The Basics of Search Engine Submissions

How do I get listed in the search engines? It's a familiar question and one that first needs to be answered with some background knowledge. Unfortunately it can be quite complex and having the vocabulary under your belt will definately help.

First understand that there is a difference between search engine submission and search engine optimization (SEO). Although many use the term SEO to commonly refer to both, they technically are two different functions. Within these tutorials, we will refer to them as two different animals.

Simply put, submission is letting the search engines know you exist by submitting your information to them and optimization is getting your site ready for the search engines. Optimization needs to occur before submission.

Site Optimization

Optimization refers to altering your site so that it follows the guidelines that search engines want you to follow. Knowing these guidelines is the difficult part because they can change without notice. We'll talk more about this, but for now we just need to understand the concepts.

Each search engine has a set of rules for what it considers to be an acceptable site. Read these guidelines on the search engine site and make certain you abide by their policies.

You also want to optimize each page so that each page emphasizes one or two themes or key search phrases. By having a focus on each page, you improve your chances of having an excellent listing.

Your site should also be free of errors and correctly use HTML, JavaScript, etc.

There are certainly many other items involved in proper optimization, but these are the basics.

Site Submissions

In order to be listed in a search engine, they have to know you are there.

One method is to tell them you are there. Many search engines have forms that allow you to enter information about your site.

Another method is for the search engine to find you. In order for this to happen, you have to have a link on another site already listed in the search engines. This is an excellent method for being well listed in Google. Although it requires a degree of patience, the long-term benefits are worth the wait.

Getting listed doesn't mean you will rank well. It just means that you will be listed. Acheiving a high ranking is the true art of search engine marketing.

Site Marketing and Promotion

Website marketing and promotion is the overall process of optimization, submission and more. This is all techniques you have chosen in letting people know your site is there to serve them.