Domain Authority

Domain Authority, DA, is Moz’s modelled score from 1 to 100 that predicts the relative ranking strength of a domain. It is built from Moz’s link index with a machine‑learned model. The scale is logarithmic, moving from 20 to 30 is easier than from 70 to 80. It is also relative, your DA can fall when others in the index rise.

Google does not use DA or any single site‑wide authority score. Google’s systems do use links and site‑level signals. DA is a third‑party estimate you use for comparison, not a goal you rank for.

You need a quick sense of who will be hard to beat for a query. DA gives you a rough pecking order from Moz’s view of the web. It helps you pick which terms need more links or a different angle.

Use it to filter outreach lists. A link from a relevant site with higher DA than yours often moves the needle more than one from a thin directory. Relevance and traffic still matter more than the number.

1. 1

   Get the number

   Use Moz’s Domain Authority checker or a Moz tool. Note the DA for your root domain, and for any key subdomains if you use them.

2. 2

   Benchmark against rivals

   List three to five sites that rank for your core query, for example “expense tracking for freelancers”. Record each DA in the same tool.

3. 3

   Read it in context

   Expect new sites to sit low. A DA 12 site can rank on a low‑competition term with good content and links from relevant peers, for example a niche blog list.

4. 4

   Watch movement, not single points

   Check monthly. A small rise or dip can come from Moz’s index updates. Look for trends and for gaps closing against a named rival.

5. 5

   Drill to the page level

   Check Page Authority for your target page, for example /pricing. Count referring domains to that page and the anchors used. A strong page can outrank a bigger site.

A healthy picture is a DA that holds or climbs while your referring domains grow and your pages start to rank for non‑branded terms. For example, /guides/getting‑started gains five relevant links and moves onto page one for a niche query.

• Prioritise outreach to sites that are relevant and have higher DA than you. One strong, relevant link beats ten off‑topic links.
• Set expectations. A jump from DA 15 to 25 is achievable with steady link earning. From 70 to 80 is a long haul.
• Group keywords by rival DA. Target terms where page one has sites near your range, and build content that earns links.
• Fix internal links before chasing DA. Link from /blog and /features to /pricing and key guides with clear anchors. It lifts Page Authority.
• Track referring domains and anchors alongside DA. These explain movement better than the headline score.

• Chasing the number. DA is not a KPI. Use it to compare, then focus on rankings, clicks and sign‑ups.
• Buying links for DA. Risky and often low quality. Earn links through useful pages, for example a data post or a free calculator.
• Mixing tools. Do not compare Moz DA to Ahrefs DR or Semrush Authority Score. Pick one for a project and stick with it.
• Ignoring page level. A DA 20 site with a strong /integrations page can outrank a DA 60 homepage for a specific term.
• Forgetting it is relative. Your DA can drop after a big site gains links. Nothing broke on your side.
• Subdomain confusion. blog.yourproduct.com will have its own DA if Moz treats it as separate. Move to a folder if you want the root to benefit.