Is Search Engine Submission Necessary?

The short answer is no—search engine submission is not necessary. Most search engines, especially Google, crawl and index pages by following links. This means that a single inbound link from an already indexed page will notify the search engine about your page. As a result, pages linked from your site will also be indexed.

This highlights the importance of inbound linking. Acquiring backlinks may even be the most crucial SEO activity. However, in theory, website owners shouldn’t need to actively seek out links. When content is valuable, informative, or interesting, people naturally link to it. This concept is central to Google’s PageRank algorithm.

That being said, submitting your site to search engines isn’t harmful, and it only takes about five minutes if you’re submitting to the major search engines. Submitting once is enough—it won’t speed up or increase the frequency of crawling.

It’s important to note that submitting your site to engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN is free. Some SEO companies claim that you need to pay for indexing, but that’s simply not true. Be cautious of such companies, as they may not have your best interests in mind.

Why You Need a Roadmap for Online Success

Imagine going on a cross-country trip without a map. It would be tough to navigate, right? Yet, many people try to build their online businesses without a clear plan, only to give up in frustration. The truth is, they didn’t have a map to guide them. Without a roadmap, success can feel elusive.

To avoid getting lost in the online world, follow these ten steps to map your way to success. It may not be everything you need, but it will lay a solid foundation for building your online business.

Consider this your beginner’s roadmap to internet marketing success.

1. Choose a Targeted Market

A common mistake is choosing a product first and then trying to find customers. Successful businesses take a different approach: they choose a market first and then develop a product that meets their needs. Instead of searching for customers to buy your product, find your target audience first, and then ask them what they need.

Before starting your business, know exactly where your leads will come from. Would you rather have 1,000 visitors a day from a broad audience, or 10 visitors a day from highly interested customers ready to buy? Focus on attracting people who are ready to make a purchase.

2. Develop a Product

Once you’ve identified your target market, create a product or service for them. Don’t rush into affiliate programs just yet. There are three primary ways to sell products online:

a. Create Your Own Product: This is the best option. You control the price, can sell reprint rights, and even set up an affiliate program. Many entrepreneurs have started successful careers by selling their own information products. Don’t dismiss this option—there’s something you’ve learned that others would pay for.

b. Buy Product Rights or Joint Venture (JV): You can buy the rights to existing products or partner with others who already have successful products. This can save time and allow you to offer something your market is interested in.

c. Join an Affiliate Program: This is a viable option for beginners, but it doesn’t offer the same profit potential as creating or acquiring your own product. Choose an affiliate program with high-value products and higher commission rates—ideally 25% or more.

3. Create a Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

To stand out online, develop a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) for your product or service. Many businesses online try to copy others, but this won’t make you money in a global economy. What makes your offer different? It could be superior customer service, faster shipping, or a better price. Make sure your USP is clear and compelling.

4. Choose a Domain Name and Hosting Service

Pick a domain name that reflects your business and USP. Keep it short, memorable, and easy to type—avoid dashes or misspelled words. When choosing hosting, I recommend Virtualis for its excellent customer service and fast technical support.

5. Build a Customer-Friendly Website

Design your website with the customer in mind. If your business is online full-time, consider learning how to design your site yourself to save money. If it’s secondary to an offline business, hiring a professional might be worth it.

Focus on clear navigation, user-friendly order forms, and a simple, intuitive layout. Most users won’t scroll past the first screen, so make sure your USP and the benefits of your product are immediately visible.

6. Offer a Freebie

To attract traffic, offer something valuable for free—like reports, eBooks, or demos. This can serve as an incentive for visitors to engage with your site and return later.

7. Start an Opt-In Email List

Building an email list is essential for long-term success. Most customers won’t buy on their first visit, but by staying in touch with valuable content, you can convert them into paying customers over time. You can start with a weekly newsletter or regular updates.

By following this simple 10-step plan, you’ll have a clear path to building a successful online business. Just like you wouldn’t go on a journey without a map, don’t try to build an online business without a roadmap to guide you.