What is Domain Authority?
TL;DR
A third-party metric (created by Moz) that predicts how likely a domain is to rank in search results. Scored 1-100, it's based primarily on Backlink quality and quantity. While not a Google ranking factor, it's useful for comparing websites. Don't confuse it with Page Authority, which measures individual pages.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Domain Authority
Is Domain Authority a Google ranking factor?
No, Domain Authority (DA) is a third-party metric created by Moz, not Google. Google doesn't use DA in rankings. However, the signals DA measures (quality backlinks) do correlate with ranking ability, making it useful for competitive analysis.
What's a good Domain Authority score?
DA is relative. A new site might have DA 10-20; established small businesses typically 30-50; major brands 70+. Compare yourself to competitors in your industry rather than absolute numbers. A DA of 35 might dominate a local market.
How do I increase my Domain Authority?
Build quality backlinks from authoritative, relevant websites. This takes time, months to years. Focus on creating linkable content, earning press coverage, and building relationships. Avoid buying links or using link schemes.
Why did my Domain Authority drop?
DA can drop if you lose backlinks, if Moz's index changes, or if other sites gained authority faster (it's relative). A small drop (1-3 points) is normal fluctuation. Significant drops warrant investigating lost backlinks.
Terms Related to Domain Authority
Backlink
A link from one website to another, also called an "inbound link" or "incoming link." Backlinks are a crucial ranking fa...
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