Google Dancin'

On their PageRank Information page (since removed), Google states “our order of results is automatically determined by more than 100 factors, including our PageRank algorithm.”

So if PageRank is only one of more than 100 factors, why is there such an obsession with it?

In my opinion, there are just two reasons.

First, PageRank is the only factor whose value Google shares with us. The Google Toolbar, only available for Internet Explorer for Windows, lets you view the PageRank of every site you visit including your own. Displayed as a green/white bar representing a value from 1 to 10, or an all white bar if the value is 0, it is easy to see if your site’s PageRank has gone up (or down).

Second, there is a common misconception that PageRank has more influence on search results than it actually does. The original Google algorithm may have placed a lot of emphasis on PageRank. However, over the years, Google’s algorithm has evolved to negate the influence of deceptive techniques. In the process, the overall importance of PageRank has changed. Although to what degree, Google isn’t saying. In fact, Google makes it quite clear they have no intention of disclosing more than a vague overview of their ranking system in order to protect the integrity of their search results.

My advice: Don’t stress about Google PageRank.

Seek incoming links for the traffic those links can bring you. Only participate in reciprocal linking with sites you can be proud to be associated with. And link to related sites that bring value to your visitors, whether or not the site will link back to you.

Focus on building a great web site, and your PageRank will take care of itself.

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