When it comes to search engine optimization, "link popularity" and "Google PageRank" are some of the main topics on the minds of webmasters and programmers. Often people misunderstand the difference between PageRank (PR) and link popularity, as well as what link popularity actually means. Link popularity deals with the number of sites that are linked to one particular site. It is implied that if one site has many websites linked to it, then it is popular because people usually do not link to bad sites. These sites are thought to deserve a boost in their rankings. This is the theory involving popularity, depending on whether or not everyone is working from the same level.

A webmaster should keep in mind that PageRank is different from link popularity. The difference between PageRank and link popularity is that PageRank focuses on the number of and popularity of those links, whereas link popularity deals with the value of this process. Many confuse the two as being the same.

The ranking algorithms of all popular search engines place emphasis on link popularity. There are two main link types that aid in an increase of popularity, which are: links from other sites that deal with the same keyword phrases as a webmaster’s site; and links from categories in major directories and industry-specific portals that are relevant to the webmaster’s site.

When considering submission to “Free-for-All” (FFA) sites, a webmaster should know that this does not produce quality links. Gaining links from sites that do not share the same topics as the main site will probably not boost link popularity. It may, however, have an effect on PageRank.

Below is an example on how link popularity works:

Consider Doug’s Fish Fry, who has a link to Betty’s Web Template store site. If the link includes keywords “web template store” in the anchor text (the clickable component), it may boost Betty’s link popularity a little for those specific keywords. But, Betty would get more out of the same link if it originated from a site that was more related to her site rather than a restaurant. It would be better if the link came from a web template designer shop, web graphics store or any other type of store that deals with web templates or design in some form. The higher quality the link, the better results. Betty would benefit more if the link was from “John’s Web Template Directory,” where many web template stores on the Internet are listed. Links are best when they share a common ground with one another.

How important is link popularity to a site? If the site is average, there is no need to stress out about link popularity, but owners should pay attention to whether or not their site is “link-worthy.” When one wants to increase the number of links for a site, they should not send automatically created link requests to any site. This is considered rude and can be taken as spam. A better route to consider is sending a personal email or place a direct call. It is these links from relevant sites that will bring more traffic to a site than having a high search engine ranking.

Some webmasters don’t have to work hard to obtain links because having the best site on the Internet will attract Web users. A well written and informative website has the luxury of not having to actively seek out links because sites will link to theirs on their own due to high quality. Providing a good website is probably the better way to increase Internet status because it establishes a bond with the audience that will only grow stronger in the future. This focus eliminates the concern for link popularity or PageRank.

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