Domain Authority (DA)
Definition
Domain Authority (DA) is a metric developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). It scores from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating a greater ability to rank. It evaluates multiple factors, such as linking root domains and the total number of links, into a single DA score. This score can then be used when comparing websites or tracking the ‘ranking strength’ of a site over time.
Domain Authority (DA) Relevance For SEO
While not directly used by search engines, DA serves as a useful metric to gauge a site’s overall SEO health and ability to rank against competitors. Studies1 have shown a correlation between higher DA and better search rankings. However, those studies aren’t clear about if the higher DA and higher rankings is just a correlation or also a causation.
Domain Authority (DA) Best Practices for SEO
To enhance your website’s DA, focus on your link profile by attracting high-authority inbound links. This can be achieved by creating high-quality, relevant content that others want to link to, sharing content on social media, and practicing good SEO hygiene. Avoid practices such as link buying or excessive link exchange which may harm your site. Instead, aim for genuine link-building strategies like influencer outreach, and public relations. Lastly, be patient. Growing your DA is a long-term process that comes naturally with consistent SEO efforts.