The Purpose of Search Engines

(Primer for the Non-Technical Person)

One purpose of search engines is to determine the relevancy of keywords to the content of web pages. They do this by using software robots to index all the words on billions of pages. Then, they analyze these indexes according to a set of secret algorithms.

The best-known search engines are Google and Yahoo. You can also probably include MSN Live and Ask. However, there are a few others.

Searches look for the information they seek by typing a keyword into the search box provided by their favorite search engine.

A keyword refers to a word (or group of words) that pertain to the information searchers seek.

The results of a search are what you see on a search results page (SRP).

The SRP provides searchers with the most relevant information for a keyword. Searchers receive a list of web pages ranked in the order of relevancy.

The order of relevancy will vary among SEs. Different search engines use different methods (algorithms) to index and rank web pages. This difference in results is why many searchers prefer one SE to another. They feel that they get results that are more relevant for their particular needs.

The important point here about search results pages is that one main purpose of search engines is to provide searchers with relevant results.

However, the primary purpose of search engines is to satisfy advertisers.

Advertisers are major sources of income for Search Engines. If they do not get value (ROI, or return on investment) for their advertising dollars, they stop giving their business.

The Purpose of Search Engines to Your Home Based Business Website

Advertisers want their ads to reach people who are likely to respond to their message.

In other words, searchers of information on cars are more likely to purchase from advertisers offering products related to cars, if the ads are on a website devoted to cars.

Conversely, automotive ads placed on a tennis website are not as effective.

A major function of search engines is to place the ads of it's' advertisers on websites that provide content which is also relevant to the ads.

This means that you can receive income by participating in an ad placement program, such as those offered by Yahoo and Google.

In addition, many affiliate programs offer you the ability to place their advertising on your website. However, there are different ways you are paid.

The important point is to think of your web pages as valuable rental real estate. You can earn substantial income by appropriately placing ads throughout your website.

Summary
Build a relevant, content rich, home business website, using on-page and off-page criteria to achieve search engine optimization. You will rank high on search result pages thereby receiving a lot of free visitor traffic.

You receive this free traffic because you will have built the type of website the SEs want to refer its' searchers.

Correspondingly, you increase your income through monetizing your website with ads that are "feed" to your website, because of your relevant content and high SRP ranking.

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Continue with...

Search Engine Ads
You earn income when visitors to your website click on search engine ads. Advertisers pay a charge for each click, and you receive a share of those charges.

Keywords
Searchers look for information by typing website keywords into a search box. It is a matter of success or failure that you build web pages around good keywords.

On Page Criteria for SEO
On page criteria or factors for SEO explained for the non-tech person. Understanding Search Engine optimization is critical to achieving a good SE ranking.

Off Page Factors for SEO
Off page factors or factors for SEO explained for the non-tech person. Achieving a good Search Engine ranking requires an understanding of SE optimization.

Return to Understanding Search Engines
Understanding search engines determine the success or failure of your website building efforts. Understand what search engines do, their purpose, and how you can benefit with ads.