JP2001319129A - System, method, and computer program product for improving search engine ranking of internet web site - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To comply with the need for a method which enables an administrator of a web site to speedily and easily monitor and improve the search engine ranking of the web site and the need to improve the search engine ranking on plural search engines. SOLUTION: A group of domain names is related to a web site. Information sets are related to the respective domain names so that the respective information sets relate to contents of the web site. Then each domain name is submitted to different search engines together with the corresponding information set. The search engine ranking of the web site relating to the respective search engines is analyzed. According to the analytic result, each information sent is independently adjusted and then the search engine ranking of the web site is improved on each search engine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of electronic commerce, and more particularly, to a system for improving search engine ranking on a website.
Methods and computer program products.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The World Wide Web (also referred to as the "web"), a place on the Internet where commerce typically takes place, has existed since about 1993. Prior to the web, there was no graphic, audio, or video on the Internet, used primarily by researchers and universities. Within a few years of existence, the web has become a business leader. Statistics show that the Web is creating billions of dollars worth of business each year. Product and service sales and commissions make up the majority of recurring revenue. Retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and distributors
All sell their services and products online. Thus, the way business is done across the industry is changing. For example, the real estate and tourism industries have experienced dramatic changes as more and more customers shop and buy online.

[0003] There are millions of sites on the Web. In any case, companies have to let people know who they are, where they are, and what they can offer. Many companies have great business ideas but are unable to do so because they don't know how to find prospects or sell their products or services efficiently. More specifically, many companies do not know how to direct customer traffic to their website. A website without customer traffic is like an empty store. Where there are no customers, there must be no sales.

[0004] Typically, the first step is for companies to register their web sites with major search engines and directories. These major search engines and directories include Infoseek, Al
ta Vista, Yahoo, HotBot, Nor
then Lights, Excite, Lyco
s, Webrawler, WWW Worm, and the like. This allows a web user (ie, a prospective customer) to find a corporate website based on search terms entered using one of the search engines. Search engines are one of the main ways Internet users find websites. This is why websites with good search engine listings may experience a dramatic increase in traffic. Everyone wants a good listing. Unfortunately, many websites have poor results in search engine rankings and may not be listed at all because they do not consider how search engines work. This problem is compounded by the dynamic nature of the Internet. Websites may have a good ranking today, but may have a low ranking next week. In addition, the website
Even if you get a good ranking on one search engine,
You may receive a lower ranking. This is due to the vast amount of websites being added to the internet every day and changes in the search algorithms used by search engines.

[0005]

Accordingly, there is a need for a method that allows a website administrator to quickly and easily monitor and improve a website's search engine rankings. Further, there is a need to improve search engine rankings on multiple search engines.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides systems, methods, and computer program products for improving search engine rankings of Internet websites. In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple domain names are associated with one website. Next, one set of information is associated with each domain name such that each set of information relates to the content of the website. Thereafter, the first domain name is submitted to the first search engine along with its corresponding information set, and the second domain name is submitted with its corresponding information set.
Submitted to a second search engine (the same applies hereinafter). That is, each of the pair of domain names / information sets is submitted to a different search engine. Later, the search engine ranking of the website associated with each search engine is analyzed. Based on this analysis, each information set is adjusted independently, so that on each search engine,
Website search engine rankings can be improved. In one embodiment of the invention, submitting the domain names and information sets corresponding to those domain names, analyzing the search engine rankings, and adjusting the information sets, maximize the search engine rankings. And / or periodically to correct for possible changes in the algorithms associated with the search engine. Individual web pages of a website can be used instead of a domain name. One set of information relates to individual web pages. Thereafter, a pair of web pages / information sets are submitted to the search engine.

[0007] The information set may be stored in a database before and after adjustments to the information set are made. Similarly, search engine ranking analysis results may be stored in a database. Analysis of search engine rankings may include analysis of information stored in the database.

[0008] In addition to associating an information set with a domain name and a web page, meta-information and web page data may be associated with individual web pages of the website. Meta information includes data relating to the content of a particular web page or website. Meta information and web page data are adjusted to improve search engine rankings.
The meta information and web page data may be stored in a database before and after adjustments to the meta information and web page data are made. Analysis of search engine rankings may include analysis of meta-information and web page data stored in a database.

Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the invention, explain the principles of the invention in conjunction with the specification, and teach those skilled in the art. It further serves to enable the invention to be made and used.

The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Further, the left-most digit (s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention is directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for improving search engine ranking. The present invention will be described in terms of a network environment (specifically, an Internet environment). Descriptions of these terms are provided for convenience only. However, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to application in this example environment. In fact, after reading the following description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the art how to implement the invention in alternative environments now known or later developed.

Terminology In order to more clearly describe the invention, efforts have been made throughout the specification to adhere to the following term definitions as consistently as possible.

The term "web page" is commonly used to refer to a file written in hypertext markup language (HTML). Such files are typically viewed using a web browser.

[0015] The term "web site"
Used to refer to a group of related web pages, either in context or in some manner, such as by categorization.

The term "link" is used to refer to an item on a web page that, when clicked, connects to (ie, jumps to) another web site or web page. Links to text written in HTML are typically called "hypertext".

