the website when it says exactly what I want it to. Surely I am able to leave a reference to portrait parties and location work in case people search for these things, but I don't see why the main areas of my business are overlooked in order to grasp at two minor keywords.

pvgool · Aug 7, 2009

figments said:
Admittedly, I sent through two requests because I didn't initially realise the change had been done, and secondly, the change still includes services I no longer wish to provide.

We are not allowed to discuss indivual websites so I only can give you this general advise.

First take great care that the website does mention what you want to provide. Anything we can find on the website might be inlcuded in the description. Things we will not find on the website certainly will not be inlcuded.
Secondly take great care suggesting an update that both represents the website and more importantly confirms to our guidelines. And include a statement why you think the update is appropriate.

Complaining here that we will not do what you want will be of no use.
And, very importantly, making to many update requests will not do you any good.

altering listing

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