Google is by far the most popular (see Market Share reports: OneStat.com  and  Nielson NetRatings). Yahoo and AOL use Google's search engine.

Search engines use automated tools ("webbots", "web crawlers", "spiders") to analyze the entire world wide web. The tools use algorithms (sets of computer programming instructions) for determining which sites appear as the result of a search.

A website's popularity (number of site visitors) is an important factor for Google's search engine. The most popular websites rise to the top in Google, AOL, and Yahoo. This presents an obvious problem for a new website of a small company.

Getting Found

You have a full set of options, with a price range of no cost to thousands of dollars.

• No Cost
  Develop your website based on Google's Webmaster Guidelines. Link to other websites that your ideal customer appreciates and have them link to your website.
  
  Click here for a good summary of Search Engine Optimization (SEO)Tips.
• Computer Friendly Associates (CFA)
  We design websites optimized for search engines. We will work with you to develop a cost effective search engine strategy.
• Submit your website to individual search engines
  Each search engine has a method for submitting your site. Submitting your site does not guarantee it will be found. Standard submissions range in price from no cost (Google) to $300/year (Yahoo). Visit the search engine sites at the right of this page and submit your website to them.
• Use online submission services
  The web has many website submission services. These services usually submit your site to search engines and include tools for web page and keyword optimization analysis. Good examples are: Add Me and Submit Express. Yahoo has a good list here.
  Note: Free services they offer are usually contingent on collecting your personal information for reselling later. However, paying for their services does not guarantee that your information will not be sold.
• Web Ads and Sponsored Links
  Many websites sell ad space. Search engines also sell "sponsored links" to guarantee higher placement in search result lists. Google has several options for business services. Yahoo business services is also available as well as MSN for small business.
• Website Promotion Services
  Some companies specialize in providing web site promotion services. These can be expensive (for example $1000 set up fee plus $150/month). You can find them on the web by searching for "website promotion services" or "search engine optimization services".