What are Search Engines?
As Google, Bing, and Yahoo, crawlers index and rank web pages in an attempt to fulfill users’ queries. They offer two main listing types: unpaid results determined by relevance and authority (organic) and listings purchased through auctions or inclusion programs (paid). Through SEO, sites seek to improve aspects of visibility deemed organic, while exposure on targeted keywords is granted instant access through purchase. Comprehensive search marketing requires knowing each engine’s criteria and range for listing ads.
Performing product research on Google, running ad campaigns in Bing, and checking trends in Yahoo’s search portal all illustrate the use of these engines.
Related terms: organic listings, paid listings, crawling, indexing