DMOZ (Owned by Netscape which is owned by AOL) is more of an online directory than a search engine. DMOZ is indexed by real people and not computer robots. Making the search results much more reliable.

The Open Directory Project is the largest, most comprehensive human-edited directory of the Web. It is constructed and maintained by a vast, global community of volunteer editors. Source.

DMOZ has its benefits and it has its disadvantages. Since each site is reviewed by an editor (living, breathing human being) the quality of the search index is better than any other search engine.

The biggest disadvantage that I have noticed is it takes a long time (anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of months) to get a site added to their search index and sometimes your site submissions will be rejected for no apparent reason. I have also seen sites rejected due to poor website layout or invalid categorization.

Nonetheless, DMOZ can be a powerful search tool that separates your insurance agency website from the competition.

Have your insurance web site added to: http://www.dmoz.org/add.html

To claim your business through Microsoft’s Live Search go to: http://maps.live.com/localsearch/YPDefault.aspx

Enter (search for) your insurance agency name and city.

Once you find your insurance agency name in the search results: (If you are unable to locate your insurance agency web site in the search results than you will need to submit your domain to MSN Live Search first.)

Select your agency from the list. (While you are there be sure to give yourself 5 stars!)

On the bottom right of the page under the map there is a link that reads: “Business owners edit listing” (The link may also read: “Change your business listing”)

Select that link and follow the instructions to update your information.

See also:

Google Local Search
Yahoo Local Search

Next week: DMOZ

Go to: http://listings.local.yahoo.com/csubmit/index.php and complete the necessary information. It is important to complete the information to the best of your ability, use descriptive words that include your location or a major metropolitan area near your agency.

See also:

Google Local Search
Local Search – MSN (Live.com)

Next week: MSN Live local search

Doing a Google search for the key words: “insurance, Jacksonville” I am able to see a handful of insurance agencies listed next to a map above the normal search area. This is prime real estate for your insurance agency website.

How do you get your agency listed on the top?

Well that question is really only known by Google, but there are some things that you can do to help get noticed.

Own your business

Well, you may already own it, but let Google know that you do.

http://www.google.com/local/add/lookup?hl=en-US&gl=US

The above link allows you to enter information about your business. To make it even better, Google goes an extra step and will either call you or send you a postcard in the mail to verify that you are who you say you are. Once you have verified your business; Google allows you to enter hours of business, photos and more detailed information.

On a scale of 1 to 10 for importance, I would rate this as an 11. A must for every insurance agency.

See also:

Local Search – MSN (Live.com)
Yahoo Local Search

Next week: Yahoo local search