About Search Engines & Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Web site listings returned by each search engine are automatically generated by a robot program called a "spider" that crawls the web. These spider programs crawl the web tirelessly, visiting millions of pages per day and rank web pages based on how they perform according to distinct, fixed criteria called the spider's algorithm. Each search engine spider has a unique algorithmic methodology taking into account page titles, body copy, and other elements on a page which all play a role in how a page ranks.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for web site pages to place well in search engines. First off, there are multiple spider programs with different algorithms or methodologies for ranking pages. Plus there are hundreds of thousands of sites in each search engine index and a simple query on a common word may produce thousands of URLs that are listed over dozens of pages.

SEO is the process of obtaining optimal placement to a search query through ongoing manipulation of META tags and descriptions, titles, body content, page format, and other source code entries. As mentioned above, all search engines use distinct fixed criteria, or algorithms, in their indexing process. With knowledge of the algorithms used by the various search engines, it is possible to configure a web page so as to "optimize" where it places in the list of query results. With proper search engine placement, pages attract your target groups by niche interest, enticing them to click through to your site.

The ultimate goal of SEO is to place your site's pages near the top of a search engine's results after a search query on keywords related to your site. These placements can immediately provide your site with self-directed traffic upon clickthrough. With proper placement maintenance, an Emagineering SEO campaign also has long-term residual value since top placements can drive targeted visitors to your site indefinitely. We call this "Internet Equity".

About Internet Directories & Directory Submissions

While search engines rely on spider programs to visit sites, retrieve data, and determine numerical rankings, directories depend on humans to compile their listings which are then organized into categories. Things that are useful for improving a listing with a search engine, such as meta tags, body content, etc. have nothing to do with improving a listing in a directory. The only exception is that a site with quality content might be more likely to get reviewed than one lacking useful content.

While optimizing your pages for the search engines, Emagineering performs an audit of your current directory listings (if any) then attacks Yahoo and other major directories utilizing a specific strategy for each to maximize placement of your URL.

We understand the keys to successful directory submissions and placement. One is to know how to write an effective title and description. Secondly, to know exactly the best way to hand submit a URL to the proper directory category. We are often able to submit your site to multiple categories which can provide you with multiple URL listings. And finally, we put in the time regularly to follow up with directory editors on submissions which often is necessary to get URL placement.

If your site is not yet listed in the appopriate category on Yahoo and Looksmart, we will include the premium express submissions offered by both these important directories guaranteeing that an editor will review and consider your site for listing.