What is Domain Authority?
Definition
Domain Authority is a third-party metric that predicts how likely a website is to rank in search engine results, scored on a scale of 1-100 based on factors like backlink quality and quantity.
Why domain authority matters
Domain Authority matters as a comparative benchmark for evaluating websites. While not used by search engines directly, it provides a standardized way to assess relative site strength and track progress over time.
DA helps prioritize link building opportunities by identifying which sites might provide valuable backlinks. Higher authority sites typically pass more value through their links.
Understanding that DA is predictive, not prescriptive, helps avoid overoptimizing for the metric itself rather than the underlying factors—quality content and genuine authority—that drive both DA and rankings.
Key concepts and types
- •Third-party metric
DA is calculated by SEO tool companies, not search engines, and doesn't directly influence rankings. - •Comparative use
DA is most useful for comparing sites against competitors or tracking changes over time. - •Link-based calculation
DA primarily considers the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to a domain. - •Logarithmic scale
Improving from DA 20 to 30 is easier than improving from 70 to 80 due to the scoring curve. - •Alternative metrics
Similar scores from other providers include Domain Rating (Ahrefs), Trust Flow (Majestic), and Authority Score (Semrush).
Common misconceptions
- ✕Domain Authority is a Google ranking factor
- ✕Higher DA guarantees better rankings
- ✕You can directly increase DA through specific actions
- ✕DA is consistent across different measurement tools
- ✕New sites can quickly achieve high DA
Related terms
FAQs
Is Domain Authority used by Google?
No. Domain Authority is a third-party metric created by Moz. Google has its own proprietary signals for evaluating site authority, which are not publicly disclosed.
How can you improve Domain Authority?
Focus on earning quality backlinks from reputable sites, creating valuable content, and building genuine authority. DA improvements are a byproduct of good SEO, not a direct target.
Why did my Domain Authority drop?
DA can fluctuate due to index updates, lost backlinks, competitors gaining links, or methodology changes. Focus on long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations.