Search Engines have developed a value they call PageRank or link popularity. This relies on the uniquely democratic nature of the web by using its vast link structure as an indicator of an individual page's value.

But, they look at more than the sheer volume of links a page receives; they also analyzes the page that casts the "vote" (or link). "Votes" cast by pages that are themselves "important" weigh more heavily and help to make other pages "important."

So Popular sites get Listed First?

Exactly. Isulu make the most of this by recommending a linking structure, that will select sites of value to link to, and get links from. This means that your sites "PageRank" will improve, and bring you higher up the listings. We usually start by finding 40 sites that will link to you, and do not ask for a reciprocal link.