Search Engines:
Search engines work in a variety of different ways but their main function, when someone types in a query, is to scan all of the sites that are in its database to find ones that have similar or related words contained within the files of the site. This can be the text that makes up the body of every page that is readable to the viewer, as well as text that is hidden to the viewer contained within the file itself. One of these places is called "meta-tags". Most search engines search these meta-tags as well the sites readable text, plus any place where text can be entered into the sites files including the name of the files themselves. Some search engines, like "Yahoo", ignore meta-tags and just look at the readable text or other aspects of the site. The use of frames, which are used to provide layout and navigation options, can hinder the depth that a search engine can read into the site and are generally not used if search engine capability is important. The only text in a site that search engines cannot detect are the words that are included in a graphic.

Of course, good use of text in the readable part of the site is very important for successful search engine results, so lots of consideration should be taken when writing the copy for it. Brain-storming and researching all the possible words that someone would type into a search engines query is the first step before beginning to write your sites text. One of the most valuable resources for discovering these words is the clients that your company works with presently. If possible, ask a few to sit down at their computer and type words into an e-mail or text program that they would think of using if looking for your company. Have them send them to you. You may be surprised by the words generated by those who are not completely familiar with your business and these are the words that you need. Mis-spellings are important too, not for the readable part of your site of course, but all should be included in the list of words entered into the meta-tags.

Again, meta-tags are not readable to the viewer, but should contain every word, spelling and mis-spelling, upper and lower case possibility, abbreviation, anything that someone could possibly type into that search engine. You can even put your competitors names into metatags. Meta-tag words should be given to the site's designer as one long string of words separated by commas. Avoid using a single word more than three times. Using the word in different phrases more than three times is O.K. Just don't make a long list of the best words repeating, this is one technique called "spamming", which search engines can actually detect and may cause to skip over your site.

How fast will your site appear on search engines after applying to them? That all depends on the engine. Some appear within a couple of days. Some, like Yahoo can take up to a year or more! A good place to learn more about how search engines work is: www.intelliseek.com/