If you've been on the web long you've probably heard the words "page rank" or "PR" at least in passing. Perhaps you had better things to do than worry about mathematical equations, and I certainly don't blame you for that. For that same reason, I'll leave the Google page rank explained statistically process up to people like Ian Rogers on WebWorkshop.
Instead, I'd like to look at the outright benefits of having a good page rank.
*** Relevance ****
Let's say someone read one of your articles, liked it enough to visit your website, liked your website enough to sign up for your newsletter and then discovered that you had a PR0. They know enough about Google PR to know that PR10 is next to divine while PR0 is certainly not. No matter what they thought of your website, they have discovered a good reason not to believe what they thought was true which in turn knocks the relevancy of your website down a notch or two or maybe more.
Now let's say that same scenario took place but they found your website was perhaps a PR5 or higher. Perhaps even a PR8. Do you think this will affect their desire to be a part of your website? Of course it will, especially if your website is focused on any particular niche of Internet Marketing.
*** Revenue ***
Are you aware that there are people with websites that will pay you handsomely for putting their link on your website? Probably not if you've never had a PR6, 7, or 8. Those same people will not be highly motivated to pay you for linking when your only at a PR2 or worse.
Linking to someone else's website from your high page rank URL is definite money that you can take to the bank. Not once. Not twice. But month after month after month. Depending on your PR level (the higher the better) you can make as much as $100 a month or more.
Just be sure that you link only with highly relevant sites in your niche. Preferably ones that at least have a PR2 or better website in their own right.
The reason their interested in paying for a link to your high PR website is because they understand the value connecting up with high ranking websites. If they do it right, the cost of paying for such privileges can be quickly returned through greater web exposure.
*** Reinforcement ***
Perhaps this is the most important point of all.
Have you done your website correctly?
Should you throw it out and start again?
If it's been 2 years and you still have a PR0, then perhaps you should. However, if you find a PR2 on your website after only 4 months, then you can be self assured that you are heading in the right direction. Positive reinforcement will keep you going when you feel like throwing in the towel.
*** Review ***
Therefore, next time you wonder if it's worth it to be concerned about your PR level just remember…
* Relevancy
* Revenue
* Reinforcement
And I'm sure you will agree with me that having Google page rank explained on these terms is more than worth it.