MENUMENU
  • Services
    • Services
      • Search Engine Optimization
      • Local SEO
      • Generative Engine Optimization
      • Digital PR
      • Content Marketing
      • Email Marketing Services
      • Lifecycle Marketing
      • Paid Media Advertising
      • Social Media Marketing
      • Creative Design Services
      • Conversion Rate Optimization
      • Website Design & Development
      • Amazon Marketing Services
      • Franchise Marketing
      • Franchise Development
      • National to Local Marketing
      • Reporting and Data Analytics
      • Digital Marketing Strategy
  • Who We Serve
    • Who We Serve
      • Franchise Marketing
      • B2B Marketing
      • Lead Generation
      • Ecommerce
      • We Build Custom Strategies
      • View Sample Industries
  • About Us
    • About Ignite Visibility
      • Our Story
      • Our Values
      • Our Team
      • Clients
      • Diversity & Inclusion
      • Our Blog
      • Marketing Resources
      • Franchise Marketing Resources
      • Careers
      • Hiring Notice
  • Case Studies
  • Awards
  • Contact
  • 619.752.1955
Home / Search Engine Optimization / The End of the Google PageRank Toolbar: What It Means for SEO

The End of the Google PageRank Toolbar: What It Means for SEO

October 7, 2014 By John Lincoln

PageRank is the ranking metric Google originally created to show the value of a webpage. It has been around since 1996 when Larry Page created the term as part of his research project on search engines at Stanford University. PageRank was based on scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest and 0 being lowest. Webmasters have looked to this ranking metric for almost 2 decades as an indication of how well their website is performing in Google. The PageRank algorithm is pretty complicated, you can read more about it here. But basically, it comes down to the quality of content on the website and quality of links pointing at the website, from other websites (that is as simple as the explanation gets folks).

Google SEO News
Google SEO News

PageRank Toolbar No Longer Updated

PageRank has been on the outs for a long time. But now, Google has gone on record saying they will no longer be updating the metric. According to Search Engine Roundtable, “December 6, 2013 was the last time we had a Google Toolbar PageRank update, that was over 10 months ago – not as long as a Penguin refresh (which is way more important) but still, significant.

Google’s John Mueller said in a video Google+ hangout yesterday that Google will probably not be updating Google Toolbar pagerank in the future. He said this at 20 minutes and 30 seconds into the video.”

So what does this mean for those who are obsessed with PageRank? Don’t be. Google has been saying for a long time, do not focus on PageRank. Personally, I have seen some excellent, high-traffic websites that have low PageRank. I have also seen sites with really high PageRank that have almost no traffic and even a penalty! If Google is not updating PageRank, it really counts for nothing. So I offer this simple advice, let it go. Looking at PageRank is like relying on validation from your first grade teacher for your current day efforts, it is really a thing of the past.

Sources

  • Google: We Won’t Be Updating Toolbar PageRank. Barry Schwartz. SER. 10, 07, 14
  • Google Toolbar PageRank Finally & Officially Dead? Barry Schwartz. SEL. 10, 07, 14
  • PageRank. Wikipedia. Last modified on 5 October 2014 at 11:29.

 

Related Posts

  • Google Reveals the Future of SEO for 2013

    In this video Matt Cutts, head of Webspam at Google, really spills the beans on…

  • 5 Big Google SEO and SEM Changes: PageRank Update, Apps in Search and More

    Google is pushing full steam ahead as always. This month we saw a couple changes.…

  • Search within Search: Google Testing Resurgence of Search Feature

    Google is attempting a resurgence of a search feature they rolled out a few years…

About John Lincoln

John Lincoln (MBA) is the CEO of Ignite Visibility, a top performance marketing agency backed by Mountaingate Capital. A digital marketing strategist and keynote speaker, Lincoln has managed over 1,000 marketing programs for brands like DoorDash, HBO, Tony Robbins, and Experian. Under his leadership, Ignite Visibility has been named a leading digital marketing agency in the U.S. and made the Inc. 5,000 list six times. Lincoln also spearheaded the development of CertaintyTech, a cutting-edge media mix modelling and forecasting platform. An award-winning marketer, Lincoln has authored three books, including Advolution (2022), and produced films such as SEO: The Movie. Recognized as a Top Business Leader, he has been featured in Forbes and The New York Times and spoken at global events like Web Summit and SMX. Lincoln's mission is to empower businesses through innovative digital strategies while reinvesting in clients, employees, and the community.

About Ignite

Ignite Visibility is a premier full-service digital marketing agency. We were founded in San Diego, CA but are now a 100% remote-first company with Igniters and clients around the globe.

Ignite Visibility is one of the highest awarded digital marketing agencies in the industry, works with some of the biggest brands in the world and is a 6x Inc. 5000 company.

noun-trading

Our Services

Ignite Visibility offers Award-Winning Services including comprehensive full-funnel digital marketing strategies. Learn more about our most popular service offerings below:

  • SEO Search Engine Optimization
  • PPC Pay Per Click
  • Email Marketing
  • Social Media
  • Creative
  • View All Services

Contact Us. Let’s Chat!

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

Marketing Guides

SEO In 2020: How To Prepare For Major Disruption

"SEO: The Movie" - Have You Seen Our Film? Watch Now

"Social Media Marketing: The Movie" - Have You Seen Our Film? Watch Now

Amazon Seller Central vs Vendor Central

Listen To The Podcast Featuring The Best Minds In Marketing

John Lincoln Interviews Global Director of Digital Marketing & Strategy at Qualcomm, Jessica Jensen

Check Out 227 Free Online Marketing Classes

The 2020 Guide To Dominating SEO With Advanced Schema

Learn More About Our Digital Marketing Agency

Learn More About Our SEO Services

Learn More About Our Paid Media Services

SELECT CATEGORY

Become A Contributor

Interested in writing for Ignite Visibility?

APPLY NOW

noun-chat

Let's Chat

Ready to grow your online visibility and sales?

Request Your Free Proposal

Work With Us

NEWSLETTER // SIGN UP NOW










noun-strategy

Free Marketing Resources

  • Digital Marketing Resources
  • Marketing Strategy Videos
  • Weekly Marketing News Recaps
noun-strategy

Most Popular Blogs

  • How Long Does SEO Take?
  • Multi-Location SEO: Top Strategies
  • Google AI Overviews: Everything You Need to Know
  • Technical SEO 101
  • 18 Google Ad Extensions You Should Use
  • Complete Guide to Google Responsive Display Ads
  • Capitalizing on Local Service Ads
  • How SEO and PPC Work Together
  • Community Management Best Practices
  • B2B Social Media Marketing Guide
  • VIEW ALL BLOGS
noun-letter

Join Our Newsletter

CONNECT WITH US

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • youtube
  • linkedin

Services

  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Generative Engine Optimization
  • Pay Per Click Management
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Email Marketing
  • Conversion Rate Optimization
  • Website Design & Development
  • Creative Design
  • Content Marketing
  • Digital PR
  • Franchise Marketing
  • Digital Marketing Agency Services

About

  • Our Team
  • Our Values
  • Clients
  • Industry
  • Reviews
  • Careers
  • Marketing Resources
  • Privacy Policy & Service Terms
  • Advertising Disclosures
  • Sitemap

Contact

4370 La Jolla Village Drive
Suite 320
San Diego, California 92122

619.752.1955

Join The Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest from Ignite Visibility.











google parther logo

©2025 Ignite Visibility. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy and Terms of Service