- Abi Djanogly
- Dec 17, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: Jan 13
The perfect domain is just a click away: claim your domain →
Domain authority (DA) is a Moz score that shows how well your website can rank in search engines. It helps you see how your site stacks up against competitors and gives insight into the impact of your SEO efforts.
If you’re creating a website, knowing your DA helps you understand how search engines view your site and how your domain name affects its credibility. In this guide, we’ll show you how to check your DA and improve it step by step.
Your domain is more than a web address, it’s the first impression of your brand. With Wix, you can easily find and secure a custom domain that reflects who you are and what you do. Whether you’re launching a business, blog or portfolio, your perfect domain is just a few clicks away. Start building your online presence and claim yours today.
TL;DR: how to check domain authority
You can find your domain authority (DA) using SEO tools that measure a website’s backlink profile and overall link strength. DA estimates how likely a site is to rank in search engines and helps you compare your site to competitors, track trends over time and guide your SEO strategy. While you can’t control DA directly, creating high-quality content, earning relevant backlinks and optimizing your site can improve it. Use DA as a benchmark not a strict ranking score.
You’ll learn:
What domain authority is and why it’s important
How DA is calculated and what affects it
Tools to check your website’s DA
How to understand DA scores compared to competitors
Steps to improve your domain authority
Common DA myths and challenges
What is domain authority?
Domain authority is a score from 1 to 100 that estimates the strength of a website’s backlink profile. It’s used in SEO to compare how likely one site is to rank against others. A higher score generally correlates with a greater ability to rank. It is not a direct ranking factor used by Google but serves as a useful comparative tool for SEOs.
What domain authority actually measures
The score is based on multiple link-related factors including how many websites link to a domain and the overall quality of those links. All this data is combined into a single metric that reflects a site’s reputation across the web.
Domain authority is relative, not absolute. There’s no universal “good” or “bad” score on its own. A strong score is simply one that’s competitive within your niche and higher than your direct competitors.
Because the scale is logarithmic, gains get harder as the score increases. Moving from 20 to 30 is much easier than moving from 70 to 80. New websites always start at a domain authority of 1.
Domain authority at a glance
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Definition | A score predicting ranking potential on search engines. |
Scale | 1 to 100 (logarithmic). |
Key factors | Linking root domains, total number of links. |
Best use | Comparing your site against competitors. |
Created by | Moz. |
Learn more:
How to check domain authority
Several tools show domain authority or similar alternatives. Most are easy to use and work well for quick checks or deeper competitor research. Each platform calculates its score differently so numbers won’t match across tools. For consistent analysis, stick with one tool when comparing competitors or tracking changes over time.
01. Moz Link Explorer
Moz created the original domain authority score. With Moz Link Explorer you can enter any domain and check its DA score backlink data referring domains and top-linked pages.
Use this tool when you want to understand the story behind the score not just the number. You’ll see exactly where your links come from and how strong they are. The free version offers a limited number of searches each month which is usually enough for quick checks and some light research.
02. MozBar browser extension
With the MozBar browser extension, you get DA scores right in your search results. This makes it easy to compare competing pages at a glance. You can also click on a site to see its page authority and link metrics all without leaving your browser.
03. Free SEO checker tools
Some free SEO checker tools display domain authority using Moz data or similar calculations. These tools are great for quick lookups when detailed reports aren’t needed. They typically show domain authority, page authority and basic backlink counts. Since data sources and update schedules vary, the numbers might differ slightly from Moz itself, making them better for rough comparisons than long-term tracking.
04. SEO platforms with authority alternatives
Some popular SEO platforms don’t use Moz’s DA but offer comparable authority metrics.
Ahrefs uses Domain Rating, which focuses heavily on the strength and quantity of backlinks. Semrush uses Authority Score, which blends link data with traffic signals and spam factors.
Other SEO tools give you straightforward authority scores for quick checks and top-level comparisons. These tools generally look at surface-level signals like backlink numbers and basic link quality without getting into deep technical or competitive analysis. They're great when you want a fast idea of a site’s strength, check a potential link opportunity or compare a few domains side by side.
How to read domain authority the right way
Domain authority makes more sense when you see it as a comparison tool, not a score to chase. Focus on trends, not single numbers. A small increase or drop doesn’t mean much. What matters is the overall direction over time. If your score is climbing while competitors stay flat, that’s a win.
Always compare sites in the same industry. A small business blog with a DA of 25 might be doing great if competitors are in the same range. Comparing it to a big brand with a DA of 80 isn’t helpful - they’re playing a different game.
