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Both have been in the Yahoo directory for a while although neither has paid the $299.
Since they are in the directory, I can only request a change...right? (Don't they want my $299). However, everything that I read here says "good luck getting your description changed".
I can make decent arguments for both to be changed. One company is a big conglomerate that just merged two related divisions and two similar sites into one. The other one is a company that really had a brand identity problem and needs to change its name. I can modify home pages to express this. However, even if I do this, the current generic descriptions are still fairly accurate.
Has anyone had any luck with this? (Please note that the $299 fee is of no concern to either client, we just want to get the description changed to be more specific for their products. I asked Yahoo about 6 weeks ago, but got no response.)
welcome to WebmasterWorld! Glad you stopped by and posted.
The generic stuff is Yahoo style. You usually won't get product names because that is against their mode of operations due to products changing and potential legal issues regarding any brand names etc. The only time I have heard of any success changing a description is for those that personally know editors, otherwise I don't think it would be money well spent trying to get it changed no matter how good your argument.
Sorry, may not be the news you were looking for.
Also, if I ask for a change, does Yahoo say "Well we are not going to change your listing, but now that you've brought this to our attention, we want your $299." It's not enough money that I won't take the gamble, I was just hoping someone could tell me that they tried and had luck before I did.
Thanks for the welcome. I thought it was about time I started pitching in rather than just reading comments all the time.
No, yahoo will not ask for/take your $299 for a change. (though, I just chatted with a contact there and they are finally talking about making the pay-for-update happen because people would pay, but the editorial staff thinks it should be free)
Your arguments are fine to request a change. Before you do, just make sure you're expressing exactly what you want & do in fact make the changes on the website.
I've had great success changing generic descriptions (even if they were accurate) to include more product lines or applications, because in the end, it helps the users find exactly what they want on Yahoo & that makes the editors happy. so just try to find a simple way of expressing that in your reasons for change.
As you noted, I'm not trying to keyword stuff or anything, it's just these guys are the largest manufacturers in the country of their respecitve products and aren't even listed under them in the Yahoo directory.
I've had luck having descriptions changed in the past. I think you should just email the url-support@yahoo-inc.com address and try to have it changed from there, or you can try getting a bizexpress email address and email them requesting a change.
Explain that there are serious legal implications and that making the change will benefit your company and yahoo's users.
I think the key is making the request sound important.
I wouldn't suggest paying - they'll take the cash and email you saying your site is already in the database.
Good Luck!
Jack - Be careful how much you ask for. Yahoo and Open Directory are very resistant to listings that read like keyword lists. I'd pick my three most important items... no more than that... though others may disagree. I suggest looking at other listings in your category as a guide, though you never know if you're going to get the same editor.
Do some keyword research before you submit. I'd also be careful about pushing the word count. Again, look at other listings in your category. You don't want to give them any reason to edit your revised description.
When writing to editors, it's best to emphasize how the change would help users of the directory. I'm not clear what 2_much means by "serious legal implications," but I would tend to leave that one alone.
Definitely do not use paid submission to request a change. Yahoo will do exactly what 2_much says... They'll keep your money and tell you to use the Change Form.
>>in fact make the changes on the website<<
This is important. I never submit an unoptimized site to a directory... not because directories will spider the site, but because editors are going to be taking their cues from what your site says it's all about. I'm careful to have something resembling my desired directory description prominantly enough on the home page that the editor will be sure to see it... and to have this reflected in the site as a whole.
As other members have suggested make it short, succint and to the point and you should see the change appear within a few weeks. I would not bother trying to email support - you will probably just get ignored.
