What is a Search Engine?A search engine is an online database of websites that allows Internet users to search for information contained on websites listed in the database by "Keywords" and "Keyword Phrases". Keywords and Keyword Phrases are words or string of words used when looking for information on a specific topic. Google, Excite, Lycos, AltaVista, Infoseek, and Yahoo are all search engines. They index millions of sites on the Web, so that Web surfers like you and me can easily find Web sites with the information we want. By creating indexes, or large databases of Web sites (based on titles, keywords, and the text in the pages), search engines can locate relevant Web sites when users enter search terms or phrases.
Each search engine has slightly different behaviors and characteristics. Search engines use a robot spider that patrols the Internet through navigation links looking for new websites, web pages as well as new content on websites. The robot spider has been programmed with an algorithm based on established ranking factors which is used to index the new information properly.
What is a Directory?
A directory is a search tool much like a search engine but with a few major differences. Directories tend to employ human editors to review and rank websites submitted to their database. Yahoo! is the most well known example of a directory. Most directories catalog websites based on a variety of topic categories such as Business and Economics, or Arts and Culture. Most directories request payment before assigning a website review to one of their editors.
What is Pay Per Click (PPC)?
is an Internet/online advertising model used on search engines, advertising networks, and content sites, such as blogs or social networks, in which advertisers pay their host only when their ad is clicked. Major search engines and directories offer Pay per Click rankings. Google Adwords, Yahoo Search Marketing etc allow webmasters and website owners the chance to purchase placement through an auction system, bidding on keywords and keyword phrases. The cost per click Depends on how many bidders want a particular keyword or keyword phrase. A customer can determine the maximum amount per month so that they do not spend more than their budget allows. They can also attach a stats program (e.g. as Google Analytics) to track the click thrus.
How do I get top placement?
There is no simple solution to obtain high search engine rankings (there is no secret sauce). It is desirable to be listed with the top (3) pages (top 30 listings) in order to get the best visibility. Search engine optimization is time consuming work and requires a healthy knowledge of how the Internet functions and how search engines operate. The basic elements of top placement include longevity of the site at about 10% / proper optimization of the website and prominent web pages 30% / linkbacks from high traffic, high ranked, related website 60%. It also takes a long period of time, sometimes months before favorable listings can be seen.
Are all search engines the same?
Each search tool uses their special sauce - their unique algorithm. Each search tool has found ways to make its service slightly different from other search tools. I am told that Google uses over 200 ranking factors to decide where a website should be indexed.
Will my website stay at the #1 position if it is indexed there?
Search Engine rankings fluctuate frequently, however, if your site is properly maintained by search engine specialists, month to month, then it is likely that the movement will be confined to within the top10 positions. Periodically the search engines re-index the listings in their database, with the latest information, to keep the listings fresh, up to date and relevant. The search engines periodically change their algorithms to reflect new criteria used to index sites. Just keep doing it. Do not allow your site to become stagnant.
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