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Get Listed!
Get
Listed!
Get your site listed on
search engines and directories |
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Getting your site listed on search engines is
not the impossible task that some would have you believe, nor
need it cost anything. The first thing to do is resist the
temptation to use one of the mass submission tools available on
the web.
We know from personal experience that this is not the
best way to achieve good rankings on search engines.
There are
basically two types, the web directories like Yahoo! and the
Open Directory, and search engines that use spiders, such as
Google and Lycos. You can find a comprehensive list of search
engines and directories at http://www.searchenginecolossus.com
Web Directories
When submitting to directories the most important thing is to
ensure that you have an effective title and description for your
site.
The importance of this cannot be over emphasised,
particularly as most directories place a limit on the number of
words that can be used.
The other important thing to remember is
to read the submission criteria carefully and make sure that
your submission complies with the site requirements. If it does
not, the chances are that your submission will be rejected.
Search Engines
Search engines generally use 'spiders' to retrieve information
from web sites by way of reading the meta tags on the home page.
Submission is usually very easy, most requiring only the saite
URL and a valid e-mail address. The key to a good ranking is in
the preparation of the meta tags. You will need to decide on a
site title, description and a list of key words that are
relevant to your site.
Please do not be tempted to use
frequently searched for key words that do not relate to your
site, at worst this practice will get you removed from most
search engines.
If you have any problems with your meta tags you
can find a free meta tag generator at http://www.bravenet.com/search2/metatagwizard.php
This tool will create the HTML for you to copy and paste between
the <HEAD> and </HEAD> tags of your home page.
Once
the code is in place it is a useful exercise to check the
effectiveness of your meta tags. You can do this by visiting http://www.sitesolutions.com/bravenet/a.asp?F=Form&b=AC397EB4-487B-11D4-8C29-0090274F010C
Enter your URL and the free meta tag checker will not only tell
you if there are any problems but also suggest possible
solutions.
So, there it is. It's certainly a time consuming
exercise, it can even get a little boring at times, but nothing
can beat the intense feeling of satisfaction when, for the first
time you find you site on the first page of results from a major
search engine.
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Disclaimer
This is not an official Salvation Army site. The views expressed
here are those of the author and contributors and may not
reflect the position of The Salvation Army. We are pleased to
acknowledge the valuable support of the Web Major and Webmaster
at United Kingdom T.H.Q. |
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Web Design 2000-2004
For permission to use any material contained within these pages
please email webmaster@sacollectables.com |