The component of a search engine or directory used for data storage, update and retrieval (i.e. the database).

The process of converting a collection of data into a database suitable for easy search and retrieval.

The study of systems for indexing, searching, and recalling data, particularly text or other unstructured forms.

A closed search that looks for requested information only on the pages of a Web site.

The organization that defines standards for the Internet such as SMTP. Standards are expressed as RFCs, Requests for Comments.

A protocol used to manage and download email from a mail server.

A unique 32 bit number used to identify computers on the Internet. Example: 216.91.56.178

Internet Service Provider (e.g., AOL or Earthlink)

A programming language used mainly on Web pages, usually to add features that make the Web page more interactive. Using JavaScript in email messages is not recommended because many spam filters will block the messages if they detect JavaScript.

A set of metrics, expressed as ratios, that measures a Web site's performance according to how well it meets specific business strategies.

A search for documents containing an exact sentence or phrase specified by a user in a search engine text box.

A search for documents containing one or more words specified by a user in a search engine text box.

A word or series of words in a phrase used to search for information on the Internet via search engines (e.g. Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc).

A meta tag that allows the author to emphasize the importance of strategic words and phrases used within a Web page. Some search engines respond to this information, others ignore it. Don't use quotes around keywords or key phrases.

The first page a site visitor is directed to when the referral comes from an exterior link, such as a pay-per-click ad or link within an email-marketing message. Landing pages typically are optimized for keywords, audience or calls to action and often are more highly structured than other interior pages.

The process in which a prospective customer is referred to a designated Web page and then performs the targeted objective or action (e.g. completes a form, makes a purchase, etc). See Conversion.

A marketing initiative or campaign strategy designed to attract highly qualified prospective customers.

An automated process that checks the validity of inbound and outbound links at a Web site and reports broken links. A necessary element for site presentation and usability.

A usability function which a program or Web site runs in a particular locale or country so that all text is displayed in the native language, and native conventions are used for sorting, formatting, etc.

A file maintained on a server showing where all files accessed are stored; this file  can be analyzed to study where visitors were referred from to reach a Web site, as well as the search query terms used to access the Web site.

A computer used to send and receive email. End users typically don't run their own mail servers - they send their email to a mail server run by their ISP.

A group of email addresses (with or without additional information such as the subscribers' names) to which specific mailings are sent.

The process of submitting Web sites or Web pages to search engines and directories for inclusion in their databases using specific guidelines unique to each index.

An technological initiative to integrate and automate as many marketing functions as possible in order to: execute them more efficiently, organize and track customer data, optimize customer contacts, and use web analytics to measure the results across the marketing mix including email marketing, Web content management, and pay-per-click advertising.

"Marketing automation is a critical technology that can help marketers analyze, plan, design, execute, and measure marketing strategies driven by customer insight." (Source: Forrester Research, Inc.)

A server that passes queries on to many search engines and directories, and then summarizes the results. Ask Jeeves, Dog pile, Met crawler, Met find and Met search are examples of meta search engines.