How To Get Listed In Mahalo

Posted in Mahalo |

Mahalo is a human powered search service, similar, in many respects, to DMOZ.

Mahalo claims to select the best sites in a given category, and present them in a short, manageable list format. Unfortunately, like DMOZ, and because it has only just launched, Mahalo has little in the way of traffic when compared to search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN.

However, where there is a link, there is value, so it can pay to submit your site to Mahalo, if you meet their criteria. In short, you need to be considered an authority in your field and have been operating for over one year.

An added bonus is that unlike DMOZ, Mahalo editors will actually engage in a discussion with you regarding your submissions. They also have a means whereby you can contribute your own pages of listings - and get paid to do so - in the form of Mahalo Greenhouse.

Step One: Create An Account.

Simple enough.

Step Two: Decide On A Category

Not so simple.

Given that Mahalo is new, there isn’t a lot of depth in terms of category structure. In addition, Mahalo doesn’t aim to offer an exhaustive search service. Their aim is to stay focused on the most popular search terms. This policy may exclude you from Mahalo if your site doesn’t fit within this criteria.

I had a look through the categories, and it doesn’t look like this site qualifies. Also, the categories it might fit under, like "Blogs" seems to be closed and not accepting submissions. The sites they do have listed in the blog category appear to be Technorati A-list. Hmmm….perhaps you need to have the right friends to appear in Mahalo?

Step Three: Submit Site

Again, very straightforward and friendly. Provide the name of the site and explain why you like it.

Workaround

If you can’t find an appropriate category, Mahalo Greenhouse might offer you another way in. Mahalo Greenhouse is an open submission process whereby part-time guides can submit a search results page. If accepted, not only do you get a link, you get paid for your trouble.The catch is that Mahalo has a list of "Most Wanted" categories, which are likely to be given precedence.

In summary, a Mahalo submission is worthwhile, if you fit the rather narrow selection criteria. It is highly likely the search engines will place value on any link published, due to the focus on authority selection. As Mahaolo’s traffic builds, then obviously traffic will also flow.