~~~Successful Online Writing~~~
From: Karyn Zoldan
I read the previous issues about dmoz.org. Has anyone figured out yet
how to change a previous listing by either broadening the locality
area or since the content was rewritten to have a slightly different
focus? What good is changing and updating content if a site is going
to remain stable in the ODP?
Thanks
Karyn Zoldan
owner and legend in my own mind of
www.bridgemarketing.com
Content, copy and consulting for the 21st century
~~~Heather's Response~~~
Hi, Karyn-
Good question!
This question actually encompasses Jill's and my expertise, so I asked
for Jill's input as well. Responding to your first question (how to
change a previous directory listing), you can do one of three things:
1. Go to DMOZ and submit a change request. It's always a good idea to
be *very* specific with your request and plainly spell out how your
site's focus has changed. According to Jill, DMOZ has been pretty
good about making these kinds of changes in the past. However, it may
also depend on which editor gets your change form and other associated
factors.
2. Find a new category that better represents your site's focus and
submit your site there.
3. Submit an inner page to a new category.
Now, on to your content question. It's important to always have new
or updated copy on your site. That doesn't mean that you have to
change content every day (unless it's in the best interests of your
site) - but that does mean ongoing, additional content is a smart
move. This is for two reasons:
1. You can optimize your new content and submit that page to the
engines. Even if you just write a simple "how-to" resource page, that
may be just the information people are surfing for. Plus, if you
offer a new product or service page, optimizing pages that are near
and dear to your profit centers are crucial. For more information,
check out Rank Write 022
2. If you don't update your content, why should your prospects (and
existing customers) return to your site? Every piece of information
you provide your clients brands you as a trusted resource, while
demonstrating you're tops in your field. The occasional article,
industry news update and resource help is a great way to give clients
the information they want (plus keep traffic streaming back to your
site).
Thanks for your question! Keep those online writing questions coming!
Heather
~~~Jill's unsolicited 2 cents~~~
When updating your content, be very careful about changing the wording
on existing pages that are currently getting high rankings in the
engines. Content changes can and will affect your rankings. If you
must change your main page copy often, it's a good idea to have some
static, keyword-rich content near the top of the page that doesn't
change. As Heather suggests, adding additional pages is probably the
safest route to take if you're concerned about it.
Jill
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