A Better Way To Increase Your PageRank

Many publishers think the quickest way to garner a decent PageRank or PR rating is to get sites that have high PageRank to link to them. The thought is that if a page with a high PageRank links to you, its PageRank transfers to you. While this is somewhat true, the process is more involved.

The reality is that Google's algorithm for determining PageRank only allows pages to pass along their own PageRank number divided by the number of outbound links it has on that particular page. This means that the PageRank that "rubs off" might not be all that it's cracked up to be.

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.

Considering that many high ranked sites have lots of outbound links, it can become painfully clear that these might not be the best places to go for reciprocal links to boost one's own PageRank.

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.

A host of reasons exist as to why these lower PR sites can pay off. The biggest lies in the fact it is generally much easier to get these sites to put up links. Plus, when they do, they are often willing to use keywords in the links themselves. Also, there are more inclined to put links on their front page. Another advantage to these sites that they probably don't already have a bunch of outbound links. The appeal of these reasons is strong, but the most compelling is the potential these sites offer. If high quality sites are chosen, they can grow in PR ranking and your site can grow along with them.

Before jumping into find sites to target for reciprocal linking, it is smart to research them a bit. Avoid sites that have very low PageRank. Those that show up in the white or gray should be discounted. Gray, in fact, could be a negative draw for your site. These colors indicate sites without PageRank and can even indicate banned sites.

If you still find yourself wondering if this strategy will really work, consider the math behind it. An incoming link from a page that's ranked at 6 with only one other link will give you a PR boost of 3. A page that has a ranking of 8 with 100 links will only give you a PR boost of .08. The truth is in the numbers. Do the math and then choose sites that will benefit you the most.

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About the author: Jeff Alderson develops PPC and SEO software. He is an expert on boosting traffic and sales. Jeff suggests building a profitable keyword list using his Ad Word Analyzer software to increase website income.