How does a Search Engine, like Google, work?

How do search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing, and others work?

What is a Search Engine?

A search engine is sort of dynamic directory on the Internet.  It is a really big index, where you list a category, and the search engine lists its most related listings (websites known to that specific search engine).

How does a search engine work?

To answer this question, let's play a game.

Before you read anything else, guess what I'm thinking.

You're probably wondering what is wrong with me.

For this, you're exactly right!  How can you POSSIBLY know what I'm thinking?  I have not given you ANY clues.

So now, let me give you a clue.  The clue is "Flint."

Now, what's your guess.

Okay, am I looking for

• a MAP of the City of Flint,
• information about Fast Number Library Theory (FLINT),
• general information about the City of Flint,
• the official website for the City of Flint,
• places to buy flint rock in bulk,
• a place to make reservations at the Flint Convention Center,
• information about the University of Michigan in Flint,
• Bishop International Airport, the airport of Flint, or
• a schedule for the Flint Generals, the hockey team?

The list continues for nearly forever.  MAYBE I am looking for one of these, but most likely it is something entirely different.

How will you have a chance at making a better guess what I'm thinking?  If I give you MORE CLUES.

THAT is how a search engine works.

It needs people like you and me to give it enough clues for it to provide a useful list of resources for you.

Notice that none of your guesses has anything to do with Moscow, Russia.  You should NOT have guessed that, because Russia has nothing to do with Flint.

What does this mean to you, as an Internet Marketer?


If you typed Flint into Google, and you got a bunch of listings about Russia, you would wonder what is happening.  If that happened TOO much, you'd stop using Google, because it would give you lists of irrelevant things.

As an Internet Marketer, you want to find ways to the right people find your website to see the things you want them to see.  Another words, you want to find ways to make your website a relevant listing for certain listing categories (also known as keywords or keyword phrases).

Oh, what was I thinking, by the way?

Genesee or Flint Internet Marketing Club Information

Yeah, I know.  You didn't have a chance; I didn't give you enough clues.

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