Free DA Checker
What Is Domain Authority
Domain authority is a predictive metric, initially developed by Moz, that estimates how likely a domain is to rank in search engine result pages (SERPs). Scores range from 1 to 100, with higher values indicating stronger backlink profiles. As Moz explains, “Domain Authority (DA) is a search engine ranking score developed by Moz. It predicts how well a website will rank on SERPs. DA scores range from one to 100, with higher scores corresponding to a greater ability to rank” (Moz).
This section addresses what is domain authority and unpacks its computation:
- Link Profile Depth: Number of unique referring domains.
- Link Quality: Authority of linking sites.
- Index Freshness: Recency of linked content.
Domain Authority Explained
DA is not used by Google but correlates with many ranking factors. In the original design, Rand Fishkin noted, “Domain Authority was never intended to be a metric that would replace, or even compete with PageRank. The intention of Domain Authority was to build a model that would predictably estimate how Google ranks individual domains” (Brafton).
Fishkin emphasized the comparative purpose of DA:
“Domain Authority doesn’t provide you with anything on its own… it’s a good comparative metric and it correlates nicely with Google’s rankings” (Marketing Speak).
DA Checker Tool Tutorial
The following DA checker tool tutorial illustrates usage with Moz’s free offering:
- Navigate to the Moz Link Explorer page.
- Enter target URL in the “Explore by Site or Link” field.
- Submit query and review the “Domain Authority” score.
- Expand backlink details to inspect linking domains, anchor text distribution, and spam score.
The process typically takes under ten seconds. For batch analysis, bulk CSV import functions expedite auditing multiple domains.
SEO Authority Metrics in Context
DA sits among SEO authority metrics such as Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR), Semrush Authority Score, and Majestic Trust Flow. These metrics use related algorithms but vary in data sources and weightings. In a reliability study, Moz, Semrush, and Ahrefs scores aligned inconsistently, underscoring that no single metric is definitive (ResearchGate).
Domain Authority vs Page Authority
Moz differentiates between site-wide strength and individual page potential:
- Domain Authority: Measures entire domain.
- Page Authority (PA): Predicts ranking power of a single page.
PA uses a similar scale (1–100) and incorporates internal link structure. Understanding domain authority vs page authority informs targeted link building.
Understanding DA Range
DA values cluster in ranges that correspond to backlink volume and quality. Typical industry averages fall between 30 and 40 (umbrex.com). The following thresholds guide benchmarking:
- 0–15: New or niche sites with minimal links.
- 16–30: Growing sites with moderate link profiles.
- 31–60: Established domains with hundreds of links.
- 61–100: Authority sites commanding thousands of links.
Referencing Moz’s findings, “the average DA 6 to 10 site has 30 referring domains, and the average DA 11 to 15 site has 44 referring domains. The average DA 61 to 65 site has 956 referring domains, and the average DA 66 to 70 site has 1,374 referring domains” (LinkBuilder.io).
Low DA Implications
Sites with low DA face obstacles in ranking competitive keywords. Low DA implications include:
- Reduced crawl priority by search engines.
- Difficulties securing organic backlinks.
- Hurdles in SERP placements for mid-volume queries.
These sites require foundational link strategies and content focus before pursuing high-authority terms.
Authority Building Techniques
Effective authority building techniques encompass:
- Guest Posting: Placing content on related, higher-DA blogs.
- Broken Link Reclamation: Identifying 404 pages and suggesting your content as replacement.
- Digital PR: Securing coverage in mainstream media links.
- Niche Edits: Paying site owners to add contextual links within existing articles.
Grey hat operators may employ expired domain acquisition to inherit link equity. This practice carries risks under Google’s site-history scrutiny.
Content Strategies for DA
Content strategies for DA should align with link prospects:
- Linkable Assets: In-depth guides, interactive tools, or proprietary research.
- Skyscraper Technique: Creating superior content to outrank existing top resources.
- Data-Driven Posts: Publishing original statistics encourages citations.
Aligning topics with industry search volume ensures that outreach targets relevant domains.
Boost Domain Authority Tips
Actionable boost domain authority tips involve:
- Regular Link Audits: Removing toxic links via Google Disavow.
- Anchor Text Diversity: Balancing branded, exact-match, and natural anchors.
- Internal Linking Optimization: Distributing page authority to key landing pages.
- Social Amplification: Promoting content on social platforms to attract organic links.
These methods amplify link signals while maintaining a low profile to search-engine algorithms.
DA in SEO Planning
Integrating DA into campaign workflows informs keyword targeting and resource allocation. In the planning phase:
- Map keyword difficulty by comparing target DA with competing domains.
- Allocate budget for paid outreach to domains within reachable DA brackets.
- Prioritize authority-driven SEO for high-value, low-competition niches.
This approach enhances ROI on link investments by focusing on realistic ranking scenarios.
SEO Metrics Comparison
Comparing metrics across platforms clarifies tool choice:
| Metric | Source | Scale | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domain Authority | Moz | 1–100 | Backlink profile strength |
| Domain Rating | Ahrefs | 1–100 | Referring domain volume |
| Authority Score | Semrush | 0–100 | Engagement and backlink data |
| Trust Flow | Majestic | 0–100 | Link trust and citation power |
DA Checker Pricing
While free tools suffice for basic audits, professional usage may require paid plans. DA checker pricing examples include:
- Moz Pro: Standard plan at $99/month, Starter at $49/month, Medium at $179/month, Large at $299/month.
- Ahrefs: Lite plan $99/month; Standard $199/month; Advanced $399/month.
- Semrush: Pro plan $119.95/month; Guru $229.95/month; Business $449.95/month.
Selecting between cost-effective DA tools hinges on query volume, API needs, and integration with broader SEO suites.
Good Domain Authority Score
A good domain authority score depends on the competitive landscape:
- Local Businesses: DA 20–30 may yield top-ten placements for regional keywords.
- Niche B2B Sites: DA 30–50 typically outranks general news outlets.
- Enterprise Brands: DA 60+ aligns with category-leader visibility.
Comparing DA scores of current ranking pages informs target thresholds.
SEO Strategy with DA
In an SEO strategy with DA, link acquisition and on-page factors operate in tandem:
- Baseline Audit: Record current DA and backlink profile.
- Keyword Segmentation: Group terms by required DA to rank.
- Outreach Campaigns: Secure links from domains slightly above target DA.
- Content Refreshes: Update cornerstone content for link attractivity.
- Monitoring & Adjustment: Track DA movements and refine tactics.
This cyclical process sustains incremental authority growth while adapting to algorithm updates.
Authority-Driven SEO
Authority-driven campaigns leverage domain strength to secure competitive gains. Tactics include:
- Hub Creation: Building topical clusters to concentrate link equity.
- Link Velocity Control: Regulating the pace of link acquisition to mimic organic patterns.
- PBN Integration: Deploying private blog networks judiciously to avoid manual penalties.
Grey hat specialists balance aggressive techniques with risk mitigation, often diversifying across multiple domain assets.
Final Considerations
A robust domain authority checker guide supports data-centric decision-making across SEO campaigns. Integrating free and paid DA tool benefits within a layered strategy amplifies visibility and safeguards progress. As DA remains an estimate rather than a direct ranking factor, coupling it with on-page relevance and user-experience metrics is essential. Practitioners who harness both white and black hat tactics, manage link risk, and adopt disciplined scaling can harness authority building techniques to secure sustainable growth.