Google’s PageRank algorithm is a system which filters down ‘link juice’ from page to page, and site to site. Essentially, each website has a certain amount of authority and when it links out to other pages or websites, some of that authority is passed on as a ‘vote of confidence’. It is important to note that the linking site does not actually lose any of its PageRank – it simply gives a vote of confidence to the site to which it links.
Generally, the home page of a website will have the most PageRank. This is usually because this is the page which has the most inbound links pointing to it and Google recognises that it is the main home page of the site. However, if you have a particularly popular and well-linked page, this may sometimes have a higher PageRank than the homepage. As the sub-page is likely to link to the home page (as will most of your other pages), the PageRank of the index page will subsequently rise, too.
When you are looking for linking partners and websites to link to yours, PageRank should be something to consider as links from these websites will often be far more valuable than links from sites with a lower PageRank value. However, PageRank does not directly influence search engine rankings and a site with a higher PageRank will not necessarily rank higher than one with a lower value. PageRank only refers to the inherent value of any outbound links from that particular page.
However despite the above many experts believe that there is too much emphasis placed on PageRank. A good linking strategy and quality content should always be considered more important. Many people can become obsessed with PageRank and whilst it is still a good indicator on what Google sees as a quality website it is nowhere near as important as it was.
If you need help with PageRank or SEO Cardiff, Wales or anywhere else in the UK, please feel free to give us a call. We’re always happy to help and offer any words of advice relating to Google PageRank or any other aspect of search engine optimisation Cardiff strategies. We also specialise in website design Cardiff.