Forum Moderators: Robert Charlton & goodroi
Another wierd part to this is that on some key phrases that are searched, the meta description from the site is being used, on other key phrases being searched, the description from DMOZ is being used.
Anybody know what's up with this? None of my other sites have ever pulled the description from DMOZ like this site does. I think it might be Google Directory related.
Thanks
Another wierd part to this is that on some key phrases that are searched, the meta description from the site is being used, on other key phrases being searched, the description from DMOZ is being used.
You're probably hitting more than one datacentre. Not all datacentres are in alignment, and have't been since allegra.
TJ
I checked that thread and really there is no answer to this. I am wondering if this has anything to do with another thread I started about truncated URLs. This all seemed to happen at the same time. That thread is...
[webmasterworld.com...]
It's a pity because the description that a DMOZ volunteer wrote on my behalf doesn't even come close to what the site is all about. Nor does it include any of my keywords.
ie
DMOZ description...
Forum and search engine related to widgets in (my state).
oops... maybe one keyword -- widgets
Well, there is a forum and a search engine, but there is also articles written from pros in the field who are members, news releases, an image database with hundreds of images about widgets (contributed by users), stories contributed by users, a free want ad section for users, downloadable pdfs related to widgets, specialized directory all related to widgets and the manufacturing of widget goods and accessories, several databases that search specific dealers and distributors, etc etc.
ALL unique and "open to the public" content with several thousand users. Also it is a non-profit site that sells no goods or services - strictly a labor of love :-)
Sounds like an authority site doesn't it?
So how come do I end up with a description like...
Forum and search engine related to widgets in (my state).
Hmmm...
So how come do I end up with a description like...Forum and search engine related to widgets in (my state).
Because that sounds a lot better than:
articles written from pros in the field who are members, news releases, an image database with hundreds of images about widgets (contributed by users), stories contributed by users, a free want ad section for users, downloadable pdfs related to widgets, specialized directory all related to widgets and the manufacturing of widget goods and accessories, several databases that search specific dealers and distributors, etc etc.
From a usability point of view for real humans, the DMOZ description is pretty accurate portrayal of what is there. People who click on the link will find just what they expected. The fact that it isn't as helpful at keyword stuffing as you'd hoped is what makes DMOZ so useful in the areas it is.
How other people perceive your site is probably far different than how you want them to. Ask several complete strangers to write a short, concise description of your site and they won't highlight all the things you want, unless they understand neither short nor concise.
Try it: write & post a short concise description of Yahoo.com and lets see how it compares to yours, and if you want to include everything the site has.
ie
My Description...
(my state) widgets at (my company) offers widgetpeople a forum, chat room and contributor's images of widgets.
Doesn't seem to be too much of a description to me.
In fact, the search engine which is mentioned in DMOZ is just a very small part of the site and is buried somewhat. It also is not the main focus of the site.
I am not loading the description at all.
There has been some debate on other Google forums that the length may be a problem. Maybe my decsription is not long enough. Some are saying that short descriptions are being replaced with the DMOZ description.
