PageRank (PR), is an algorithm implemented by Google. It’s part of SEO, which works towards link analysis. It rates webpages according to the number of inbound and outbound links among websites. A high PageRank indicates a higher position in the search engine results.
There is an algorithm behind this ranking system, defining how a page will be assigned a rate ranging from 0 to 10. For me, I would rather leave the study of that algorithm behind, because by seeing the explanation of the formula, I feel dizzy.
Here’s a quote from Google, explaining what is PageRank:
PageRank relies on the uniquely democratic nature of the web by using its vast link structure as an indicator of an individual page’s value. In essence, Google interprets a link from page A to page B as a vote, by page A, for page B. But, Google looks at more than the sheer volume of votes, or links a page receives; it also analyzes the page that casts the vote. Votes cast by pages that are themselves “important” weigh more heavily and help to make other pages “important”.
Apparently, a lot of website/blog owners will try hard to get a higher PageRank, as it literally indicates that a higher PageRank proves the “importance” of that page. Hence, a higher chance of getting listed in the front page of the Google search results.
It’s said that Google will update the PageRank every 3 to 4 months by re-indexing the Google search engine. Each time of the update, you will see many blogs being affected. If you ever do a little research in Google SEO, you will know that Google loves blogs, but it dislike links (ie. selling of text links, doing paid post, etc). And that’s how bloggers (including me) get their PR penalized for doing so.
However, PageRank is not everything. Even a blog with PR0 can be really useful to some readers in certain extent. Meaning, content is the king! If you write unique and useful posts in your blogs, you still can gain traffic from various medium (ie. Referral from other sites), not only from search engines.
One of my favorite problogger, Darren from Problogger.net said that:
- I have a number of blogs with Page Ranks of 6 and 7 which get little traffic from Google.
- A couple of PR updates ago a number of my blogs went from PR of 0 to a PR of 6. Traffic did not alter that day or any time shortly before or after the changes.
[Source]
He also gave advise on forgetting about PageRank and build a better blog, which I really have to agree with that statement.
Morever, PageRank is no longer so accurate as you can even build a FAKE PageRank! That’s what we call Black Hat SEO. It’s a bad attempt and you can get your websites/blogs banned in Google search engine forever.
In conclusion, just focus on producing quality contents in your blogs and don’t bother too much about PageRank. Remember, PageRank cannot identify the actually quality of a blog!
What is your PageRank? Check it here.
Share and Enjoy:
Kelvin14 on Oct 22, 2009
Made me realize that pretty much every generation thinks that when they were kids it was so much safer, better, more prosperous.
By Nerve Conditions on Jun 10, 2011
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