Domain Authority (DA) vs. Page Authority (PA): Why they both matter

What is domain authority?

Domain authority (DA) is a search engine ranking score developed by Moz that predicts a website's ability to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs).

It serves as a comparative metric, ranging from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating a greater potential to rank on SERPs. Domain authority considers various factors such as linking root domains, the quality of those links, and other relevant ranking signals.

Domain authority is used as a comparative metric to evaluate websites and their potential to rank higher in search results. It's important to note that domain authority is relative and can fluctuate based on factors like link acquisition, link quality, and changes in the ranking algorithms.

Calculation of domain authority by Moz

Domain authority is calculated using a machine learning algorithm developed by Moz.

While Moz's algorithm remains confidential, it mainly relies on link data, analyzing both the quantity and quality of links pointing to a given website. The algorithm assigns a numerical value to each factor and combines them to determine the overall domain authority score.

What is citation flow and trust flow?

Citation flow and trust flow are metrics developed by Majestic.com, providing additional insights into a website's link profile. Citation flow represents the quantity of links pointing to a website, while trust flow measures the quality and trustworthiness of those links. A balance between these two metrics is important for a quality backlink profile.

Common FAQs around domain authority

Q1: What is a good domain authority score?

A: A good domain authority score depends on various factors. Generally, higher scores indicate a better ranking potential. While there's no specific range for a "good" score, aim to have a higher domain authority than your competitors in order to improve your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Q2: Can domain authority be improved quickly?

A: Improving domain authority is a slow, but steady process and it's not something that can be achieved instantly. It requires a combination of building quality backlinks, creating valuable content, optimizing on-page SEO elements, and consistently applying SEO best practices.

Q3: How often does domain authority update?

A: Domain authority scores are updated regularly, but the frequency is not disclosed, and it usually takes a few weeks to a month for updates to happen. Keep in mind that fluctuations can occur due to updates from Moz.

Q4: Is domain authority the only factor for ranking on Google?

A: No, domain authority is just one of many factors search engines consider when determining rankings. Other important factors include relevant content, on-page optimization, user experience, website speed, mobile-friendliness, and backlink profile.

What is page authority?

While domain authority focuses on the overall authority of a website, page authority focuses on the specific pages within that domain.

Page authority is a metric also developed by Moz that predicts how well a particular page is likely to rank in search engine results. Similar to DA, PA is measured on a scale of 1 to 100.

Page authority takes into account factors such as the quality and quantity of links pointing to a specific page, the relevance of the content, and other factors. Focusing on improving both DA and PA can help to improve the overall SEO performance of your website while also optimizing specific pages for better visibility and ranking.

We can help improve your DA and PA

Partnering with an SEO agency can greatly benefit your website's DA and PA. Through a combination of strategic keyword research, on-page optimization, quality content creation, link building, and technical SEO improvements, our SEO experts can help enhance your website's visibility, credibility, and ranking in search engine results.