Ask simple questions like:
Is my site close to the top results I want to rank for?
Am I gaining authority compared to similar sites?
Are competitors pulling ahead or falling behind?
Note that domain authority doesn’t rank pages - content does. A site with lower DA can outrank a higher-DA site if the page answers the search better, matches intent more closely or earns links from relevant sources.
What’s a good domain authority score?
There’s no universal benchmark for a “good” score. What matters is how your site compares to direct competitors.
As a general guide, scores between 1 and 20 are common for new or very small sites. Scores from 20 to 40 usually indicate growing sites with some traction. Scores from 40 to 60 suggest established sites while anything above 60 is typically associated with well-known brands.
The goal isn’t to hit a specific number. It’s to close the gap between your site and others competing for the same searches.
Benefits of domain authority
Tracking your domain authority offers tangible advantages for your long-term SEO strategy. It moves beyond vanity metrics and provides data you can use to make informed decisions about your content and outreach efforts.
First, it serves as a great benchmark for competitive analysis. Comparing your DA to other sites in your niche helps you gauge how hard it will be to rank for certain keywords. If competitors have significantly higher scores, you can focus on long-tail keywords first. A strong relevant domain, whether it’s a free domain to start or an affordable option, can give your site a better foundation for growth.
Second, DA helps track your link-building success. Efforts like guest posts or digital PR are reflected in a gradual DA increase showing you’re earning quality backlinks. Choosing the right domain, even a cheap domain that matches your brand, can make your outreach and link-building more credible.
Third, it can attract advertisers or partners. Brands looking for sponsored content opportunities often look for sites with high authority, viewing them as valuable platforms for exposure.
"At every stage of your website and business growth cycle, link building remains critical to SEO growth. Early in your website's development, you should focus on internal linking and acquiring referring domains relevant to your business. As your site grows and attracts more traffic, link equity becomes more important, so you should prioritize the size, quality and authority of the referring domains from which you get links from. In both situations, make sure you're not getting follow links from a site that violates the first principles of Google's organic search policies." - Ashwin Balakrishnan, B2B SaaS growth and content consultant at Optmyzr
Common challenges of domain authority
While useful, focusing too heavily on domain authority can lead to frustration. One major challenge is the difficulty of influencing the score directly. You cannot simply "fix" your DA overnight; it requires a sustained effort to build high-quality links over time.
Another issue is score fluctuation. Since DA is a relative metric, your score can drop even if your site hasn't lost any backlinks. This happens if high-authority sites gain significantly more links, skewing the scaling for everyone else. This can be disheartening for site owners who don't understand the mechanics behind the calculation.
Finally, there is often a misconception that DA is a Google ranking factor. It is not. Improving your DA does not guarantee better rankings on Google, although the activities that improve DA (like getting good links) often help with rankings independently.
You may also be interested in: How to get your website on Google
What is a dofollow link?
“Dofollow links are important for an effective SEO strategy because, when interpreted by search engines, they help increase the "domain authority" and "page authority" of the site receiving the link.” – Caio Nogueira, Co-founder of UpSites and SEO specialist.
A dofollow link is a standard hyperlink that allows search engines to follow it and pass SEO value (often called “link equity” or “link juice”) from one website to another. When a trusted site links to your content with a dofollow link, it acts like a vote of confidence, signaling to search engines that your site is credible and worth ranking.
By default, all links are dofollow unless they include a special attribute like rel="nofollow". These links are especially important for domain authority, because search engines use them to discover new pages and evaluate how trustworthy and authoritative a website is. The more high-quality, relevant dofollow links your site earns, the stronger your domain’s perceived authority can become.
In short, dofollow links help build your site’s reputation in the eyes of search engines and play a key role in improving your rankings over time.
Examples of domain authority
Domain authority scores can vary widely depending on the size, age and purpose of a website. A brand-new blog will naturally have a much lower DA than a global news organization. The key is to compare your score to those of your direct competitors.
Here’s a look at what typical DA scores look like for different types of websites:
Website type | DA score range | Backlink profile characteristics |
Small local business | DA 10–20 | • Fewer backlinks • Mostly local directories and community sites • Healthy and normal for local competition |
Niche blog | DA 30–50 | • Links from bloggers and social media • Some exposure from industry publications • Steady growth over time |
Major media outlet | DA 90+ | • Millions of high-quality backlinks • Links from trusted global sources • Extremely strong online authority |
Learn more: Small business website statistics
How to register a domain and start building domain authority
Your domain name is more than just an address for your website; it's the foundation of your brand's identity. Think of it as your piece of digital real estate. A strong, memorable domain can make a great first impression and is a crucial first step in building your site's authority. The good news is that getting started is easier than you might think.
