Search Engines 101 - Search Engines ExplainedWhat Are Search Engines?
A search engine is a database system designed to index and categorize internet addresses, otherwise known as URLs (for example, http://www.submittoday.com).
There are four basic types of search engines:
Automatic: These search engines are based on information that is collected, sorted and analyzed by software programs, commonly referred to as "robots", "spiders", or "crawlers". These spiders crawl through web pages collecting information which is then analyzed and categorized into an "index". When you conduct a search using one of these search engines, you are really searching index. The results of search will depend on contents of that index and its relevancy to your query.
Directories: A directory is a searchable subject guide of Web sites that have been reviewed and compiled by human editors. These editors decide which sites to list, and, in which categories.
Meta: Meta search engines use automated technology to gather information from a spider and then deliver a summary of that information as results of a search to end user.
Pay-per-click (PPC): A search engine that determines ranking according to dollar amount you pay for each click from that search engine to your site. Examples of PPC search engines are Overture.com and FindWhat.com. The highest ranking goes to highest bidder.
There are a few downfalls you should know about using PPCs:
1. The use of PPC search engines as part of your search engine optimization process will not improve your search engine positioning in regular editorial search results. Instead, they will most always appear in a "Sponsored" or "Featured" area located at top or side of regular search page results. Even though your paid listing will appear at top of search page, many users will not click on paid listings because they look at it as an advertisement. In past, people used to always click on banner ads, but now they are seen more of as a nuisance. Similarly, same thing is happening with PPC listings. Also, PPC listings are not always as relevant to a query as editorial search results.
2. If your site is not effectively search engine optimized before you begin to submit it to a PPC, it will still be poorly advertised afterwards. The optimization of your Web site is critical to success of your rankings.