Two similar sites

I have a site that is currently registered in DMOZ. Recently I have expanded it and re-launched it under a different URL. In due course I will close the old site down, but I would like to wait until the new site gets the same Google page rank as the old one.

I understand that one should not submit to DMOZ two similar sites. If this is the case I feel trapped. I cannot afford to close my old site yet, since my new site is not in a position to bring me any business yet. But if don’t close my old site my new site may never bring me any business anyway.

Could you please advise me, what is the envisaged / recommended procedure. Thank you.

You are correct that two similar websites are unlikely to both be listed, especially since one is an extension of the other. Unless they both still offer significant unique content in their own right.

If not, then I would recommend that you hold off submiting the new website until it is ready to take over and then use the 'update listing' link from your current listing's category to make the switch. However you should bare in mind that updates are not automatic you would still need to wait for the update to be reviewed.

In the meantime have you considered using the Google Webmaster Tools to try and improve your page rank? Unlike the ODP that actually is a webmaster's site submission service.

Hope that helps.

If they belong to the same business, do not under any circumstances suggest the new site whilst the old site is listed. See what our submission guidelines at http://dmoz.org/add.html have to say on the subject of related websites and the penalties that can be applied if they are suggested.

Instead, as Wing says, use the update request link at the top of the category page. Ensure that the old URL has a redirect to the new or the update request probably won't be honoured. The redirect can either be automatic by any means of your choice or can be a prominent notice on the home page of the original URL. This makes ODP listing hijacks more difficult.

Avoid requesting a promotional title or description change at the same time. Such update requests tend to be declined out of hand and the URL change might not be noticed.

Lastly, we don't care about PR and SEO and all that stuff. Requesting special favours to optimise these will fall on deaf ears.

Dear Wing and Jimnoble,

Many thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

Miro

You're most welcome