Really heavy competition

No explanation of PageRank strategies would be complete without a final statement regarding heavy keyword competition. There are some queries where competition is so intense that you must do everything possible to maximize your ranking score (for example "web hosting"). In such situations it is impossible to rank highly through Non-PageRank factors alone (as you will not initially be listed high enough to be noticed and linked to). That is not to say that Non-PageRank factors aren't important. Consider what your final rank score is:

Final Rank Score = (score for all Non-PageRank factors) x (actual PageRank score).

Improving either side of the equation can have a positive effect. However, because the Non-PageRank factors have a restricted maximum benefit, the actual PageRank score must be improved in order to compete successfully. Under really heavy competition ? it holds true that you cannot rank well unless your actual PageRank score is above a certain level. In other words:

There exists a query specific "Minimum PageRank level". For queries that do not have heavy competition, this level is easy to achieve without even trying. However, where heavy competition exists, Non-PageRank factors are just as important (and easier to get) until they reach the Non-PageRank factor threshold. This is why careful keyword choice can help you avoid the extensive work associated with highly competitive search phrases.