PageRank

Overview

PageRank is an algorithm used by the Google web search engine to rank websites in their search engine results. It is named after Google's co-founder, Larry Page and is a way of measuring the importance of website pages. PageRank works by counting the number and quality of links to a page to determine an approximation of how important the website is. The underlying assumption is that more important websites are likely to receive more links from other websites. It is not the only algorithm used by Google to order search engine results, but it is the first algorithm that was used by the company, and it is the best-known.

Calculation

PageRank is calculated through a complex system of weighted inbound and outbound links for each webpage, which are factored into an iterative algorithm. The exact formula remains a Google secret, but the principles are widely understood in the SEO community.

Usage Types

Search Engine Optimization

In the field of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), understanding and optimizing for PageRank can be a method to improving a website's position in search engine results. SEO professionals use various strategies such as improving the quality and quantity of inbound links to enhance a website's PageRank.

Digital Marketing

For Digital Marketing professionals, PageRank is a crucial part of understanding the performance of their website or their clients' websites. Higher PageRank usually correlates with higher visibility in search results, potentially leading to increased website traffic.