Before we start we should define PageRank. What specifically do we mean when we use this term. PageRank is a value that Google assigns to a web page based on the importance of the page on the internet that is determined by the number of incoming links to that web page and few other factors.

One of the current hot topics within the search engine optimisation debate, centres on the importance of Google PageRank. At one time, it was the holy grail of Internet marketing. Then link sellers started exploiting it for personal gain. A lot of marketers noticed and began to discount PageRank as a gamed system that no longer has any relevance. Google fought back by targeting link buyers and sellers, penalising sites that engaged in this behaviour. Personally, I think it was the right thing to do. Google has a right to protect the reputation of its ranking system and I respect them for doing that.

Google PageRank has established some relevance again, but is it still worth it a metric? Titus Hoskins says yes. This is what he says:

“Now while you can have a lower PR number and still rank above other higher PR pages for your chosen keywords, I have even had many times when my PR drops but my actual SERPs rankings in Google goes up, mainly due to building related relevant backlinks. So PageRank counts little towards your keyword rankings, but it can’t be totally dismissed.”

Now while you can have a lower PR number and still rank above other higher PR pages for your chosen keywords, there can be times when your PR drops but your actual SERPs rankings in Google goes up, mainly due to building related relevant backlinks. So PageRank counts little towards your keyword rankings, but it can’t be totally dismissed.

I agree with this. Google PageRank can’t be completely dismissed. But it’s not as important as visitors your website receives from the searc engines, search engine rankings and developing long term search engine trust. You can have a number one position for important keywords and still not have as high a PageRank as your competition.

But some people do still look at Google PageRank as an important judge of your reputation and trust. To completely dismiss that is to miss the boat. However, to put undue focus on it would also be a mistake. Google PageRank still has some relevance even if it isn’t the holy grail. Consider it, but don’t rely on it completely.