PageRank is an older Google algorithm concept that scores pages by link authority. While the public PageRank toolbar is gone, link authority remains an important ranking factor in spirit.
Ever wonder why some websites show up at the top of Google’s search results, while others get buried on page ten? A huge part of the answer is PageRank! I am going to explain exactly what is PageRank, how it works, and why it is still so important for your SEO today. I will also give you simple, actionable tips to build your website’s authority, no matter what platform you are on.
What is PageRank?
PageRank is Google’s original system for measuring the importance of a web page. It works by counting the number and quality of links pointing to a page. A link from a highly-respected website is a much stronger “vote” than a link from a brand-new or low-quality site. I think of it like a popularity contest, but where the votes are weighted based on who is voting.
While Google no longer shows us a public PageRank score, the concept is still a core part of its algorithm. When I build links to my website, I am really trying to earn more “votes” and pass more PageRank to my pages. The goal is to get links from big, trusted websites to show Google that I am a valuable resource.
How it works for your website
Every link that points to my website from another site passes a little bit of PageRank. The more high-quality links I have, the more PageRank my pages receive. This increase in authority helps my pages rank higher in search results, which means more traffic and more visibility. A strong PageRank is the foundation of a good link-building strategy.
PageRank and Different CMS Platforms
The concept of PageRank is universal. No matter what CMS I use, the way I get links from other sites is what matters. However, the tools and methods I use to manage my internal links and track my efforts can be different on each platform.
WordPress
On WordPress, I have a lot of control to build my PageRank. I can easily create great content that other sites want to link to. I also use plugins to manage my internal linking, which helps to spread the PageRank I earn from external links to my most important pages. It is a very flexible platform for building authority.
Shopify & Wix
Shopify and Wix are great because they are well-structured, which helps with PageRank. My focus here is on building links to my product and category pages from external websites. I might write guest blog posts or get my products reviewed to earn these valuable links. The blog on my Shopify or Wix site is a great way to earn links and then pass that authority to my product pages.
Webflow & Custom CMS
With a custom CMS or Webflow, I have full control to build my website with PageRank in mind. I can create a perfect site architecture that passes authority to my core pages. I can also build a strong content strategy and earn links through my unique content. This level of control allows me to be very precise with my SEO efforts.
PageRank in Different Industries
Every business needs PageRank. The way I earn links just changes based on my industry. I always focus on getting links from sources that are relevant and trusted by Google in my field.
Ecommerce
For my ecommerce store, I want to earn links from trusted review sites, popular blogs, and industry news outlets. I might send out products for review or do a giveaway. This not only builds my PageRank but also brings in new customers who trust those sources.
Local Businesses
As a local business, I focus on earning links from local newspapers, community groups, and local business directories. These links are very powerful for my local SEO because they show Google that I am a real and trusted part of my community. I make sure my name, address, and phone number are consistent everywhere.
SaaS & Blogs
For my SaaS company or my blog, I earn PageRank by creating incredible content that other experts want to link to. I write in-depth guides, case studies, or original research. This positions me as an authority in my niche, and as other sites link to my content, my PageRank and rankings go up.
FAQ
Q1: Is PageRank still a thing?
A: Yes, absolutely! While we cannot see the score anymore, PageRank is still a fundamental part of Google’s algorithm. The concept of earning high-quality links to build authority is as important as ever.
Q2: How can I check my website’s PageRank?
A: Since Google stopped making PageRank public, I use tools like Moz’s Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA), or Ahrefs’ Domain Rating (DR). These are a good way to estimate my site’s authority, which is directly related to the concept of PageRank.
Q3: How many links do I need to get a good PageRank?
A: It is not about the number of links; it is about the quality. I would rather have one link from a highly-respected news site than a hundred links from low-quality blogs. I always focus on quality over quantity.
