This session introduces search engines, their types, how they function, and how businesses can optimize their online presence to appear on Google search and maps.

1. What are Search Engines?

Search engines are online tools that allow users to search for information on the internet. They retrieve relevant web pages based on the user’s query using complex algorithms. Examples include Google, Bing, Yahoo, Baidu, and DuckDuckGo.

2. Types of Search Engines

There are different types of search engines based on their working principles: a) Crawler-Based Search Engines

• Use automated bots (crawlers/spiders) to scan and index web pages.
• Examples: Google, Bing, Yahoo. b) Human-Powered Directories
• Websites are manually submitted and categorized by humans.
• Examples: DMOZ (now closed), Yahoo Directory (discontinued). c) Hybrid Search Engines
• Combine both crawler-based and human-powered results.
• Example: Google uses AI and human evaluations to refine search results.

d) Vertical Search Engines

• Focus on specific industries or topics (niche searches).
• Examples: Amazon (shopping), YouTube (videos), Zillow (real estate).

3. How Search Engines Work?

Search engines follow a three-step process:

1. Crawling

• Search engine bots (crawlers) scan web pages, images, and other content.
• Websites need sitemaps and internal linking to improve crawling.

2. Indexing

• The collected data is organized and stored in databases.
• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps websites get indexed properly.

3. Ranking

• When a user searches, the search engine ranks pages based on relevance, authority, and user experience.