The term "search engine" is used to refer to computer systems and / or computer products used to search the Internet for information.

The term "search term" is used to refer to a term entered into a search engine for the purpose of searching for information.

The term "ranking" is used to refer to the position of one website relative to another as a result of a search performed by a search engine.

The term "domain name" is used to refer to a name that identifies a network address associated with a website.

The term "index page" is used to refer to the main web page to which all other web pages on a web site are directly or indirectly linked. This page can often be the first page shown to a website visitor (ie, viewer).

"Splash page"("splash"
The term "page") is used to refer to a web page similar to an index page that focuses on presenting graphics to viewers instead of textual content.

"Doorway page"("doorway"
The term "page") is used to refer to a web page similar to an index page that focuses on presenting keyword-focused content to the viewer.

The term "tag" is used to refer to data encoded on a web page and related to attributes of the web page.

The term "alt tag" is used to refer to a tag associated with a graphic on a web page.

The term "title tag" is used to refer to a tag that relates to the content of a web page and contains a brief description displayed in the header of the web browser.

The term "metatag" is used to refer to a subset of all tags. The subset includes a keyword meta tag and a description meta tag (both defined below).

The term "meta information" is used to refer to meta tags and title tags.

The term "keyword meta tag" is used to refer to a meta tag consisting of individual words and / or phrases related to the content of a web page.
For example, a web page for stamp collection may have keyword meta tags for stamps, stamp collections, collectibles, valuable stamps, and the like.

The term "descriptive meta tag" is used to refer to a meta tag consisting of a description related to the content of a web page. For example, a web page for stamp collection may have a descriptive meta tag such as "a web page for stamp collection, stamp purchase, and stamp sales."

The term "comment" is used to refer to a word embedded in the coding of a web page that is not visible when viewing the web page. Comments are usually descriptions related to web pages.

The term "web page data" means any data related to the content of a web page other than meta information. This includes plain content, graphics, alt tags, comments, and the like. Further, web page data is separate from the information set, but there may be some overlapping information between them.

[0033] The term "information set" is used to refer to a grouping of information that may be associated with an item. In the present invention, the information set is associated with a domain name.

The term "user" is used to refer to people and computers that can connect to a network and view web pages. People who view web pages are also called visitors or viewers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network architecture 100 of a computer system that may be used to support the present invention for improving Internet search engine ranking. The architecture 100 includes the user 10
1. Website 102, domain names 104 and 10
6, including search engines 110 and 112, database 116, database controller 114, and network 108. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, search engines 110 and 112 are commonly used search engines available to the public. In this embodiment, the domain name 104 and the domain name 106 are the Network Solution
ns, Inc. Registered with Internet naming organizations such as. FIG. 1 shows a domain name 104 and a domain name 106.
Correspond to the same Internet network address, for example, the website 102. This feature allows a user, such as user 101, to connect to website 102 using either domain name.

In one embodiment of the present invention, computer of user 101 can be a computer, such as a standard personal computer with Internet access and web browsing capabilities. In this embodiment, controller 114 may be a person and / or a standard personal computer with Internet access. Alternatively, the controller 11
4 is an industrial-sized type of business computer having Internet access such as a web server normally used in business.
computer). Controller 114
Perform most of the present invention. Controller 114 is described in more detail below. The database 116 may be a standard commercial off-the-shelf database software package and standard memory storage such as a hard disk. The database 116 is connected to a controller 114 that can access information residing in the database 116.

In one embodiment, network 1
08 is the Internet, a collection of interconnected networks (public and / or private) linked together by standard protocols to form a globally distributed network. In this embodiment, the computer of the user 101, the search engine 11
0 and 112, website 102, and controller 114 may be a computer hardwired to the Internet, or a wireless device that wirelessly accesses the Internet (eg, a PalmPilot® or web-enabled wireless telephone). Alternatively, the network 108 may be a private wide area network (WAN),
It may be a local area network (LAN), a communication network, or any combination of the above networks. Therefore, the user 101 sets the search engine 11
0 and 112, website 102, and / or controller 114.

Search Engine Description Each of the search engines, as shown at 110 and 112, uses a unique algorithm for searching the Internet for information. Generally, search engines compile web page and website databases. This database contains the domain name of each website and information related to the content of each website. When a user, such as user 101, submits a search request to a search engine, the search engine searches the database and returns the best match. The database typically consists of 1) website information submitted to the search engine, and 2) website information located and stored by the search engine.

The first type of information in the search engine database is information submitted to search engines by website developers or promoters. To increase the popularity of their website, developers and promoters typically submit forms containing information about their website to top search engines. This data is then stored by the search engine in a database. Website information submitted to a search engine is referred to as an "information set" as described above.

[0040] Information relating to a website may be submitted to a search engine in various ways. Generally, the information is submitted via its search engine specific form, which is populated with information relating to the website. This form may be submitted electronically or by hand, depending on the search engine requirements. This form usually contains the domain name or Universal Resource Locator (URL) of the submitted web page, the title of the website or web page, a description of the website or web page, and the content of the website or web page. A field for entering a keyword to be included is included. Some forms allow the entry of other information, such as a category of website. Forms vary depending on what type of information can be entered and the format of the information. For example, some forms have a limit on the length of a website description. Some forms have a limit on the number of keywords that can be entered. Thus, information entered into a form for one search engine may not be compatible with a form for another search engine.

