PageRank, named after Google co-founder Larry Page, is an algorithm used by Google Search to rank web pages in their search engine results.
It was one of the first major algorithms employed by Google and played a significant role in shaping the search engine landscape.
Although Google has since introduced numerous updates and new ranking factors, PageRank still serves as a fundamental aspect of their search algorithm.
Why Does PageRank Exist?
The concept behind PageRank is to determine a web page’s importance, credibility, and authority based on the quantity and quality of its backlinks. In essence, a page with more high-quality backlinks is considered more authoritative and is likely to rank higher in search results.
The PageRank algorithm operates using a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater importance.
Some key aspects of PageRank include:
- Link Juice: The value passed from one page to another through hyperlinks. High-quality backlinks from authoritative websites pass more link juice, contributing to a higher PageRank.
- Link Distribution: The PageRank value is divided among all outbound links on a page. This means that the more links a page has, the less link juice each link will pass on.
- Damping Factor: A part of the algorithm that prevents manipulation by ensuring that the PageRank value decreases as it passes through multiple links.
It’s essential to note that Google no longer publicly displays PageRank scores. However, understanding the principles behind it can still be useful in optimizing websites for better search performance.
Today, Google uses various other factors, such as content quality, user experience, and mobile-friendliness, alongside PageRank in determining search rankings.