A Better Way To Increase Your PageRank

A lot of web publishers think the fastest way for them to obtain a good PageRank or PR ranking is to entice websites with higher PageRank to link to them. The notion is that if a page with a higher PageRank gives a link, its PR will be passed on. Although this is true in theory, the actual process is much more involved.

The fact of the matter is that Goolge's algorithm that determines PageRank sets a different formula for how much PR can be passed on. It states that a page can only pass on its PageRank divided by the number of outbound links it has. This basically translates into the results expected from gaining links not quite being as beneficial as a lot of publishers might think.

What this means is that a site with a PR ranking of 6 won't necessarily pass along that entire 6 to a site. Say, for example, this site already has a single link on it and yours makes number 2, the ranking unit you enjoy is actually a 3. Adding to the quandary is the fact that the 6 is very likely only given to the home page, not the page where the links are. This is the page that will dictate the PageRank potential passed along.

Now, if you consider all those big hitting sites out there with great PR rates, but hundreds of outbound links competing for a slice of the pie, it becomes clear that they aren't necessarily the best to target for reciprocal links.

There is a better path to take. The strategy here involves going for sites that have more modest PageRank numbers. Look for those that are relatively new, but show signs of getting better over time. If these sites have good content and seem to be reputable, they can be very good PR generators. Going after lower PageRank sites might not seem wise, but it really can be a good long term strategy.

There are a variety of reasons why these sites can work better in the long run. The top is the fact it is simply generally much easier to get a lower PageRank site to put outbound links on it. These sites are also very likely to agree to put links on their front pages and they might even go along with using keywords in them that can help with Google. In addition, these sites probably don't have a ton of outbound links. While all of these reasons are very appealing, the most intriguing might be the potential these sites have to grow their PageRank and yours along with them. If good sites are chosen, the potential can be rather high.

It is wise to research sites to target for reciprocal links though. Stay clear of sites that have PageRank bars in the white or gray. This indicates they have little or no ranking. It could also mean they've been banned. Gray sites in particular can be bad news.

If you're still scratching your head about the value of lower ranked sites, just do the math. A link from a page that's ranked at PR 4 and only has two outbound links will give you a PR boost of 2. A page that's PageRank is 8 with 16 outbound links will only give you a PR boost of .5. Which makes more sense? Obviously, it's better to target the lower PR site in this example.

Article Source: http://publisherscloninghouse.com

About the author: Jeff Alderson develops pay-per-click and search engine program. He is an expert on boosting traffic and sales. Jeff suggests building a targeted keyword list using his Ad Word Analyzer program to increase website income.

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