Domain authority
A third-party score predicting how well a whole domain can rank, based largely on its backlink profile.
In depth
What it really means
Domain authority is a third-party metric (from tools like Moz, with similar scores elsewhere) that predicts a domain’s ranking strength, mostly from its backlink profile. It is a useful comparative gauge, not a Google ranking factor.
Treat it as a directional benchmark against competitors, not a target to game. Google does not use these third-party scores.
Best practices
- Use it to benchmark against competitors, not as a goal itself.
- Focus on the fundamentals that raise it: quality links and content.
- Don’t chase the score at the expense of real results.
- Compare like-for-like within your niche.
- Watch the trend more than the absolute number.
FAQs
What is domain authority?
A third-party score predicting how well a whole domain can rank, based largely on its backlink profile.
Does Google use domain authority?
No. It is a third-party metric. Google does not use these scores as a ranking factor.
Is a high domain authority good?
It is a useful comparative signal, but real rankings and traffic matter more than the score itself.
How do I increase domain authority?
Improve the fundamentals: earn quality backlinks and publish strong content over time.
Which tool’s score should I use?
Any consistent one, as long as you compare like-for-like within your niche and watch the trend.
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