If you’ve spent any time trying to improve your website’s search rankings, you’ve probably heard of the term domain authority (DA). And if you’re like most business owners or marketers, you might be wondering whether it still matters in 2025, or if it’s just another outdated metric in a constantly changing SEO landscape.
The short answer: Yes, it still matters. But maybe not in the way you think.
In this article, we’ll break down what domain authority really is, how it’s calculated, and why it still plays a valuable role in SEO today. We’ll also share some practical ways to improve it.
What Is Domain Authority Really?
Domain Authority is a score developed by Moz, a well-known SEO software company that predicts how likely a website is to rank in search engine results. It’s a number between 1 and 100, the higher the score, the stronger your site is perceived to be.
It is important to note that Google does not use domain authority as a ranking factor. It’s a third-party metric. But that doesn’t mean it’s useless. In fact, it’s a solid indicator of how your website stacks up against competitors when it comes to link strength and trustworthiness.
Think of DA like a credit score. It doesn’t directly affect your ability to rent an apartment or get a car loan, but it gives others and you a quick snapshot of your standing.
What Is a “Good” Domain Authority Score?
There’s no universal answer here. What’s “good” depends entirely on your industry and who your competitors are.
- 10–30: Common for newer websites or small businesses just starting SEO efforts.
- 40–50: A decent middle ground- shows you’ve put in some work.
- 60+: Strong, competitive territory.
Rather than chasing a specific number, focus on beating the average DA of your direct competitors. If they’re all hovering around 45 and you’re sitting at 28, you’ve got some catching up to do.
How Is Domain Authority Calculated?
Moz uses a machine learning model that looks at over 40 factors. Some of the big ones include:
- Backlinks: The number and quality of sites linking to you.
- Root domains: It’s not just about how many links you have, but how many different websites they’re coming from.
- Spam score: Too many shady links? That’s going to hurt your DA.
- Link quality: One link from a respected, high-authority website is worth more than dozens from low-quality or irrelevant ones.
Essentially, Moz’s model tries to predict how often your domain appears in Google search results, and adjusts your score accordingly.
Why Does Domain Authority Still Matter in 2025?
While DA itself isn’t a ranking factor, the stuff that affects your DA does matter.
If you’re working to improve your DA, you’re likely:
- Building high-quality backlinks
- Creating valuable content that people link to
- Cleaning up toxic links
- Optimizing your site for search engines
All of these directly improve your chances of ranking higher on Google.
In other words, DA is a byproduct of good SEO. If your DA is rising, you’re likely doing the right things.
How to Improve Your Domain Authority
Improving your DA takes time and consistency. Don’t expect to jump from 20 to 60 in a few weeks. But if you stay focused, here’s what will move the needle:
Earn High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks from trusted, relevant websites are gold. The best way to get them is by creating content that’s actually helpful. Think in-depth guides, research, unique insights, or tools others want to share.
Also, take a look at your competitors’ backlinks using SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. If they’re getting links from industry blogs or directories, ask yourself if you can do it too.
Focus on Link-Worthy Content
Great content attracts links. Blog posts that answer specific questions, offer value, or explain something in a way others can’t are more likely to be referenced by other sites.
If you’ve got data, case studies, or unique insights, publish them. Content like that doesn’t just build authority; it builds your brand.
Remove Toxic Backlinks
Spammy backlinks don’t just look bad, they can hurt your DA and your search rankings. Regularly audit your link profile using Google Search Console or an SEO tool. If you spot questionable links, reach out to get them removed or disavow them through Google.
Improve Technical SEO
Site speed, mobile responsiveness, clean URLs, and a solid internal linking structure all help with SEO and can indirectly support your DA.
Use an SEO audit tool or a plugin like Yoast or All in One SEO for WordPress to clean up technical issues that might be hurting your site.
Keep Internal Links Strong
Linking to other relevant pages on your own site helps users and search engines. It keeps people engaged, helps Google understand your content structure, and spreads “link juice” across your pages.
A smart internal linking strategy is one of the easiest wins you can implement especially on content-heavy websites.
Final Thoughts: Use DA as a Guide, Not a Goal
Domain Authority is a helpful metric to keep an eye on, but it’s not the end of SEO.
You can use it to track your progress, compare your domain with competitors, and guide your link-building strategy. But always remember that real SEO results come from a broader, long-term approach focused on value, relevance, and user experience.
If you’re ready to boost your rankings, build authority, and get found on Google, The Digital Edge is here to help. We offer SEO services tailored for all business types, whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale.
Want to learn how we can improve your domain authority and your rankings? Get in touch with us today.