Search Engine Facts & Myths

Fact: Google, Yahoo and MSN are the "Big Boys" when it comes to search engines.

Yes, it's true. In fact, more than 95% of all searches are conducted using either Google, Yahoo or MSN. Less than 5% percent of all other searches are conducted using smaller search engines.

Myth: You can pay someone to get you ranked #1 on Google, Yahoo or MSN.

False. Companies that advertise these kinds of promises will never deliver. Why? Because it simply doesn't work like that. If you don't believe us, try one of these companies out for yourself and find out how fast your money disappears and you are left with no results.

Don't get us wrong. There is a difference between these kinds of "promise the world" companies and dedicated SEO (Search Engine Optimization) companies. Dedicated SEO companies are organizations that focus strictly on optimizing your website for the search engines, but they cannot offer you anything more than what a good web designer can.

Search Engine Optimization or SEO is an ongoing process that challenges even the most talented experts and only time and good practices will get you the best possible rankings for your website.

Myth: There are 1,000's of search engines on the Internet.

False. There's really only a handful of true search engines on the Internet. This is why you should never pay anyone that claims they will "submit your site to 1000's of search engines". There's only 3 that your company will ever need to focus on... Google, Yahoo and MSN.

Myth: Search Engine Optimization is a "one time only" process.

False. As stated above, good SEO is an on-going progress. Search engines love fresh content and any website that remains un-changed for a long period of time will most likely drop in rank. That's why good SEO should be a part of regular maintenance for your website. Keeping your site at the top or trying to make it to the top takes constant work. Also keep in mind that if you bump someone from the top, they are going to work even harder to get that spot back.

Myth: You can trick the search engines to achieve higher ranks.

You actually can, but you won't get away with it. Using "black hat" techniques might get your site ranked #1 for a while, but when you get caught (and you will), your site will be banned from the search engines for a long time.

Fact: Search engines love fresh content.

Absolutely. Keeping your site up to date with new content will keep the search engine coming back.

Fact: Links will help your site's rank.

True. Aside from the search engines, links are also useful for gaining exposure and spreading the word. Just remember that more is not always better. Try to link only to websites that are of similar interest and have a good ranking of their own. Avoid link farms and never pay anyone to link your site to 100's of other sites.

Fact: Using a Site Map will also help.

True. Site Maps are a good addition to any website. Although using a Site Map won't guarantee that your site will achieve a higher rank, it will make sure that all of your site's pages are being indexed. This will help associate your website with other websites of similar interest.