[0041] The second type of information in the search engine database is the information sought by the search engine. This function is performed to accumulate information about websites that do not submit the form to the search engine and / or to supplement information submitted to the search engine. Search engines that perform this task typically use an application called "spiders" to filter websites and return information related to those websites.
This data is then stored in a database by the search engine.

When a spider searches the Internet, it gathers many forms of information relating to a website. Spiders may collect information related to tags associated with web pages. Tags can be found on index pages,
It can be collected from internal pages, doorway pages, and splash pages. The spider may also collect information related to the content of the web page. This includes information relating to the presence, frequency, and use of particular words and phrases. The spider may also collect information related to data that is encoded in the web page but is not visible to the viewer. This includes alt tags and comments. This includes the date and time the web page was created and modified, as well as information embedded in the web page related to version data related to the web page. Spiders may also collect information related to website link popularity. Link popularity is determined in various ways. One way to determine link popularity is to calculate the number of times a link to a website or web page exists on another website. Another method is to calculate the number of times a link to a website or web page exists on the website itself. These types of links are called "internal links." Yet another way to determine link popularity is to determine the number of links to other websites present on the website. The present invention relates only to internal links and links from one website to another.

FIG. 3 is an example of information about a website 102 that can be operated by the present invention and that can be collected and stored by a search engine 110. The steps used by the present invention to manipulate the data in the set 300 will be described in more detail below. A search engine 110 that processes an information group 300 that pertains only to the website 102 is shown. In practice, a search engine processes multiple groups of information relating to multiple websites. When a search engine performs a search, all information groups in the search engine database may be accessed.

Set 300 includes data relating only to website 102 submitted by controller 114. The set 300 includes a set 30 including a domain name and an information set corresponding to the domain name.
2 is included. Set 300 also includes information about website 102 that has been located and stored by a search engine. This includes sets 304, 30 including meta-information and web page data gathered from web pages and doorway pages of website 102.
6, and 308 are included. In addition, set 310
Contains information related to a link located on the website 102 indicating another website. This information relates to link popularity of website 102. Link popularity
This is described in more detail above.

Information relating to websites 102 in set 300 may be accessed during a search by search engine 110. Thus, when a search engine user, such as user 101, submits a search term to search engine 110, set 300 may be accessed for the information requested by user 101. In practice, a search engine searches in all information groups owned by the search engine. Thus, as the amount of relevant data owned by a search engine for a website increases, the likelihood that a search retrieves information related to the website will increase.

Because of the different search engine algorithms, search engines differ with respect to the weight placed on particular elements of different groups of information. For example, some search engines place a greater emphasis on information sets, while others place greater emphasis on web page content. Further, search engines differ with respect to the weight placed on particular elements in the information set. For example,
Some search engines place a greater emphasis on keywords while others place more emphasis on explanations. Further, search engine algorithms may change periodically. Therefore, it is difficult to recognize in advance the types of search engine ranking that result from a particular information group.

Database FIG. 7 shows an example of an information table 700 that can be stored in the database 116. Each website includes a record containing information related to the website. The database 116, along with the name of the website as shown in the first column 702 of the table, is stored in the second column 704
The domain name of the website as shown in, and meta information associated with a web page on the website as shown in the third column 706 may be stored.

In the example table 700, the name of each website is represented by "Web Site [n]" (where n indicates the index of the website in the database 116). In this figure, the domain name of each website is “Domain Name [n]”.
(Where n represents the index of the website corresponding to the domain name in database 116 and m represents the index of the domain name in the website record). Meta information about each website includes a title and description and / or keyword meta tags. In this figure, the title tag is
"Title [n] [m]" (however,
n represents the index of the website corresponding to the title tag in the database 116, and m represents the index of the domain name corresponding to the title tag.) In this figure, the descriptive meta tag is “Descripti
on [n] [m] ”(where n represents the index of the website corresponding to the descriptive meta tag in the database 116, and m represents the index of the domain name corresponding to the descriptive meta tag). In this figure, the keyword meta tag set is “Keyword
s [n] [m] ”(where n represents the index of the website corresponding to the keyword meta tag in the database 116, and m represents the index of the domain name corresponding to the keyword meta tag).

In this figure, it should be noted that the number of keywords differs for each domain name. This indicates that the set of keywords used for each domain name is different. Thus, the information set sent to the search engine may be modified to accommodate different algorithms used by different search engines.

Table 700 is shown by way of example only and does not limit the types of information that can be stored in database 116. The database 116
An information set may be stored for each domain name. The database 116 may also store web page data such as web page content or alt tags for each domain name. In addition, the database 116 may store search engine ranking analysis results for each domain name. The analysis steps are described in more detail below. The term database is intended to encompass all of the various types of data structures that can be used to store the above types of information.

