Skip to main content
SEO Glossary

What is Domain Authority?

A search engine ranking score that predicts how likely a website is to rank in search results.

Understanding Domain Authority

Domain Authority (DA) is a metric developed by Moz, scored on a scale of 1 to 100. It's calculated by evaluating linking root domains, total number of links, and other factors. While DA is not a Google ranking factor itself, it correlates well with search rankings and is widely used in the SEO industry as a comparative metric. Similar metrics include Ahrefs' Domain Rating (DR) and Semrush's Authority Score. These scores are most useful for comparing your site against competitors rather than as absolute targets.

Why It Matters

While not a Google metric, domain authority strongly correlates with ranking ability. Understanding your relative authority helps you set realistic keyword targets and identify where you need to build more link equity.

How Keyword Kick Helps

Keyword Kick tracks your domain authority over time and benchmarks it against competitors, helping you measure the impact of your link-building efforts and prioritize keywords within your competitive range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Domain Authority a Google ranking factor?

No. Domain Authority is a third-party metric created by Moz. Google does not use it in their algorithm. However, DA correlates with ranking performance because it reflects many of the same signals Google values, such as backlink quality and quantity.

How do I increase my Domain Authority?

Focus on earning high-quality backlinks from relevant, authoritative websites. Remove or disavow toxic links, create link-worthy content, and be patient — DA improves gradually as your overall link profile strengthens.

Master Domain Authority with Keyword Kick

Get actionable insights and automate your SEO workflow.

Get Started Free