More on Search Engines

More on Search Engines

Scanning the latest professional lists it has become common place for individuals to complain about the very slow processing, or lack of processing of their "for free" web site submissions. It has become apparent there are two agendas. Covertly Search Engines are only listing sites submitted to those who have paid the "fee" but overtly they say you can still submit sites for free. The business model of site "support by advertising revenue alone" has not worked and search engines, in their desperation to make more profit now charge $20 US to $200 US for their services. However this does not carry any guaranteed of a higher, more visible position. The fact is, you pay, you get listed.

Payment for listing makes it crucial that you optimize your page for search engine inclusion PRIOR to submission and payment. At this juncture, I regret to say it, but you seriously need to consider a web professional to do the submission and search engine optimization, as it takes about 2 to 3 hrs (by my watch) to optimize a web page for submission. A second alternative being flogged by search engine submission service for minimum fees says "they will submit your site to 1000 search engines". Ha, more likely 100 and most of submissions are made to irrelevant pages with links upon links, free bulletin boards, or free classified ads. Expect to have your site submitted manually, and individually to each major search engine. Search engines are sophisticated enough that they ignore or reject "mass submissions" from various automated site submission software. A web professional can submit your site to a few crucial "pay for service" search engines which cover other "pay" search engines as part of their service.

If you are able to spend a large number of hours, on a regular basis, to keep abreast of search engine technology, and to optimize your site, you can do your own submissions.

The best site to start your studies is at Bruce Clay's http://www.bruceclay.com/, Search engine watch site http://searchenginewatch.internet.com and visit the various search engine sites, themselves to learn more about each.

In summary, it will cost you money to list your site but the long term cost effectiveness, compared to other popular advertising media, is still reasonable. You can get higher exposure for less expense by listing with sites that are already prominent in the popular search engines. If you have a specialty site, it is to your advantage to share reciprocal links with other specialty sites that are similar to yours. Advertise your web site and your address prominently on all company literature or establish a list serve (another topic) to promote your site.