Method of the Present Invention FIG. 2 generally illustrates the method of the present invention for improving Internet search engine ranking. In the following description, reference is made to FIG. The method begins at step 202 of creating a website and related information, such as website 102. Creation of the website 102 may include creation of website content, a domain name of the website, a set of information relating to the domain name or web page, and meta-information and web page data associated with individual web pages of the website. . If the present invention is to be used to improve the search engine ranking of a website that has already been created, step 202 depends on the specific implementation and context of the website and a subset of these actions (eg, , Creation of information sets related to domain names). Computer applications, such as controller 114, may be involved in creating information sets, meta information, and web page data. Step 20
2 will be described in more detail below.

[0052] Thereafter, in step 204, information relating to website 102 is submitted to a plurality of search engines. This submission may be made by controller 114 or the person with controller 114 (eg, a website developer or promoter). This step consists in submitting a form containing the domain name or web page and related information to each search engine. Step 204 is described in more detail below.

Thereafter, at step 206, the ranking of the websites on the plurality of search engines (eg, 110 and 112) is analyzed. Step 20
The analysis at 6 may be performed by the controller 114, a person, or a combination of both. This analysis is described in more detail below. As a result of this analysis, step 208
At, the information set is adjusted to improve search engine ranking. Meta information and web page data associated with web pages of the website may also be adjusted to improve search engine rankings. This adjustment step 208 is described in more detail below.

The information set is stored in the database 116 before and after the information set is adjusted in step 208.
Etc. are stored in a database. Search engine analysis results may also be stored with the corresponding information set in database 116. The stored information set and the corresponding analysis results are considered during the analysis in step 206. The meta information and web page data are also stored in the database 116 before and after the adjustment of the meta information and web page in step 208. The stored meta information and web page data are additionally or alternatively considered during the analysis at step 206.

Submitting the website information to the search engine, analyzing the search engine rankings and possibly other information, and adjusting the website information (ie, step 20)
4, 206, and 208) are repeated to maximize search engine rankings. this is,
In FIG. 2, it is indicated by a dotted line 210. These functions may be performed periodically, thereby compensating for possible changes in algorithms related to search engine ranking.

Creating a Website FIG. 4 shows a step 202 of creating a website, such as website 102, and information relating to the website.
(See FIG. 2). According to an embodiment, at step 402, a plurality of domain names (eg, domain name 104 and domain name 106) corresponding to the network address of website 102 are created. These domain names 104 and 106 may be registered with an Internet naming authority. However, website 102
May already be associated with multiple domain names registered with an Internet naming authority. In that case, steps 402 and 404 are omitted and the process 202
Is started from step 406.

The use of multiple domain names is advantageous because it allows Internet users to have multiple portals to a single website.
As a result, it may be easier for Internet users to remember one of several domain names.
This can increase traffic on the website.

Thereafter, in step 406, the individual information sets are associated with each domain name 104,106. Alternatively, individual information sets may be associated with individual web pages of website 102. In the following, domain names are considered interchangeable with individual web pages. Each domain name / information set pair then:
Submitted to a specific search engine. That is, a first domain name / information set pair is submitted to a first search engine, and a second domain name / information set pair is submitted to a second search engine. The information set may include the data required on the search engine submission form. The submission process and submission form
This is described in more detail above. The information set also
Other data may be included, such as the date the information set was created, the date the information set was most recently modified, the name of the person making the change, or other information related to the information set.

[0059] More than one domain name / information set pair can be submitted to each search engine. The purpose is to increase the amount of information related to a website in each search engine's database. The amount of information that a search engine owns about a website is
Related to the search engine ranking of the website.

Each information set can be uniquely modified for a particular search engine. As noted above, search engines differ with respect to the type of algorithm used to conduct searches and create rankings. Accordingly, a set of information submitted to a particular search engine may be customized to the pattern or criteria of the algorithm used by that search engine. For example, if the search engine focuses on keyword frequency, the submission form may be tailored so that important keywords have a higher frequency. Since the present invention involves the use of multiple sets of information pertaining to a single website, each set of information can be customized to a particular search engine. This is advantageous because it allows a website to achieve high rankings in multiple search engines. If a website's search engine ranking drops on one search engine, the information set associated with one domain name or web page may be adjusted to improve the ranking only on that search engine. In this way, the information set may be fine-tuned to achieve a higher search engine ranking.

At step 406, the controller 1
14 and / or a person (eg, a website developer or promoter) can use a variety of information to determine the content of the information set. For example, to determine the content of the information set, the website 10
Information about the business of the second owner is collected. This includes the industry in which the website 102 owner is located, the products sold on the website 102, the website 1
02, service sold on website 102
The content displayed above, the demographics of the website 102 customer, information related to the customer that the website 102 owner would like to contact in the future, and / or related to the business of the website 102 owner. Any other information is included. Further, information about the information set used by competitors of website 102 may include:
Can be reviewed. Goods, services or website 1
Information about search terms used by customers using search engines to look for content related to 02 may be collected. Information is stored in the database 116.
It may be collected using the past experience of the controller 114, as stored therein. Database 116 and its contents are described in more detail below.

