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.
On this page
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...
Read definition SEOPage Authority
A third-party metric predicting how well a specific page will rank, versus Domain Authority which measures the whole web...
Read definition SEO301 Redirect
A permanent redirect that tells browsers and search engines "this page has moved forever, go here instead." When someone...
Read definition SEO302 Redirect
A temporary redirect that tells search engines "this page has moved for now, but it's coming back." Unlike a 301 Redirec...
Read definition SEOAlgorithm
The complex set of rules Google uses to rank websites. Google updates its algorithm thousands of times per year, with ma...
Read definition SEOAlt Text
Descriptive text added to images that tells search engines (and screen readers) what an image shows. Good alt text is sp...
Read definitionFeatured SEO Case Study
Bot Image AI: Zero to 158 Keywords for FDA-Cleared Tech
Full website design for Bot Image, the company behind North America's first FDA-Cleared AI for prostate cancer screening. From zero web presence to 158 organic keywords with #1 positions for core product terms.
More SEO Case Studies
Ladies of Liberty: A Redesign That Matched the Mission's Energy
249 organic keywords and #1 rankings for core brand terms plus top-5 positions for high-search-volume speaker names
Website Design and Local SEO for Truck Repair in Sacramento, CA
0 to 31 organic keywords with multi-location visibility across Sacramento metro
Smarter Energy Services: Solar Design That Ranks #1 in Brooklyn
#1 for brand term, top 5 solar keyword positions, and $285/month organic traffic value
Website Design for Multifamily Renovation Contractor in Gardena
Professional B2B digital presence for a contractor with $1B+ in property acquisitions
Brand Identity for a San Antonio Art Marketplace
From zero brand to 250+ organic keywords and #1 rankings for San Antonio art searches
Safety Quest: How Design Drove 698 Keywords
698 organic keywords and #1 rankings for key security training terms
Struggling to rank? Let's fix that.
Let's talk about how seo can drive real growth for your business.
Get SEO HelpSEO Articles
View All Posts »
Mobile SEO Checklist: Fix Your Site Before Google Penalizes It
Google judges your website by its mobile version. If your site is slow, hard to read, or frustrating on a phone, you are being ranked on that experience. Here is how to fix it.
SEO Reporting Explained: What Your Reports Should (and Shouldn't) Show
Most SEO reports are designed to look impressive, not to tell you if SEO is making you money. Here is what a useful report actually includes, which metrics to ignore, and 5 questions to ask your agency.
SEO for Beginners: Where to Start When You Know Nothing
Starting from zero with SEO is overwhelming. There are hundreds of guides, tools, and opinions. Here is the actual order that works, from a 15-year practitioner who has helped businesses go from invisible to page one.
SEO Myths Debunked: 13 Things You've Been Told That Aren't True
I hear the same SEO myths every week on sales calls. Keyword stuffing, guaranteed rankings, SEO is dead. Here are 13 myths that cost small businesses real money, and the truth behind each one.
Best Freelance SEO Companies in Colorado: 2026 Clutch Rankings
Clutch ranks the top freelance SEO companies in Colorado based on verified client reviews. I reviewed the top agencies to help you pick the right one.
DMS Ranked #1 Across 4 Clutch Categories
Clutch, the leading B2B ratings platform, ranked Digital Marketing Services #1 in four freelance categories: Web Design, WordPress Design, Digital Strategy, and SEO in Colorado.
