Yahoo Search Engine

Search Directory Turned Search Engine

Organic Search Results
Historically Yahoo was a human edited directory supplemented with Google search results. Nowadays, they run their own search technology and are looking to overtake Google as the number one search engine.

• Rankings are based on a very complex algorithm that encompasses both on page factors and inbound and outbound links from your site.
• Sites can be submitted for free, but are typically picked up by inbound links.
• Offers Site Match™ Pay For Inclusion (PFI) program to guarantee inclusion, but comes with both set up and PPC fees.

Sponsored Results
Through their subsidiary Overture, Yahoo publishes PPC ads that show up in a section titled Sponsor Results and in little boxes at the top right of the screen.

• The advertisers with the top two to four bids will have their ads displayed in the Sponsor Results section. There does not appear to be a formula for determining when Yahoo selects to publish 2, 3, or 4 ads at the top.
• Advertisers with lower bids are displayed in the boxes and at the bottom of the page or on secondary pages.
• Position is determined solely by the amount that the advertiser bids.
• Ads are limited to a 40 character title and a 190 character description.
• Click thru rates are often very good for advertisers in the top spots.