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Making domain registration simple
Choosing and registering your domain shouldn't be a complicated process. With the right tools, you can get it done quickly and get back to focusing on your business. Wix simplifies domain name registration, guiding you through the process so you can find and claim the perfect name for your brand without any hassle. This straightforward approach means you can go from an idea to a registered domain in just a few minutes.
Explore more with the Wix domain name generator →
Once you have your name, security becomes a top priority. A secure website not only protects you and your visitors but also signals to search engines that your site is trustworthy, which can positively influence your domain authority.
That's why Wix ensures secure domain registration by including free SSL certification. An SSL certificate encrypts the data shared on your site, giving your visitors peace of mind and boosting your site's credibility from day one.
In a fast-moving environment, speed is essential. You want to bring your ideas to life as soon as inspiration strikes. Wix offers quick domain registration, allowing you to secure your desired name and connect it to your website right away. This rapid setup empowers you to begin building your content, attracting visitors and growing your authority without delay.
How to improve my domain authority
Improving your domain authority is a marathon, not a sprint. The most effective way to influence this metric is through a robust off-page SEO strategy.
Ready to boost your website's authority? The journey starts with a solid foundation and a focus on earning quality backlinks. Wix provides all the tools you need to create a professional, SEO-friendly website that's ready to attract attention. Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, ensuring you start on the right foot.
Here are the fundamental steps to improve your DA:
Master on-page SEO
Ensure your website's on-page elements are optimized. This includes writing compelling title tags and meta descriptions, using header tags correctly and optimizing your images. A well-structured site is easier for search engines to crawl and for other sites to link to.
Create link-worthy content
Develop high-quality, original content that provides real value to your audience. This could be in-depth guides, original research or useful tools. Great content is the primary reason other websites will link to you.
Conduct outreach
Don't just publish content and hope for the best. Actively promote it to relevant bloggers, journalists and industry leaders. Build genuine relationships and let them know when you have something that might interest their audience.
Analyze your backlink profile
Regularly use tools like Moz or Ahrefs to check who is linking to you. You can also identify and disavow any toxic or spammy links that could be harming your score.
With Wix, you get an integrated suite of SEO tools designed to help you climb the search rankings. From a personalized SEO checklist to easy-to-manage redirects, you have everything you need to build your site's authority.
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How to find domain authority FAQ
Is domain authority a Google ranking factor?
No, domain authority is not a ranking factor used by Google. It's a proprietary metric developed by Moz. Google has its own internal systems for evaluating links (like PageRank), but DA is simply an industry tool used to simulate how Google might view a site's authority.
What is a good domain authority score?
A "good" score depends entirely on your competition. If your competitors have scores between 20 and 30, a score of 35 is excellent. Generally, scores between 40 and 50 are considered average, while scores between 50 and 60 are good. Scores above 60 are excellent.
How often does domain authority update?
Moz typically updates its domain authority data once or twice a month. Because it takes time for crawlers to find and index new links, you might not see changes in your score immediately after a successful link-building campaign.
How can I check my DA?
You can check your domain authority using SEO tools that analyze your website’s backlinks and link profile. Moz Link Explorer and browser extensions like MozBar are popular options. Many SEO platforms also offer their own authority metrics for comparison.
How do you get Domain Authority?
Domain authority is calculated by evaluating your website’s backlink profile including the number of linking domains, quality of links and overall link structure. Moz combines these factors into a score from 1 to 100. It’s not something you earn directly but you can improve it by building high-quality backlinks and creating valuable content.
What's a good domain authority score?
What counts as a “good” DA score really depends on your niche and competitors. If you have a small or new site a score between 20–40 is a great start while more established sites often land in the 40–60 range. Any score over 60 typically means you’re running a well-known and authoritative website.
Are domain checkers free to use?
Yes, many domain authority checkers have free plans that give you a certain number of searches each day or month. Free tools are perfect for a quick look but paid plans offer more in-depth information and let you track multiple sites over time.
What is the best free DA checker?
Moz Link Explorer is the original and best free DA checker. You can also use browser extensions like MozBar or other SEO checkers to get quick access to DA scores without creating a full account.
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