What is PageRank?

PageRank is an algorithm developed by Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin that evaluates the importance and relevance of a webpage based on the quantity and quality of links pointing to it. It was one of the first major innovations that set Google apart from other search engines and is still a fundamental component of how search engines rank pages, although it has evolved over time. PageRank works by treating links as votes of confidence; a page with more high-quality links is deemed more authoritative and is likely to rank higher in search results.

However, not all links are equal; links from reputable, high-authority sites carry more weight than those from low-quality or spammy sites. While Google no longer publicly updates PageRank scores, the principles behind it remain important in SEO. Building a strong backlink profile from diverse, authoritative sources is key to improving PageRank and, by extension, search engine rankings. Understanding and leveraging the concepts of PageRank is essential for any effective link-building strategy.