Updating a listing in DMOZ

[subgenius]

One of my clients has a listing in DMOZ, and they've recently decided to switch their primary domain from the old one (list in DMOZ) to a new domain with their company name.

Is it easy to update a listing in DMOZ if you already have one, or should I convince them to continue to use their old domain that already has that beloved link in DMOZ?

[Quadrille]

ODP generally responds to 'genuine updates' like domain changes; either way, in no circumstances would it be remotely sensible to make a domain name decision on the basis of ODP.

There is very, very, very rarely a good reason to change domain names; there is ALWAYS some downside, and ALWAYS a risk of serious effects on business - short term if well managed, often longer.

You are GUARANTEED to lose many incoming links, many directory entries; however thorough your seo recovery, there will be damage in the serps, therefore in referrals, therefore in business.

Read up on 301 redirects and domain name change - but be sure to warn them of the risks, or you may be blamed for mismanagement when it was simply a bad decision.

[windharp]

Changing a domain in ODP is rather easy:

1) Make sure that it it obvious that the data is not at the old place anymore, but at the new one. The ideal solution (not only regarding ODP) would be to make the old domain redirect to the new one (Having the same content in two places is not a good idea anyway).

2) If that is ready (and not earlier) file an Update URL request for every listing.

[gimmster]

It's not particularly onerous to update a listing in DMOZ.
If your clients do decide to change urls, don't rush an update request.
1)Make sure that the new url is complete and functioning (many requests I see are to change to a partly developed url - I guess because the perception is that updates will take manths/years - in the areas I take an interest in, updates rarely are more than a few weeks old, unless they require some specialised knowledge to process)
2) before doing an update request make sure there is some information on the old url that makes it clear the new url belongs to the owner(s) and is preferred - 301 redirect, text notice 'we are moving to <new url>'
3) once step 1 and 2 are complete go to the category the site is listed in and use the 'update listing' link at top right of page. When doing this try not to be tempted to change the description in a marketing format, but do correct any factual differences between the old and new sites.

From an SEO point of view (nothing to do with DMOZ) also consider the downside of changing from an established URL to a new URL if, as some people believe, age of site factors into SERPS. You may also be sandboxed on a brand new domain (not appear in search for x months).