Frequently I read about how important it is that my website be listed in the DMOZ, and that it will improve my ranking on Google search results. Is this true?
The DMOZ (Open Directory Project) has traditionally been important because it's edited by volunteers with an emphasis on accurate, quality listings. Great care is taken to ensure that listings are accepted into the correct and most appropriate category within the directory, with a total absence of superlatives or marketing language. Therefore, all listings in the directory are considered to be reliable, and relevant.
Whether or not a listing for your website in the DMOZ will improve your ranking in Google has been debated for years. Our experience is that it's unlikely to impact your PageRank (Google PageRank system), but it does appear to improve your placement in the search results a little.
Either way, it's another excellent marketing opportunity as the ODP database is used and shared by thousands of webmasters, and directories, including Google. When submitting to the DMOZ, take care in selecting the best category for your site and in the description you offer of your site. Make sure you read and understand the submission guidelines before attempting to make any submission.