Susan Moskwa, Google Webmaster Trends Analyst, explained the reason for the removal:

Weve been telling people for a long time that they shouldnt focus on PageRank so much; many site owners seem to think its the most important metric for them to track, which is simply not true. We removed it because we felt it was silly to tell people not to think about it, but then to show them the data, implying that they should look at it. 

The problem is, Googles not yet ready to remove the PageRank score from the toolbar installed on hundreds of millions of web browsers. This really leads you to conclude that role of PageRank has been reduced to nothing more than a comfort blanket for SEO noobs. I say this, with a high degree of confidence that most experienced SEOs pour over the data in Google Webmaster Tools, whereas those new to the industry likely let the toolbar be their only guiding light.

Having said all of that, I will admit that I still find the PageRank data useful. No I dont use the Google Toolbar"I prefer the Firefox plugin called SearchStatus"but I do sometimes glance at the PageRank of a page. But, before you start pointing and laughing at me, know that I only use it as an early warning that a site is not behaving in Googles index. Any green means go. No green, means theres something to investigate.

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Tag: Google, PageRank, SEO


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About the Author:
Andy Beal is an internet marketing consultant and considered one of the world's most respected and interactive search engine marketing experts. Andy has worked with many Fortune 1000 companies such as Motorola, CitiFinancial, Lowes, Alaska Air, DeWALT, NBC and Experian.

You can read his internet marketing blog at Marketing Pilgrim and reach him at andy.beal@gmail.com.

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