Search Engine Submissions Included?

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December 25th, 2004 at 11:12 am star

Nearly every company developing web sites offer some sort of search engine submission usually included with the purchase of the web site. What does this mean and is it really of any value?

First, what this means is after your web site is completed you may be asked to name several keywords that you think people will type into Yahoo! or Google to find your web site (example for bookstore: books, childrens books, cooking books). Then these keywords are included in your web site HTML code (some hidden and some visible). Finally somebody has to visit Yahoo!, Google and any other search engines and ask them to consider your web site in their search engine.

Here are some of the fundamental flaws with this process. First, it may take weeks or even months to find out if you were accepted. Second, guessing at keywords will likely get you listed in the search engine so buried at the bottom of the list you will never make a sale. Third, there are many pey-per-click programs available that put paying customers ahead of you.

To make a long story short. If you are told you will be "submitted" in a search engine.. You can not assume this will result in ANY sales whatsoever. Todays search engine process requires focused effort and professional advice. This advice and effort usually costs money and WILL yield sales.

Our approach here at the Website Forge includes a free consultation with a SE expert, Kevin Gannon. Kevin will discuss your business and get online and research other businesses that you perceive to be your competition and show you what you NEED to do to compete and get your piece of the marketshare. In many ways it is similar to what any marketing company would do with traditional advertising. You will receive free advice that you can use yourself. OR you can opt to hire Kevin to work on the marketing for you.

Remember, when discussing search engine submissions. Ask the question... "How am I assured people will visit my web site?". Guaranteed submission does not guarantee customers.