What is Google PageRank

PageRank is a foundational algorithm used by Google to rank webpages in search engine results.

Created by Google’s co-founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, it was one of the first algorithms that made Google search unique by evaluating not just the content on a page but also the number and quality of links pointing to it. PageRank essentially measures a page’s authority or importance based on its link profile.

How Google PageRank Works

PageRank works by viewing each link to a webpage as a “vote” of confidence. The idea is that if many reputable sites link to a page, it’s likely to be more valuable than a page with few or low-quality links.

However, not all links are created equal. A link from a highly authoritative website (think of a popular news site) has more impact on PageRank than a link from a lesser-known site. This weighting system adds sophistication to the algorithm, making it harder for low-value pages to rank well by simply adding lots of links.

The Math Behind PageRank

The original PageRank formula uses a probability-based model to determine the likelihood of a user landing on a particular page if they’re randomly clicking on links.

The algorithm starts by assigning each page an equal rank. Then, through iterations, it calculates the rank of each page based on the ranks of the pages linking to it. The formula also includes a “damping factor,” typically set at 0.85, to represent the likelihood of a user following links rather than randomly navigating elsewhere.

This process leads to a “score” for each page, which represents its authority relative to other pages.

While PageRank is still a part of Google’s ranking factors, SEO has evolved beyond this single metric. Today, Google’s algorithm considers hundreds of ranking signals, from keyword relevance to page load speed, but PageRank remains important in link-building strategies.

Links from authoritative sites can still boost a page’s SEO, even though Google no longer publicly shares PageRank scores.

Google PageRank revolutionized the way search engines work, setting the stage for complex ranking systems that prioritize value and relevance, pushing websites to focus on high-quality content and real authority rather than quick-fix tricks.

 

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