In today's digital landscape, getting your website noticed by search engines is paramount. While Google might be the first name that comes to mind, it's crucial not to overlook other prominent players in the search engine game, such as Bing and its affiliated partner, MSN. In this guide, we'll delve into the process of submitting your website to MSN, boosting your online presence, and potentially expanding your reach to a wider audience.
Why Submitting to MSN Matters
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the submission process, let's take a moment to understand why it's essential to consider MSN as part of your SEO strategy. MSN, powered by Bing, holds a significant share of the search engine market, making it the default search engine for Windows devices and powering searches across various platforms. By submitting your website to MSN, you tap into a vast user base that might not exclusively rely on Google for their online queries.
The Submission Process
Submitting your website to MSN might seem like a complex task, but fear not – we've broken it down into actionable steps to make the process seamless.
- Prepare Your Website: Before you submit your website, ensure it's ready for search engine indexing. Optimize your content, images, and metadata to align with your target keywords.
- Create a Bing Webmaster Tools Account: To submit your site to MSN, you'll need a Bing Webmaster Tools account. If you don't have one, it's a straightforward process of signing up and adding your website to your account.
- Add and Verify Your Website: After logging into Bing Webmaster Tools, add your website by providing its URL. Then, follow the verification steps to confirm your ownership of the site.
- Submit a Sitemap: A sitemap helps search engines understand the structure of your website. Submitting a sitemap through Bing Webmaster Tools aids in efficient crawling and indexing of your site's pages.
- Utilize Bing SEO Guidelines: Bing offers valuable SEO guidelines that can enhance your website's performance on its search engine. Adhering to these recommendations can improve your chances of ranking well on MSN.
Bing News Submission
If your website focuses on news and updates, you can also explore the option of submitting your site to Bing News for broader visibility.
- Create High-Quality Content: Bing News values quality, timely, and original news content. Craft compelling news articles that resonate with your audience.
- Apply for Bing News Publisher: Apply for inclusion in Bing News Publisher Network. Meeting their criteria can grant your website access to Bing's news platform.
- Submit Your News Site: Once approved, you can submit your news site's RSS feed to Bing News for consideration. This step is crucial to ensure your latest news articles get featured on Bing's news section.
The Yahoo Connection
As an added bonus, submitting your website to Bing often means it's also indexed on Yahoo, thanks to their partnership. This broader exposure can significantly enhance your website's reach.
Expert Insights and Tips
We reached out to renowned SEO experts for their insights on submitting websites to MSN and Bing:
Submitting to MSN and Bing diversifies your SEO strategy. Remember, these search engines have their algorithms – what works for Google might not work here. Tailor your approach accordingly.
Leverage the power of Bing Webmaster Tools. Monitor your site's performance, identify crawl issues, and fine-tune your strategy for better visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it worth submitting to MSN if I'm already on Google?
Absolutely! MSN's user base is substantial, and diversifying your traffic sources is a smart move in the ever-changing world of SEO.
Are there any costs associated with submitting to MSN?
No, submitting to MSN through Bing Webmaster Tools is free of charge.
How long does it take for my website to appear on MSN after submission?
The indexing process can take some time. Be patient, and continue optimizing your site in the meantime.
Conclusion
Incorporating MSN into your SEO strategy can yield significant benefits, from reaching a broader audience to diversifying your traffic sources. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging the power of Bing Webmaster Tools, you'll increase your chances of ranking well on MSN's search results. Remember, SEO is an ongoing effort, so continuously refine your approach and stay attuned to the evolving search engine landscape.
