On my upcoming directory, I am thinking of removing the title field on the submission form. As admin, I will manually add an appropriate title, usually the <title> tag of the homepage, unless that is not a suitable title, then I will choose the title based on the content of the site. I know everyone wants that coveted anchor text, but do you think this would reduce the number of submissions, or is this a valid idea? Thanks. P.S. I am willing to loose a few submissions if you all agree that it will significantly improve the quality of the directory.
Submitters target specific keyphrases/keywords to boost their SERPs... So you may be loosing sales - but yes that will make a good directory.
I dont agree with this option! The submitter should be given a right to suggest a title for his own site. In a paid directory, one of the factors for investment would be title, i.e. anchor text!
When submitting i usually use a shortened version of my actual title tag so it would not make a lot of difference to me. I would still submit.
So you blatantly admit to "keyword stuffing" or "search engine misguiding" Just kidding with you. Although, shouldn't the title of your website accurately reflect the content of the site? So theoretically, as admin I should make the title myself based on the content, and ignore the <title> tag altogether. I know that Chetan has good intentions and will not attempt to deceive the visitors. So maybe I will keep the title field but make sure that the title is close to the <title> tag and very very rigorously make sure that the title tag matches the content of the page. This way I will be stricter than most directories, however still allow submitters to get the keyword boost that they want.
I'd like to see what Chris and many other "big" owners have to say about this. As well as the rest of us smaller guys of course.
- Leave the title field, makes it easier for you to pick the title - Put in the guidelines, the format of the title: no keyword stuffing, website title,... - edit the submissions accordingly
I am not telling that they would be allowed to stuff keywords in it. Why are we charging for submissions? We review the listing we recieve. And when we feel that there is some keyword stuffing in the title, we just edit the listing then. And this should not make the submitter feel bad as we already have told this in Guidelines For Submitters and terms of agreement that we can edit a title or description if we feel that it is stuffed with keywords. Agree with this!
yeah, why not just edit instead of putting it yourself? Because if you are thinking about that with the title, then why not description too?
Who says I wasn't thinking of doing the description too? I just feel that a directory shouldn't be made only for search engines? Hell, maybe someone on these forums has the balls to use a 302 redirect on links to prevent link value being passed. I guess submitters don't care about human traffic from directories anymore I mean yes directories obviously are made for the link power, but having a title and description that the admin creates directly off of the content of the website should be what all of the directories do. IMHO But, because I love you guys (and the few female owners), I will keep the titel field intact.
erm..im just let the submitter to create their best title..if i found some site that not suitable with the title..i'll create new title for them.. sometimes just delete some spammy site..
If you are going to do that make another option at a higher price where they can put whatever anchor. Apart from that general rule is that they need to use the TITLE of there site. Lucky them if it is all keywords
Nice one Dubz. I thought we are reviewing sites and not to force us whatever Anchor Text they want. If they really want Anchor Text they can buy sitewide links. But for a directory listing ? There are only 2 ways. Either I be the master of my editing and directory or I will be the master of my editing and directory. Sigh !!! That is Why I am still considered the winner and the title holder of the Most Notorious Ex DMOZ Editor.