Search Engine Directory

The world wide web's network consist of many well established internet players such as Yahoo, Altavista, Excite, etc which provide directories for web owners to list their website address. If we are searching for an information, all we have to do is to go to one of them and key in a series of key words and click search. All related companies listed in the search engine's respective directories will be listed, hence "Search engine".

For instance, if we want to find a list of Indonesian palm oil exporters, simply type in key words "indonesian palm oil exporters" at yahoo. Repeat the same process with Altavista, Excite, etc if you want to be thorough.

Likewise if you are a web owner, you would definitely want to list your website address in the directory of  every well known (major) search engine. Most of them are based in America. The question is do you need to list yours in all directories? Of course not because there are too many (thousands of) directories and a lot of them concern only with local activities where they are based. For instance, www.kansascity.com only accepts websites based in Kansas City, and  www.everyuk.co.uk opens to those based in Great Britain.   

The major search engines are the ones which are most relevant to people in the international trade (export/import). All other exporters have their name listed there. A seasoned buyer would go straight to these major search engines for any new development. In addition, there are some specialised search engines, the meta search engines, which do not provide their own directory but upon a search request, it will simultaneously search on the content of  several directories that belong to other major search engines. So concentrate listing your website on the major search engines. 

Listing a website to a directory is not difficult but rather time consuming. One may have to wait from several days to a few months for an approval. There are few instances where you may not receive a response, necessitating a re-apply.

There are some softwares/programmes available which claim to have the capability of automatically and simultaneously registering a website to 50 or 100 directories. Such a programme has pre-programmed online application forms of the directories which it claims to have. Unfortunately, search engines do occasionally update and change their submission form. So you would find it difficult to know the exact problem if some do not give a response/approval. Some search engine's personnels responsible for checking the quality and suitability of your website may frown on such a mass application. You must also appreciate that it is not unusual for the more popular search engines to have a rather long queue of submission waiting to be approved. We must as much as possible ensure the first attempt will lead to an approval. It would be unthink of and a considerable nightmare otherwise.

Once again, search engine listing works require meticulous error-free accuracy in filling forms rather than technical expertise. Your web-maker may be responsible and/or assist you in getting your website listed in the first several crusial directories for instance but you can do the rest at your leisure. We are absolutely confident that it is very much within your own grip to turn your website into a formidable marketing tool to support your endeavour.

We wish you happy surfing and search engine listing!

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