What is PageRank?
I was going to write a little about PageRank including a definition, but there’s an excellent page on Wikipedia with everything you could ever want to know, and more! So, if you want to learn about Google PageRank, head over there.
Is PageRank important?
Hmmm. This is a hotly debated question. Some say that it bears no relation to SERPs (Search Engine Results Page), ie where your site is listed in a search engine. Others say that it does affect SERPs because PR is included in Google’s algorithm. Most people agree that PR isn’t worth fretting about. It’s better to spend your time adding useful content.
One of the best places to go for insider information about what Google is doing is Matt Cutts: Gadgets, Google, and SEO.
Meanwhile, if you want to find out your site’s PR without installing the Google toolbar, here’s a nice little free tool: Free PR checker tool