All of the above information collected or reviewed can then be analyzed by the controller 114 and / or the person operating the controller 114 so that the best information to use in creating the information set can be determined.

In optional steps 408 and 410, meta information and web page data may be associated with individual web pages of website 102. As described above, search engines can gather information related to websites by searching the web using an application called a spider. Spiders collect various types of information related to websites, including meta information and web page data. The meta information includes title tags, keyword meta tags, and description meta tags that are embedded in the coding for a particular web page. The spider may collect information related to meta tags and / or meta tag frequencies. Web page data collected by the spider includes alt tags associated with graphics on the web page, comments embedded in the code of the web page, link popularity associated with the website, and plain content of the web page. Spiders may also collect information related to the frequency of keywords in web page content. The information collected by the spider may be used by a search engine when performing a search.

In steps 408 and 410, controller 114 determines the meta-information and web page data content to be used at website 102. In these steps, the determination of the content of the meta information and the web page data may be performed along with the interaction by the person operating the controller 114. At steps 408 and / or 410, the controller 114 can insert the meta information and the web page data into the web page of the web site 102. Alternatively, the controller 114
Can recommend a webmaster or someone who has the authority to change the website 102 to meta-information and webpage data that can be inserted into the website 102. Controller 11
4 uses the same process as described above to determine the content of the information set with the person,
, The best meta information and web page data can be determined. If steps 408 and 410 are not performed, process 202 proceeds to step 406
After, immediately proceed to the next step.

At optional step 412, controller 114 may store the information set, meta information, or web page data in database 116. This data can be used later in the analysis. Database 116 is described in more detail below. Step 4
If step 12 is not performed, the process 202 immediately proceeds to step 204.

Submitting Information to Search Engine In step 204 (see FIG. 2), the domain name 1
04 and 106 and their corresponding information sets are submitted to search engines 110 and 112.
For example, the domain name 104 and the corresponding information set are submitted to the search engine 110, and the domain name 106 and the corresponding information set are submitted to the search engine 112. Alternatively, domain name 104
And the corresponding information set and the domain name 106
And the corresponding information set are submitted to both search engines 110 and 112. Individual web pages (instead of domain names) and their corresponding sets of information may be submitted to a particular search engine. As mentioned above, domain names are interchangeable with individual web pages.

FIG. 5 shows two alternative ways to accomplish the task of submitting a form to a search engine.
If, at step 502, the domain names 104 and 106 for the website 102 and their corresponding information sets are stored in the database 116, the controller 114 accesses this information,
The information may be entered into an appropriate submission form and the form submitted electronically to search engines 110 and 112. This requires electronic submission of a submission form that meets the requirements of each search engine submission form. This process is advantageous because it allows for quick and easy submission of website data to search engines 110 and 112. Thereby, search engines 110 and 1
12 enables a faster recognition of the information set.

Step 502 may be performed only if the search engine to which controller 114 is submitting information supports electronic submission of the form. The submission process is described in more detail above. Further, this step may be performed only if the domain names 104 and 106 and their corresponding information sets are properly stored in the database 116.

Alternatively, in step 504, the controller 114 makes a user interaction
There may be means for submitting the domain names 104 and 106 and their corresponding information sets to the search engines 110 and 112. This is controller 1
The person operating 14 needs to create a form that must be submitted to search engines 110 and 112. In one example, this includes a person completing a form on a web page that is later sent to a search engine for submission. This step may be performed for search engines that do not support automatic electronic submission of forms. This process has the advantage that the submission form can be reviewed by those who can check for errors and add personality to the information on the form.

Analyzing Search Engine Rankings In step 206 (see FIG. 2), the controller 114 analyzes the rankings of the search engines 110 and 112 and thereby adjusts the website data to improve the search engine rankings. To determine. FIG. 6 shows a process 206 for analyzing search engine rankings. In this step, the analysis is performed by the controller 114, with the interaction of the person operating the controller 114. Of course, this step is performed by the controller 11
4 or can be done only by people.

At step 602, the rankings of search engines 110 and 112 are evaluated. This requires monitoring the ranking of website 102, for example, by performing a test search on search engines 110 and 112, or other search engines for which submission forms have been submitted. Test searches performed on search engines 110 and 112 preferably use search terms that indicate that the user is searching website 102. That is, the test search preferably includes search terms related to products, services, and / or content provided on website 102. In some embodiments, the search engine ranking ratings are stored in database 116 in records for the domain names and information sets (ie, domain name / information set pairs) to which the ratings correspond.

Later, in step 604, the search ranking is compared to the ranking goal of website 102. The ranking goal for website 102 may take various forms. The ranking goal for website 102 may be to be ranked higher in one search scope compared to other search scopes. For example,
The goal of a toy vendor's website may be to rank very high in a child's search engine, but moderate in a standard search engine. Alternatively, a website's ranking goal may simply be to be ranked as high as possible (ie, maximize rankings) or to be ranked higher than competitors. In any case, the ranking goal for website 102 is compared to the search engine ranking, and a determination is made by controller 114 whether to attempt to improve the search engine ranking. In one embodiment of the invention, this determination is made by the controller 11
4 can be performed with a person operating the same.

