If you plan to rank high with Search Engines, you have to follow their dictate on what code (programming language) is used for your site. This is because, high ranking requires Search Engine friendly code. Thus, all cool scripts, animations, and newest technology are a no-no because Search Engines aren't trying to keep up with technology to be able to read code and index it's message.

Are you aware that unless you place a robot.txt file in root of your web site advising Search Engines where they can index, that they have their robots invade every nook and cranny of your web site collecting information? Did anyone ask you for your consent prior to their invading your data? Nobody asked me.

Now I know it may seem as though I'm anti-Search Engine, but I'm not. On contrary, I recognize need for some sort of protection from Search Engine spamming by over- zealous persons trying to be number one on list. However, I think Search Engines are going about it wrong. And, I believe Search Engines should be regulated.

I believe it's time to turn clock back a little. I believe a URL need only be listed one time. The exception to this rule would be a paid for enhanced listing that could be graphical and be a portion of, to a full page advertisement. Funny, it sounds like "Yellow Pages" doesn't it? Then I'd make Search Engines more locale specific. That way you could be listed in a local, state, national, and/or international directory. But regardless of all else I would ensure that every web site that submitted their URL had their site listed.

There would be no "sandbox," no "penalties," and "no dictates on site construction, content, or any other variable that restricts anyone in any way." A few years back, web sites were indexed and added to directories based upon their "KEYWORDS" and "DESCRIPTION" META TAGS. That is as it should be still. And, if anyone is going to apply a rating or ranking to a web site it would most certainly not be Search Engine that web site is listed on. The BBB rates and ranks business, and there are all sorts of other organizations out there to rate any other sites. ..

And, then I would make it a point to educate masses. . .

Advertisers will also flock to search portals that are industry-specific, as they appreciate unique benefit of reaching a very targeted audience who have a higher likelihood of purchasing their product or service.

Consider niche search engine, Alarm Tools - http://www.alarm-tools.net . The traffic this portal attracts will be of significant interest to manufacturers of security equipment or emergency supplies. Imagine targeted traffic that an alarm company could receive from a link in above search directory.

Comtemplate quality traffic a financial planner could glean from an RSS search directory focussed on finance and investing at http://www.finance-investing.com .

Locating topic-specific search engines is not all that difficult. Consider using resources provided by Search Engine Watch, Web Search Engines, and Search Engine Guide to locate engines that are topic-specific:

Search Engine Watch - http://searchenginewatch.com/links/article.php/2156351 Web Search Engines - http://www.web-search-engines.net/directory/topic-specific.html Search Engine Guide - http://www.searchengineguide.com/searchengines.html

Qualified 'clickers' or interested buyers is what it is all about; whether you are selling a product or advertising, more targeted traffic better fit. As an advertiser, consider topic- specific search engines. As an online marketer, consider creating a niche search portal, as market is ripe.