Understand domain authority
What is domain authority
Domain Authority (DA) is a score from 1 to 100 that predicts how likely your site is to rank on search engine result pages, compared to others. It’s calculated by Moz using factors like the number and quality of linking root domains, and machine learning models that spot patterns correlating with rankings. DA itself isn’t a direct Google ranking factor, it’s a relative metric you can use to gauge your site’s link profile strength.
If you’re wondering how DA differs from Page Authority, check out our deep dive on domain authority vs page authority.
Why it matters for you
As a business owner, you need clear signals about your SEO health. DA offers a quick snapshot of your backlink portfolio’s strength and helps you:
- Benchmark against competitors’ link metrics
- Track the impact of your link-building campaigns
- Set realistic goals for SEO improvements
- Forecast how hard it will be to outrank rival domains
With this insight, you can invest time and budget where it truly moves the needle.
Explore checker tools
Moz Link Explorer
Moz’s Link Explorer is the original DA checker tool. You can look up any domain, see its DA score, dig into linking root domains, and track new or lost backlinks. The free version lets you run a few checks per month, while Moz Pro unlocks bulk analysis, historical data, and automated reports.
Ahrefs Domain Rating
Ahrefs measures Domain Rating (DR), which works similarly to DA but uses Ahrefs’ own backlink index. DR ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger backlink profiles. Ahrefs excels at bulk URL checks and offers in-depth link intersect reports to spot sites linking to competitors but not to you.
SEMrush authority score
SEMrush’s Authority Score blends backlink data with organic traffic estimates to give you a holistic view of site strength. You’ll see how branded versus non-branded traffic factors in, plus you can pull authority trends into your SEO dashboard for cross-tool comparisons.
Other free checkers
If you need quick checks without a subscription, try free tools like Small SEO Tools’ Domain & Page Authority Checker, SiteProfiler by Mangools, or SEO Review Tools. They won’t match the depth of Moz, Ahrefs, or SEMrush, but they’re handy for occasional audits or when you’re on a tight budget.
Compare popular tools
Feature comparison table
| Tool | Metric name | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Moz Link Explorer | Domain Authority score | Linking root domains, historical data |
| Ahrefs | Domain Rating (DR) | Bulk URL checks, link intersect reports |
| SEMrush | Authority Score | Traffic data, branded vs non-branded |
| Majestic | Trust Flow | Citation Flow, Trust Flow, backlink history |
| Small SEO Tools | Domain Authority | Free checks, integrated SEO tools |
Use this table to match your needs—bulk analysis, backlink insights, or budget-friendly checks—before you commit to any platform.
Benchmark against competitors
Check competitor scores
To see how you stack up, identify your top rivals and plug their domains into your DA checker. Note their scores and backlink counts side by side with yours. This snapshot reveals gap sizes and shows which sites you should watch or learn from.
Track progress over time
Don’t stop at a one-off audit. Build a simple spreadsheet and record DA scores every month. Look for trends—steady climbs, plateaus, or sudden drops. When you tie these changes to link campaigns, content pushes, or technical fixes, you’ll know exactly what moves the dial.
Improve your authority
Earn high-quality backlinks
The most reliable way to boost your DA is by earning backlinks from reputable sites. Focus on quality over quantity—one link from a well-ranked domain can outperform dozens from low-value sources. Try these tactics:
- Create linkable assets like data reports, infographics, or in-depth guides
- Guest post on industry blogs with strong audiences
- Partner with influencers or thought leaders for co-created content
- Repurpose content into different formats (video, slides) to attract fresh links
For curated lists of target sites, check out our guide on high domain authority backlinks.
Optimize user engagement
Here’s the thing: search engines notice when visitors stick around. Low bounce rates, high pages-per-session, and longer average session durations signal quality. Improve engagement by:
- Speeding up your pages (compress images, leverage browser caching)
- Streamlining navigation with clear menus and internal links
- Adding related-post widgets or “next step” CTAs at the end of articles
- Ensuring a mobile-friendly design for on-the-go readers
Better engagement can indirectly support your DA growth by attracting more natural links over time.
Monitor your progress
Set realistic goals
Don’t just chase a “100” DA—aim for scores that make sense in your industry. New sites often start around 1–10 and may hit 40–50 after a year of consistent link building. Use competitor benchmarks to define achievable quarterly or yearly targets.
Schedule regular checks
Automate your audits so you’re not running manual reports every time. Many DA checker tools offer email summaries or API access. Decide on a cadence—weekly for a major campaign, monthly for general monitoring—and stick to it.
Refine your tactics
When you spot a dip in your DA or a stalled curve, pause and diagnose. Did you lose a big link? Are new competitors surging ahead? Use your tool’s backlink reports to find broken links or toxic sources to disavow. Then tweak your outreach or content strategy accordingly.
Leverage advanced tactics
Use guest posting sites
Guest posting remains a powerful way to secure high-authority links. The key is relevance and value—don’t just spin up a generic post. Pitch unique insights or data-driven case studies to sites that match your niche and audience. For vetted lists of top targets, see our roundup of high da guest posting sites.
Submit to directories
Though less glamorous, well-curated directories still send link juice when chosen wisely. Look for directories with human review processes and strong editorial standards. Avoid spammy or irrelevant listings. A few strategic entries can reinforce your backlink profile—learn more at our list of high domain authority directory submission sites.
Recap key takeaways
- Domain authority checker tools give you a quick, comparative look at your site’s link strength
- Leading platforms include Moz Link Explorer, Ahrefs, SEMrush, Majestic, and free alternatives
- Benchmark against competitors and track your score trends over time
- Focus on earning high-quality backlinks and improving user engagement
- Automate audits, set realistic goals, and refine tactics when your score stalls
- Tap advanced strategies like guest posting and selective directory submissions
Ready to see where you stand? Pick a tool today, run your first audit, and start building a stronger backlink profile—your site’s visibility depends on it.
