Getting Found On Search Engines

Website promotion and marketing is one key to establishing and maintaining a successful website on the Internet. Because a majority of Internet users today know, and, more importantly, use no more than two or three Internet directories when searching for information, placement in these popular directories is a primary objective when publicizing your website.

Since each Internet directory uses a different method to determine which sites to list first, a combination of tactics is needed to position your site. These include:

Direct Submissions:

Using forms provided by the particular Internet directory, you can submit information about your website including such things as company name, URL, and site description.

META Tags:

As your site is developed, site specific information can be embedded within the body of your web files using HTML META tags. This information is hidden from view, but, used by certain Internet directories to catalog your web site.

Of the top Internet directories, a handful accept Direct Submissions for inclusion in their database and the others utilize automated programs that comb the net for new sites and process META tag information.

Some of the Top Internet Directories:

• http://www.yahoo.com
• http://www.altavista.com
• http://www.excite.com
• http://www.hotbot.com
• http://www.infoseek.com
• http://www.lycos.com
• http://www.webcrawler.com
• http://www.aol.com/netfind/

Because many search engines and directories frequently change the way they catalog sites, it's important to track these changes and modify your submission procedures accordingly.

Today's most popular web browsers (Netscape, Internet Explorer), hard code Internet directories and search pages within their programs. Be sure to submit to these "Default Search Pages" and modify your submissions as new ones are added.

Given the fact that Internet directories and search engines directly control who gets listed first, and, the fact that everyone wants to be listed first, noone can guarantee a particular placement position.

While you should utilize the methods described above to publicize your website, you must also be prepared to complement your efforts with more traditional promotions. Employing the services of a traditional marketing firm, adding your URL and email address to your company letterhead and business cards, exchanging links with related sites, and, using traditional forms of advertising like newspapers, magazines, and, radio and television stations, will aid in the promotion and ultimate success of your site.

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