At step 606, the search engine rankings are analyzed to determine where to make adjustments to improve the search engine rankings. This analysis step may be performed by the controller 114, a human user of the controller 114, or a combination thereof. Step 606 may include an analysis of the cause of the search engine ranking. this is,
It may include analysis of information sets and / or meta-information and web page data associated with website 102. This analysis may also include an analysis of the meta-information and web page data used by those of the competitors of website 102. Further, step 606 may include an analysis of the data stored in database 116. This includes invoking data related to previous search engine rankings and information sets, meta information, or web page data related to those rankings. Step 606 may also include analyzing the analysis results stored in database 116. This includes
Recalling previous analysis results to determine similarities or differences between the previous analysis and the current analysis is included. Further, step 606 may include analyzing common search terms used by search engine users. this is,
It involves looking up common search terms and comparing them to information sets, meta information and web page data associated with website 102. Step 606 may also include an analysis of the patterns or criteria of the algorithms used by the search engine. This requires examining the algorithms used by the search engine and comparing them to the information sets, meta information and web page data associated with website 102.
All analysis performed in search engine rankings can be performed on a case-by-case basis. That is, for the various search algorithms used by search engines,
Each search engine can be analyzed separately.

When the above analysis is completed, the controller 1
A person operating 14 and controller 114 may proceed to the coordination phase of the process.

Adjusting Website Data In step 208 (see FIG. 2), appropriate data is adjusted to improve search engine rankings. The information set created by controller 114 or with the help of controller 114 is adjusted according to the analysis performed above. Controller 114 may perform the adjustments automatically or with the aid of a human user. How the reconciliation is performed depends on how the search engine accepts the submission form. Further, each information set is adjusted to take into account the pattern or criteria of the algorithm used by the submitting search engine. The submission process is described in more detail above.

The adjusting step 208 also includes adjusting the meta information and the web page data. As described above, the meta information and web page data may be analyzed in an analysis step 206. These analysis results can then be used to adjust meta-information and web page data to improve search engine rankings.

Adjustment step 208 may involve storing information in database 116 before and / or after the adjustment is made. This means that the information set, meta information, or web page data, together with the corresponding search engine ranking, may be adjusted before and / or after these items are adjusted in step 208,
Storing in a database 116 may be included.
Database 116 and the information that may be stored therein are described in more detail above. This storage step is advantageous because it allows the data to be viewed over time, as changed over time. This data is then correlated with the search engine rankings, which can determine which data produced the best search engine rankings. This data is used most in the analysis step 206.

The functions performed by the computer system controller 114 are preferably implemented in software. Alternatively, the same can be implemented using hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Further, the user 101 includes a person and a computer system connected to a network. Similarly, search engine 110
And 112, and website 102 include computer systems connected to a network. Consequently, the entire invention can be implemented on a computer system or other processing system. One example of such a computer system 800 is shown in FIG. In the present invention, for example, the website 102 and the controller 1
Each of the 14 runs on a separate computer system 800.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to one or more computer systems capable of performing the functions described herein. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a computer program product described in more detail below.

The functions performed by controller 114 may include software (computer programs) running on one or more general-purpose computers or customized hardware. Alternatively, the combination of software and hardware to achieve the functions of the present invention is to associate a domain name with a website, associate an information set with a domain name or web page, a domain name or web page, and an information set. Can be conceptualized as a collection of controllers, each performing separate tasks such as submitting to a search engine, analyzing search engine rankings, and adjusting website data in response to the analysis. One, two, or more of these separate tasks may be performed by a single controller. That is, the tasks performed by the first controller and the second controller can be performed by a single controller and still be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Alternatively, separate tasks may be performed by any number of controllers.

Computer system 800 represents any single or multiprocessor computer. Single-threaded and multi-threaded computers can be used. A unified or distributed memory system can be used.

Computer system 800 includes one or more processors, such as processor 804. One or more processors 804 may execute software that performs the operations described in the flowchart of FIG. Each processor 804 includes a communication bus 802 (eg,
Crossbar or network). Various software embodiments are described with respect to this example computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how to implement the invention using other computer systems and / or computer architectures.

Computer system 800 includes a main memory 806 (preferably a random access memory (RA)
M)) and may also include a secondary memory 808. The secondary memory 808 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 810 and / or a removable storage drive 812 typified by a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, and the like. Removable storage drive 812 reads from and / or writes to removable storage unit 814 in well-known fashion. Removable storage unit 8
Reference numeral 14 denotes a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, or the like which is read and written by the removable storage drive 812. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit 814 includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and / or data.

In an alternative embodiment, the secondary memory 808
May include other means for allowing a computer program or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 800. Such means may include, for example, a removable storage unit 822 and an interface 820. Examples include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROM or PROM) and associated sockets, and software and data from removable storage unit 822 to computer system 80.
Other removable storage units 822 and interfaces 820 may be included that allow it to be transferred to 0.

