System and method for enabling multi-element bidding for influencing a position on a search result list generated by a computer network search engine

摘要

A system and method for enabling information providers using a computer network to influence a position for a search listing within a search result list generated by an Internet search engine. A database stores accounts for the network information providers. Each account contains at least one search listing having a description, a search term of keywords, and a bid amount. The network information provider may add, delete, or modify a search listing after authenticated login. A bidding process occurs when the network information provider enters a new bid amount for a search listing. The system and method compares the bid amount with all other bid amounts for the same search term, and generates a rank value for all search listings having that search term. The rank value determines where the listing will appear on the search results list page generated in response to a query of the search term.