Search engine

Search engines are services via which the Internet user can search the internet for specific topics. This is done by entering any terms within the search field of a search engine portal.

Display of results in lists

The basis of these search services is a database. Website content and meta tags are captured by the search engines and indexed within the database, i.e. indexed in terms of content, to enable access for the search. Results of search engines are displayed as rankings. See also meta search engine.

Search engines as advertising platform

Search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine advertising (SEA) can be used to control and optimise the presentation within search engines.