[0085] Computer system 800 may also include a communication interface 824. Communication interface 82
4 allows software and data to be transferred between computer system 800 and external devices via communication path 826. Communication interface 820
May include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, and the like. Software and data transferred via communication interface 824 may take the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnet, or optical, or other signals that may be received by communication interface 824 via communication path 826. Note that communication interface 824 provides a means by which computer system 800 can interface to a network, such as the Internet.

The present invention can be implemented with software that runs (ie, executes) in an environment similar to that described above in connection with FIG. As used herein, the term “computer program product” generally conveys software to a communication interface 824 over a removable storage unit 814, a hard disk installed on a hard disk drive 810, or a communication path 826 (wireless link or cable). Used to mean the carrier that Computer usable media may include magnetic media, optical media, or other recordable media, or media that carries a carrier wave.
These computer program products are means for providing software to computer system 800.

Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory 806 and / or secondary memory 808. Computer programs may also be received via communication interface 824. Such computer programs, when executed, enable computer system 800 to perform the features of the present invention as described herein. Specifically, the computer program, when executed, enables processor 804 to perform the features of the present invention. Accordingly, such a computer program represents a controller of the computer system 800.

In one embodiment in which the present invention is implemented using software, the software comprises a removable storage drive 812, a hard drive 810,
Alternatively, it may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system 800 using communication interface 824. Alternatively, the computer program product may be downloaded to computer system 800 over communication channel 824. The control logic (software), when executed by one or more processors 804, causes one or more processors 804 to perform the functions of the present invention as described herein.

In another embodiment, the invention is implemented primarily in hardware using firmware and / or hardware components such as, for example, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of a hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The present invention has been described above using the functional building blocks showing the execution of the respective defined functions and their relationships. The boundaries between these functional blocks are defined in this specification for convenience of explanation. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as the defined functions and their relationships are performed properly. Accordingly, such alternative boundaries are within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these functional building blocks may be implemented by separate components, special purpose integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software, etc., or any combination thereof. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited to any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an example of a network environment supporting the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a general method for improving Internet search engine ranking.

FIG. 3 shows examples of different types of data that may be considered by a search engine during a search.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process for creating a website.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a process for registering a domain name or a web page and a corresponding information set in a search engine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for analyzing a search engine ranking.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a client record database used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a computer system and computer program product that can be used to implement the invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 User 102 Website 104, 106 Domain Name 108 Internet 114 Controller 116 Database 110, 112 Search Engine 702 Website 704 Domain Name 706 Meta Information 802 Communication Bus 804 Processor 806 Main Memory 810 Hard Disk Drive 812 Removable Storage Drive 820 Interface 814 Removable Storage Unit 822 Removable storage unit 824 Communication interface

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (71) Applicant 500410640 10437 Innovation Drive, Suite 119 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226 United States of America (72) Inventor Becky C. Nichols United States 53132 Franklin, Wisconsin South Scepter Drive 7974 (72) Inventor Alison Jay. Crag-Meier United States 53209 Milwaukee, Wisconsin North 42 Street 5820 (72) Inventor Joseph G. Wilts United States 53051 Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin Aberdeen Drive N52 W14166 F-term (Reference) 5B049 BB00 BB49 CC00 EE05 GG04 GG07 5B075 KK03 KK07 ND02 NK02 NK04 NR12

Claims (35)

