Member Avatar for JamieLynnSEO

What is an ODP editor, and what relevance does it have to SEO and unique content?
*confused* :confused:

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Short update and practical context (quick answer to the ODP editor question).

As noted, the Open Directory Project (DMOZ) used to matter to SEOs. To update that history: DMOZ was shut down in March 2017 and the classic "ODP editor" role no longer controls any live directory that affects rankings. A volunteer-run successor named Curlie preserves the idea/archive but it does not restore DMOZ as a ranking lever. (searchengineland.com)

Why that matters for SEO today.

Search engines now prioritize original, people-first content and signals of experience/expertise/trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Systems also actively target link spam and manipulative link schemes, so chasing mass directory placements or paid-for listings purely to boost rank is risky and usually wasted effort. Focus on content quality and real editorial mentions instead of hunting for an "ODP editor" listing. (developers.google.com)

Actionable checklist (what to do now)

  • Remove or ignore any legacy NOODP usage — it no longer controls snippets the way it once did. (developers.google.com)
  • Run a backlink audit; remove or disavow links from low-quality directories if they look spammy. Use Search Console tools when needed. (developers.google.com)
  • Invest in unique, well-sourced pages, clear bylines/author info, and deeper content that demonstrates E-E-A-T. (developers.google.com)
  • If you use directories, be selective: industry-specific, vetted sites or local listings (Google Business Profile, chamber/association sites) are the only ones worth the time.

Thanks to for the question and to , and especially for the background — the short takeaway: the ODP editor role is an SEO relic. Current wins come from real content and honest editorial links, not directory chases.

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for aylorepart

Open Directoy Project Editor?

Member Avatar for limohire

Open Directoy Project Editor?

Ok, but tel in brief please, I also eager to know.

Member Avatar for JamieLynnSEO

Hm. Still dont understand the relevance. I googled it... and it really didnt give me results that explained what and why...

Member Avatar for canadafred

Let me see if I have my history right.

The Open Directory was created a long, long time ago, with the intention to essentially to be a leading search engine on its own merit. Instead of hiring editors to maintain the database they use "volunteers" that approve listings, edit titles and descriptiones etc. This "open" system worked well for a while and everyone was super horny to get a good ranking from the ODP.

The Open Directory evolved into DMOZ a few years later and ultimately was taken over by Google to act as a sort of Directory option in search, similar to Yahoo. Well, this concept didn't work out very well at all because of the amount of control the "volunteer editors" had over positioning one web site better than another. Because of the human influence on search results, the project became corrupted. Rumours were circulating that "ODP editors" were accepting bribes by eager web site owners (especially in competitive keyphrase arenas) and ultimately some of these cases were proven. DMOZ (the old ODP) lost a bunch of credibility but Google stuck with it and put it on the back burner; but never has fully disengaged it.

Nowadays the ODP is a big joke, a big fat useless joke that somehow survives, who knows how and who knows why.

commented: Right +7
Member Avatar for JamieLynnSEO

Thank you, Canadafred :)

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