The journey to successfully listing a company on major search engines can be a fascinating one. Even for those who are not new to the game of search engine listing, there's always something new to learn. This article delves into the intricacies of obtaining search engine position, the importance of viewing source code, and the role of directory listings in enhancing website visibility.
A crucial step in understanding search engine positioning is examining the source code of a website. This can be done by selecting the "View" button in Microsoft Explorer and clicking on "Source". This reveals the Title, Description, and Keyword Meta files that are critical for high search engine position.
The author of an e-zine on search engine positioning, for instance, had his meta files perfectly set up. The HTML code had the word "search engine" listed in the meta title section once, in the meta description once, and in the meta keywords three times. However, when the keyword "search engine" was typed into three main search engines - AltaVista, Northern Light, and Lycos - the author's website did not appear in the first three pages of results. This highlights the fact that search engine positioning is not the only factor in website visibility.
Directory listings offer another avenue for listing your site. Unlike search engines that index the entire web, directories are websites where users search a limited number of websites. Examples of web directories include GoTo.com, Stopsurfing.com, and b2bnow.com. A comprehensive list of directories can be found at Nagoya University's website.
Before listing your website on a directory, it's important to set a budget. While some internet services are free, others require investment. Registering free listings on search engines does not guarantee a high listing or even a listing at all. Therefore, investing in a directory listing can ensure some level of visibility on the web.
Choosing the right keywords for your website is crucial. These should best describe the product or service you are offering. For instance, if you are selling camping equipment, you might want to select the keywords "camping equipment" and "sleeping bag".
There are two types of pay-for-listing directories. The first type, like GoTo.com, allows you to set a bid price per click-through. Your rank is determined by your bid, with higher bids resulting in higher positions on search results. The second type, like Stopsurfing.com, charges a flat price for a year, regardless of the number of hits you get.
In conclusion, while waiting for your "Free" search engine listings to boost your web traffic, consider investing in directory listings. The internet moves at a rapid pace, and gaining visibility is crucial. So, make your move, secure some directory listings, and focus on serving your current customers.
