As far as my research shows they do. Statistics show that 75% to 80% of the top 10% of searches are not only cataloged by Google Directory but also by Dmoz.org. What is Dmoz you ask? Dmoz.org is a directory of websites, reviewed by the editors based on a set of submission guidelines.
Google’s Pagerank™ technology measures the relevancy of content on a webpage for keyword terms being searched in Search Engine’s, and is known to favor big name directories such as Dmoz.org, Yahoo and Looksmart.
As mentioned, ODP (Open Directory Project) or Dmoz.org links are important in attaining high page rankings, here are some pointers on getting your site listed on ODP.. Set aside the time. It does take time, but it’s not difficult.
. Unique, well written and keyworded content on your website.
. Properly following the directory guidelines for submission.
. If your website blends different sections to meet distinctive need of your customer or consumer submit your site to each section separately.
If you have a completely non-commercial website, one of the best places to get listed is www.zeal.com directory, which can also function as a path to get you into another important directory Looksmart.
With Zeal you need to pass a member quiz before you can submit your website and it could be worth your time as you get time re-think some fairly straightforward questions and learn something new.
So to sum it up its worth getting listed in as many directories you can. In times when getting links from Social Network is fashionable, getting listed on directory is not yet passé.
Web Directory Submissions help with PR, only if the page where your site is listed already has a page rank. PR of a page is determined by the PR of every page that offers a back link to this particular page. Also the PR of a page is divided by the number of back links from that page. (Reference Larry page Formula)
Quoting from the article’
‘ Google’s Pagerank, technology measures the relevancy of content on a webpage for keyword terms being searched in Search Engines’
This statement doesn’t make any sense at all. Page rank of a page (PR) and content have nothing to do with each other. Page rank is assigned in a democratic way where each site votes for a particular site. Your suggestions seem to help a better ranking in SERPs.
Not in PR. Inclusion in Dmoz, and Yahoo will help you to rank well for a specific keyword. But they are just 2 among a hundred factors. I know of many sites having PR6 and PR7 which are not listed in DMOZ. I too tried for Dmoz inclusion, but no word from the editors so far. It’s been 4 ” 5 months now. But my sires are ranking 6 ” 7 in Google, 3 in live and 2 in yahoo.
I agree that Google favors DMOZ and Yahoo and I’m also eager to know the hidden agenda behind this mysterious connection
I can’t figure out if dmoz helps much or not. Maybe the keywords in the dmoz link help most. My first site, scrabble cheat is not listed in dmoz. I read google is devaluing dmoz links to. It is now only counted as any other link from other websites?