Yes, page ranking remains important in 2023. However, the way we think about page ranking has evolved over the years. The idea of Google’s “PageRank” — a numerical score assigned to individual pages based on the quantity and quality of inbound links — has become less important as Google’s algorithms have become more complex and sophisticated. It’s no longer just about a single score; many factors contribute to a page’s rank in search results.
In the context of SEO, page ranking usually refers to the position of a webpage in the search engine results page (SERP) for a particular keyword or set of keywords. This is highly significant because webpages that rank higher on the SERP generally receive a higher proportion of click-through traffic. Here are the key factors to consider for page ranking:
- Quality Content: The relevance and quality of your content is critical. Content should be original, valuable, and engaging to the user, well-written, and in-depth.
- Keywords: Keywords help Google understand what your content is about. Your content should be optimized with relevant keywords that users are likely to search for.
- User Experience: Google’s Core Web Vitals assess user experience on your webpage, considering aspects like load time, interactivity, and visual stability. Pages providing a better user experience will rank higher.
- Backlinks: Inbound links from reputable, high-quality websites signal to Google that your content is valuable and trustworthy, improving your rank.
- Mobile Optimization: As of Google’s mobile-first indexing, the mobile version of your webpage is considered the primary version for ranking purposes. Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly is vital.
- Security: HTTPS-encrypted websites provide a secure connection and are preferred by Google, enhancing your site’s ranking.
- Structured Data: Implementing structured data can improve your SERP listing, potentially increasing your click-through rate.
- E-A-T: Google’s guidelines emphasize Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T). Demonstrating these qualities in your content can improve your page’s ranking.
So, while the original concept of “PageRank” may not hold the same significance, the position of your page on the SERP — which we often refer to as “page ranking” — is still crucial. Your focus should be on various aspects of SEO to improve your page’s position in search results, drive more organic traffic, and enhance visibility.