[Claims] 1. A method for improving a website's search engine ranking, comprising: a. Associating at least a first domain name and a second domain name with the website; b. Associating a first set of information with the first domain name and associating a second set of information with the second domain name; c. Submitting the first domain name and the first set of information corresponding thereto to a first search engine, and submitting the second domain name and the corresponding second set of information to a second search engine Submitting; d. Analyzing a first search engine ranking of the website and a second search engine ranking of the website, wherein the first search engine ranking is associated with the first search engine; A second search engine ranking associated with said second search engine; e. Individually adjusting the first set of information based on the analysis of the first search engine ranking to improve both the first search engine ranking and the second search engine ranking; and Adjusting the second set of information based on the analysis of the second search engine ranking. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein steps c, d, and e are repeated for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking goal. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein steps c, d, and e are performed periodically to correct for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. . 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step (c) further comprises storing the information set, and the step (d) further comprises storing a result of the analysis as an analysis result. The method described in. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step d further comprises using the stored information set and the stored analysis results when analyzing the search engine ranking. the method of. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein steps c, d, and e are repeated for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking goal. 7. The method of claim 5, wherein steps c, d, and e are performed periodically to correct for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. . 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) comprises:
Further comprising associating with the individual web pages of the website, wherein the step e further comprises adjusting the plurality of meta tags to improve the first and second search engine rankings. The method according to claim 5, wherein 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step (c) further comprises storing the plurality of meta tags, and the step (d) further comprising using the stored plurality of meta tags when analyzing the search engine ranking. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that: 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step (b) associates a first set of information with a first individual web page of the website and associates a second set of information with a second individual web page of the website. Wherein said step c submits said first web page and said first set of information to a first search engine, and said second web page and said corresponding first 9. The method of claim 8, comprising submitting the second set of information to a second search engine. 11. The method of claim 9, wherein steps c, d, and e are repeated for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking goal. 12. The method of claim 9, wherein steps c, d, and e are performed periodically to correct for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. . 13. The method of claim 13, wherein the step (b) further comprises associating a plurality of meta tags with individual web pages of the website, and the step (e) further comprises: improving the first and second search engine rankings. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting the plurality of meta tags. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein steps c, d, and e are repeated for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking goal. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein steps c, d, and e are performed periodically to correct for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. . 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the step (b) associates the first set of information with a first individual web page of the website, and associates the second set of information with a second individual web page of the website. Wherein said step c submits said first web page and said first set of information to a first search engine, and said second web page and said corresponding first 13. The method of claim 12, comprising submitting two sets of information to a second search engine. 17. A computer system for improving a search engine ranking of a website associated with both a first domain name and a second domain name, wherein the first set of information is stored in the first domain name. Related to
And first means for associating a second set of information with the second domain name; submitting the first domain name and the corresponding first set of information to a first search engine; and Second means for submitting the second domain name and the corresponding second set of information to a second search engine; a first search engine ranking of the website and a second of the website Third means for analyzing the search engine rankings of the second search engine ranking, wherein the first search engine rankings are associated with the first search engine, and the second search engine rankings are associated with the second search engine rankings. Third means related to the engine, and both the first search engine ranking and the second search engine ranking are improved. Individually adjusting the first set of information based on the analysis of the first search engine ranking and based on the analysis of the second search engine ranking. And a fourth means for adjusting the information set. 18. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is repeatedly performed for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking target.
The system according to claim 17. 19. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is performed periodically to correct for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. The system of claim 17,. 20. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said first means further stores said information set, and said third means further stores a result of said analysis as an analysis result. System. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the third means further uses the stored information set and the stored analysis result when analyzing the search engine ranking. system. 22. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is repeatedly performed for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking target.
The system according to claim 21. 23. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is performed periodically to compensate for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. 22. The system of claim 21. 24. The second means further associates a plurality of meta tags with individual web pages of the website, and the fourth means further enhances the first and second search engine rankings. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising adjusting the plurality of meta tags.
System. 25. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the second means further stores the plurality of meta tags, and the third means further uses the stored plurality of meta tags when analyzing the search engine ranking. The system of claim 24, wherein: 26. The first means for associating a first set of information with a first individual web page of the website, and associating a second set of information with a second individual set of websites. Associating with the web page, the second means submitting the first web page and the corresponding first set of information to a first search engine, and the second web page and the corresponding corresponding The system of claim 24, wherein the second set of information is submitted to a second search engine. 27. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is repeatedly performed for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking target.
26. The system of claim 25. 28. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is performed periodically to correct for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. 26. The system of claim 25. 29. The first means further associates a plurality of meta tags with individual web pages of the website, and the fourth means further enhances the first and second search engine rankings. 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising adjusting the plurality of meta tags.
System. 30. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is repeatedly performed for the purpose of achieving a search engine ranking target.
30. The system according to claim 29. 31. The function performed by the second, third, and fourth means is performed periodically to compensate for possible changes in an algorithm associated with the search engine ranking. 30. The system of claim 29. 32. The first means associates a first set of information with a first individual web page of the website and associates a second set of information with a second individual web page of the website. Associating with the web page, the second means submitting the first web page and the corresponding first set of information to a first search engine, and the second web page and the corresponding corresponding The system of claim 17, wherein the second set of information is submitted to a second search engine. 33. Enable at least one processor in the computer system, whereby the first
A computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having computer program logic to enhance search engine ranking of websites associated with both the domain name of the second domain name and the second domain name,
The computer program logic comprises: first means for enabling a processor, thereby associating a first set of information with the first domain name and associating a second set of information with the second domain name. Enabling a processor, thereby submitting the first domain name and the corresponding first set of information to a first search engine; and enabling the second domain name and the corresponding second Second means for submitting a set of information to a second search engine; and enabling a processor to thereby generate a first search engine ranking for the website and a second search engine ranking for the website. Third means for analyzing, wherein the first search engine ranking is In relation to the first search engine,
The second search engine ranking enables third means and a processor associated with the second search engine, whereby both the first search engine ranking and the second search engine ranking are combined. Individually improving the first set of information based on the analysis of the first search engine ranking and improving the second information set based on the analysis of the second search engine ranking. Fourth means for adjusting the information set of the computer program product. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the third means for enabling a processor, whereby the first and second search engine rankings are analyzed, includes human interaction. Computer program product as described. 35. An apparatus for improving a search engine ranking of a website associated with both a first domain name and a second domain name, wherein a first set of information is added to the first domain name. Association,
And a controller associating a second set of information with the second domain name; submitting the first domain name and the first set of information corresponding thereto to a first search engine; A controller for submitting a name and the corresponding second set of information to a second search engine; and a controller for analyzing a first search engine ranking of the website and a second search engine ranking of the website. And wherein the first search engine ranking is associated with the first search engine, and wherein the second search engine ranking is associated with the second search engine. And to improve both of the second search engine rankings Individually adjusting the first set of information based on the analysis of the first search engine ranking, and combining the second set of information based on the analysis of the second search engine ranking. An apparatus comprising: a controller for adjusting;