From eBiz101.com
One type of search engine is what we call the "traditional" search engine. This type includes such popular search engines as found at AltaVista, Excite, and Lycos. The listings at these search engines are sorted by computer programs. Because this listing process is automated it allows these search engines to include more web sites than any other kind of search engine.
This also means that the competition for prominent listing is that much greater. The following three sections will explain how to best tackle the process of getting yourself listed at these popular search engines:
How Traditional Search Engines Sort Their Listings
How To Optimize Your Site For Traditional Search Engines
How To Submit Your Site To Traditional Search Engines