Submitting Your Site
Basic instructions for listing your new website in key online searching resources.

Recommended to Also Read: Search Engine Optimization Truths

Lost In the Search Maze

Many new website owners simply don’t know where to start, when faced with a plethora of old and new search engines and directories. Some search tools charge recurring fees for inclusion, while others boast free listings. Just sorting through the various search engines takes time and dedication.

First, it helps to know the difference between a “search engine” and a “directory”. A search engine uses a program known as a spider or robot to “crawl” through the Internet and automatically search for web pages that include various keywords and are relevant to certain subject matters. Those web pages are then indexed by another automated program. A directory, on the other hand, uses a team of humans (sometimes volunteers) to review website content and include them in the directory’s appropriate categories. Today, many online search sites are actually a hybrid of the two, because they employ other search engines and directories to supply them with a variety of results.

A good beginning strategy is to focus on the most popular resources that have the largest impact on Internet users. For example, directories such as Yahoo! are visited by millions of consumers each day. Search engine tools such as Inktomi serve as the “behind the scenes” power for search features such as MSN and a variety of other network members. Similarly, Google provides search results to the likes of Yahoo! and AOL.

Getting On Google

Google.com is considered one of the most crucial means for presence on the Internet. Unfortunately, the essence of Google can be complex, and being well-ranked is not always easy. As stated on Google.com, it is actually not necessary to submit your website’s URL to Google, as their automated system constantly crawls the Internet seeking out new additions to the vast library of results. It is stressed that good, relevant website content can help your site’s chances of becoming well recognized in Google. But as many website owners will notice, Google’s “dance” is performed on different time lines, causing many sites to go un-indexed for many months. To help Google find you more quickly, a simple online form is provided:

http://www.google.com/addurl.html

Submitting your URL to Google is free of charge, however it is encouraged not to submit duplicate requests.

Networking With Inktomi

Inktomi has been recognized as a premier provider of results to a vast search network. The Inktomi network now includes the like of prestigious resource Yahoo!. Submission through Inktomi can be done on a self-serve basis or through the Yahoo!/Overture SiteMatch program. Each program has applicable fees. To find out more, visit the link below:

http://www.inktomi.com/

Furthering Your Yahoo! Presence

Because Google previously supplied a vast majority of Yahoo’s results, most site owners tend to focus on tweaking their website for Google. However, Yahoo! also offers a paid inclusion service and recently launched its own search engine technology (probably powered by Inktomi). Yahoo! Express is a paid service that offers expedited review of websites submitted to the directory by Yahoo’s staff. While non-profit organizations and personal websites may submit to Yahoo! for free, commercial websites must opt in for the paid Express option to be considered. The going rate for this service is a non-refundable $299 per year (rate may change periodically, see the yahoo.com for complete info). Visit the following link for more information.

http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/express/express-13.html

The Open Directory Project (DMOZ)

Dmoz.org is the home of The Open Directory Project, a volunteer-driven web directory. This directory provides a very precise index by category and subcategory, and does not harbor any advertisements. DMOZ is widely known as one of the premier Internet directories, and one that Google looks to for results. Therefore, getting listed on dmoz.org can “up” your chances of being indexed in Google. The Open Directory Project stresses a strict policy on the types of websites it allows in its index, and it also limits each site to only one category listing.

First, visit http://www.dmoz.org and perform a search for your website address or company name. DMOZ suggests doing this search to prevent duplicate submissions. If your website is not yet included in the directory, visit the submission guidelines page to learn about what types of websites DMOZ accepts. The rules noted in “step one” explain restrictions that may prevent certain websites from being included in the directory. If you believe your website will fit into the directory’s accepted listings, return to the homepage and locate the appropriate category. Try selecting the most specific and relevant category possible. If the category you choose accepts submissions, a “Suggest URL” link will be present at the top of the page. Click this link and enter information about your website into the online form.

For detailed information, visit The Open Directory Project submission instructions page:

http://dmoz.org/add.html

Target Directories Mean Target Audiences

In addition to visiting the big players of Internet searching, it’s valuable to locate resources specific to your website’s target audience. This includes directories geared toward your business’ geographical location (narrowed down to city, state, or country), directories targeted to your industry, and websites for organizations that you belong to. You may perform searches on the Web using key phrases related to your website to find new resources, or find out which sites your competitors are listed on.

Some of the websites you discover may even offer free listings with a direct link to your website. Others may provide partner programs in which you “exchange” links, or may offer opportunities for paid online advertising. Try approaching each resource you find in a professional manner, expressing your website’s relevance to their visitors and suggesting benefits of your link’s inclusion.

The Tip of the Iceberg

Obviously, there are plenty of additional search engines and directories on the Internet that also experience high traffic and may be worth investigating. These initial steps will help to get you started on the ongoing path of search engines submission. Also keep in mind that search resources may change their procedures and rates; be sure to consult each individual resource for the most current information.