All About Search Engines

Many sites use search directory databases at the starting point from which they derive their relevancy rankings. Also, search engine spiders that find and catalog sites based on keywords sometimes take a long time to find your site -- months maybe. However, spiders crawl directories frequently. They will "find" your site sooner and add it to the search engine database if you are listed in a directory.

There is no search directory of greater importance than DMOZ. Google uses it extensively, and Google represents 70% of all search engine referrals. Hundreds of other search engines internationally refer to DMOZ. It is absolutely essential. And it's free! But since submissions are human edited, it can take a long time to get in. 2 weeks would be considered fast. Often it takes months after submission to finally show up. It is important that you only submit ONCE. Multiple submissions will disqualify you from being added to this importance directory.

Summary of Search Directories and Engines

Directory/ Engine	Database Derived From:	Method of Ranking	Cost	Action
DMOZ	User submission.	Keywords Alphabetical	Free	Submit your site ONCE, and wait.
Google	Spiders that crawl DMOZ and the web at large.	Keywords, link popularity	Free	Get keywords in titles and page content. Get links to your site. Do NOT submit your site.
Yahoo (sponsored listings)	User submission and Overture.		$299/year	Find the right category and then submit to Express listing.
Inktomi	User submission	Paid Inclusion	$39 for 1st URL, $25 for others -- per year	Submit your page and pay $$.
AlltheWeb (FAST)	User submission	Keywords	$35 1st URL, $15 for others -- per year	Submit your page and pay $$.
Teoma		Keywords, link popularity, link relevance	$30 for 1st URL, $18 for others -- per year	Get keywords in titles and page content. Get links to your site. Pay $$
Overture	User submission, Inktomi	Paid Inclusion	Cost per click. You set the $.	Submit your site and pay $$
AOL	Google	Keywords, link popularity		Get keywords in titles and page content. Get links to your site.
MSN	Overture, LookSmart, Inktomi	Link popularity, Direct Hit data	None	Get into contributing directories
LookSmart	User submission, Inktomi	Paid Inclusion	$49 for setup. $.15 for click-thoughs	Submit your site and pay $$
Excite	Spider	Keywords, FAST		Get keywords in titles and page content. Get links to your site. Do NOT submit your site.
Netscape	Google, LookSmart			Get into contributing directories
Lycos	User submission, Overture, FAST,			Submit to FAST and Inktomi.
Alta Vista	Overture, LookSmart		Free	Use the free Basic Submit. Don't bother with paid inclusions for Alta Vista.
Hotbot	Google, FAST, Inktomi, Teoma			Get into contributing directories
About.com	LookSmart, Inktomi			Get into contributing directories
Infospace	Overture, LookSmart, FAST			Get into contributing directories
CNet	Overture, LookSmart			Get into contributing directories

There is some controversy surrounding the "click-through" services. There is no way of knowing in advance how much money you'll be paying. You will be charged for accidental or non-profitable clicks, as well. Getting listed with the first 6 directories/engines should be more than adequate for most sites.

Resources for More Information

The above information is very dynamic, and every attempt is made to keep it current. However, check with the individual directories for current prices. Webmaster discussion groups are the best place to stay current with the evolving search engine criteria. Web Master World is a good place to start:

http://www.webmasterworld.com/category3.htm