Let's crawl right in: Web crawlers — which are also aptly named web spiders — are computer programmes used by search engines to scour the Internet for new or improved web pages to add to their indexes.
These programmes meticulously sift through websites to find content that is relevant to searches that users perform online and categorise them accordingly.
After these crawlers have collected relevant websites, search engines then use an algorithm to sort through them.
Crawlers are also a great way for search engines to
verify HTML codes and hyperlinks. According to
TechTarget, this software feature is one of the reasons why crawlers can be handy for web owners performing site audits as it pinpoints broken links.
Additionally, it helps them to discover any content that has been duplicated.
The creepy crawliesDo you know when a website asks you if you're a robot? Well, these little bots are to blame.
Unfortunately, not all crawlers are used with good intentions. In fact, according to the
Search Engine Journal, some of these bots can:
- steal your data
- create an influx of unwanted traffic, and
- compromise your files.
Luckily there are ways that you can keep these critters from performing creepy crawls on your site.
Have you ever been targeted by a bad bot? Let us know in the comments section below.
Want to be favoured by the good bots and boost your page ranking? Then be sure to learn how you can optimise your content with our article, How to improve your SEO writing.
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