A search engine (eg - Google) uses a special program that searches documents (ie web pages, which are mostly html documents) for specified keywords and returns the list of documents.

The main difference betwen a search engine and a directory is that a directory does not make use of a spider - ie a directory will not list your web page if you do not register it with them.

The most popular directory is Yahoo.

Getting listed is usually a pretty straightforward process.

Usually they have an "add" button either on the home page or within each category. If possible find the category of your product or service and add your site from there.

Geting listed can take anywhere from a few hours to several months. Getting listed in the Yahoo Directory can take up to several years.

Some sites charge a small fee to be listed. You should be able to tell if the site is just a scam or a legitimate directory. If you can’t tell if the site is a good one - keep looking before you pay to be listed.

Once you review four or five of these sites you should be able to separate the good ones from the bad ones. If you find you‘re getting involved yourself in the site and find good resources and information, then that’s probably a good one.

Everybody has been mystified by Google - and where I can not suggest that Google does not bring relevant rewards - the thing to remember is, there are many more directories in cyberworld to consider and ensure that you and your website are listed on.

The first one to start with is Yahoo - and remember a directory (Yahoo) is not a search engine (Google)!

This has been an extract from the ebook - SME Business Online Strategies by David Caruso

Available for online purchase of $47.50

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