You can improve TIC and PR when promoting a website by adding your resource to the DMOZ directory. As the ODP (Open Directory Project), it does not charge a registration fee, so the process mainly requires time to prepare the site and complete the submission form.

A key feature of DMOZ is manual moderation of every submitted site. Before inclusion in the relevant section, human editors review each resource to ensure high-quality, unique, and useful content for users.

Search engines assign increased importance to being listed in DMOZ, so such links can strengthen a site’s authority.

Compliance Check

Before submitting, verify that your site meets the directory requirements. This matters because a given URL can be submitted only once. Repeated submissions may trigger blocking of the site and any affiliated resources.

  • Unique, non-duplicated content: information must be original and helpful. Avoid texts or images copied from other sources.
  • Mirror sites (different addresses with identical content) will not pass moderation.
  • No using different types of submissions to propose the same resource.
  • No illegal content: sites covering topics prohibited by law will be rejected.
  • No automatic redirects to other sites (black-hat techniques forbidden by search engines and the directory rules).
  • No link-selling: such activity is penalized by search engines and conflicts with DMOZ’s goal of providing quality, unique content.
  • The site must not be “under construction”: only fully functional resources with working links and stable pages are accepted.

If your site contains adult content, submit it to the appropriate section.

Step-by-Step Submission

  1. Make sure your site is not already listed.
  2. Select the appropriate section (language, region, topic). Choosing the correct category is critical. Follow the “Suggest URL” link (or similar). If it is missing, that topic is temporarily closed for submissions.
  3. After opening “Suggest URL,” read the instructions carefully and fill out all fields. Write a concise, informative description without promotional wording. Complete the CAPTCHA and submit for moderation.

If your site passes review, a link to it will appear across numerous trusted partner resources. Depending on update cycles, the process can take from two weeks to several months.

You can verify listing via the directory’s internal search. Do not expect a negative reply by email. Depending on quality and backlog, moderation may take even longer. Ensure your site continues to meet current directory requirements.