PageRank is Google's original algorithm for measuring page importance based on the quantity and quality of links pointing to it. Developed by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, this link-based scoring system treats links as votes, where pages with more high-quality backlinks typically hold more authority and ranking power in search results.
Link Quality Matters More Than Quantity
PageRank values links from authoritative, relevant sites far more than numerous low-quality links. A single link from a trusted domain carries significantly more weight than dozens of links from weak sites.
Authority Flows Through Internal Links
This algorithm distributes authority throughout your site via internal linking. Strategic internal link structures help important pages accumulate more PageRank, improving their ability to rank for competitive terms.
Link Position and Context Affect Value
Links in main content areas pass more authority than footer or sidebar links. Contextually relevant links within editorial content signal stronger endorsements than navigational links.
Not All Links Pass Equal Authority
Nofollow links don't pass PageRank, while dofollow links do. Understanding this distinction helps you prioritize link building efforts toward opportunities that actually improve your site's authority distribution.
PageRank Dilution Is Real
Each page distributes its PageRank among all outbound links. Pages with excessive external links dilute the authority passed to each destination, reducing the value received by any single linked page.
Still Influences Modern Rankings
While Google uses hundreds of ranking factors now, PageRank remains a core component of their algorithm. Link-based authority continues to strongly correlate with higher search rankings across competitive queries.
Is PageRank still used by Google?
Yes, PageRank remains part of Google's ranking algorithm, though it's one of hundreds of signals. Google confirmed it still uses link-based authority measures, even after discontinuing the public PageRank toolbar score in 2016.
How does PageRank affect my site's rankings?
Pages with higher PageRank generally rank better for competitive keywords because they've accumulated more authority through quality backlinks. Building authoritative links and optimizing internal linking both improve your pages' ability to compete in search results.
Can I see my site's PageRank score?
No, Google stopped publicly displaying PageRank scores in 2016. While the algorithm still runs internally, you can't access specific PageRank values. Instead, use domain authority metrics from SEO tools as rough proxies.
How do I increase PageRank for important pages?
Build high-quality backlinks from authoritative sites and optimize internal linking to channel authority to priority pages. Focus on earning links from relevant, trusted sources and creating clear internal link paths to your most important content.
Link Equity
The ranking value or authority passed from one page to another through hyperlinks. Link equity flows through dofollow links and is influenced by the linking page's authority, relevance, and the number of outgoing links.
Backlinks
Links from external websites pointing to your site, serving as votes of confidence in search engine algorithms. The quantity, quality, and relevance of backlinks remain among the strongest ranking factors in organic search.
Authority
A measure of a website's or page's credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of search engines. Authority is built through quality content, authoritative backlinks, and demonstrated expertise in a subject area.
Related Glossary Terms
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