ONE Mehod is to analyze how Search Engines rank the Query has been helpful - since the resulting SERPs contain sites that are themselves aware of the varying algorithms it is USUALLY a level-playing field (basically) It is interesting that on Yahoo SERPs SearchEngineWatch is #1- compared to #55 on Google SERPs Other popular sites - because of their associated FORUMS - that also show a variation are: FreeMoneyServices and HighRankings... There are a number of others - that have been able to master both engines - however - http://www.langreiter.com/exec/yahoo-vs-google.html?q=search+engine+optimization Using this Free Tool - the Blue Lines and Blue DOTS point to the Listings that a Web site has on both Engines. (Interestingly - Yahoo can suddenly downgrade even the most influential listing - The site that is #1 on Google for "search engine optimization fell from #1 on Yahoo to #58)... it appears that Link Popularity is NOT a Major Ranking Factor with Yahoo as it is with Google / AOL - Ironically an - almost 180 degree turn - apparently Yahoo Prioritizes Body Keyword Density. While it also affects Google with "non-competative terms" - the addition of the Link Analysis is what gives Google it's Uniquenss. Because The MSN and AltaVista Database is now similar to Yahoo SERPs SEOs may be re-evaluting how they change and Copywright Webpages. Those who want completely independance may be opting of Search Engine Marketing to gain visitors as a compromise. It will be interesting to see the upcoming MSN SERPs alogorithms when they complete their Search Engine (wonder what direction they will go in? And the effect it will have on SEO)
http://grsites.com/webtools/rank.shtml checks top 200 results on: Google Yahoo Altavista AOL Netscape Excite Hotbot Lycos Go Alltheweb AskJeeves as welll as links Also, checks FIVEs URL/Keyword results per submssion