By now, it's quite clear that Google is the standard by which the search engine optimization industry exists. In fact, 85% of Internet searches every day are managed by Google. Because so many Internet users prove Google as their search engine of choice, it is no wonder that search engine optimization experts calculate their processes based on this one powerful search engine.

So, What is PageRank and How Does It Affect Search Engine Optimization?

Developed by Google CEO and founder Larry Page, PageRank is a method for ranking web pages. In layman's terms, PageRank is a numeric value that represents the importance of an Internet web page. By now, you should know that a large part of search engine optimization includes links, whether they be internal, inbound, or outbound. When two pages link to each other, they are actually "casting a vote" for each other. And, the more votes a page has, Google recognizes that page as important, thus giving it a high PageRank. Also critical to note is that votes cast by important pages weigh more heavily and help to increase the importance of other Web pages. When combined with a variety other search engine optimization factors, PageRank will ultimately determine a page's search engine ranking.

Mind you, the PageRank calculation is a complex formula and we have barely skimmed the surface of it. But, the above explanation will hopefully give you a bird's eye view of how PageRank relates to search engine optimization and the overall ranking of your site.

What Is Your PageRank?

Now that you have a better understanding of the Google PageRank, you're probably wondering how you can determine your own PageRank. Fortunately, the folks at Google have made it easy for Web site owners to evaluate their own PageRank and the PageRank of their competition. In order to determine the PageRank of your site, you will need to download the Google Toolbar. Then, any time you arrive at a different web page, scroll your mouse over the PageRank field in the toolbar, and the PageRank of that page will be identified.

More Search Engine Optimization Articles

1. What Is Search Engine Optimization 2. Choosing a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) company 3. Keyword Density 4. Using Keyword Density To Improve Your Search Engine Ranking? 5. Building a Successful Link Popularity Strategy, Part 1 5a. Building a Successful Link Popularity Strategy, Part 2 5b. Building a Successful Link Popularity Strategy, Part 3 6. Managing Expectations: Search Engine Optimization and Client Involvement 7. Site maps: A Force to be Reckoned With 8. What is the Difference Between Free Submission and Optimization? 9. Misconceptions about Search Engine Optimization 10. What is the Google Dance? 11. Search Engine Optimization Checklist 12. Boost your Search Engine Ranking 13. Search Engines and Directories: Playing with the Major Leagues 14. The Do's and Don'ts of Search Engine Optimization 15. Search Engine Optimization: Past and Present 16. Meta Tags and Search Engine Optimization: Friend or Foe? 17. Spam: Not the Search Engine Spiders Favorite Lunchmeat! 18. The FAQ Page: Your 24/7 Salesman 19. Optimizing Content in Your Web Site 20. Search Engine Optimization and Google PageRank 21. Monitoring Your Search Engine Optimization for Ranking 22. Analyzing Your Content for Maximum Search Engine Optimization 23. Search Engine Optimization and Google PageRank 24. Incorporating Inbound Links in Your Linking Strategy 25. Splash Pages: Don't Let Them Ruin Your Search Engine Optimization Campaign 26. You Can't Hide Behind Hidden Text 27. Managing Expectations II: Competitive Keywords and Optimization 28. What You Need to Know About Free Search Engine Submission 29. The History of Google: From Garage-based Business to #1 Search Engine

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