Domain rating

If you are in marketing, chances are that you use a DA checking tool to study and evaluate the results of your digital strategy, no matter if you call it domain authority, domain ranking, or authority sites checker. What does this authority metric mean? Does an Ahrefs domain rating make a difference in Google ranking? How to achieve a high DR?

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Templates using this KPI
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Integration using this KPI

What is domain rating?

A domain rating is a metric developed to help predict how likely a domain, subdomain, or page will rank in search engine result pages (SERP). This website ranking measure is determined on a logarithmic scale, and the score ranges from 1 to 100, 1 being where all new websites start and move on from there.

Although we don't know the exact algorithm of Ahrefs' DR, it is calculated by looking at multiple Google ranking factors, including referring domain, linking domains, domain age, and the total number of links, into a single DR score. You might want to check Moz and its Mozbar if you use domain authority. The algorithm is different, but the purpose is the same: finding your website's authority and how it compares to competitors.

Whereas a website's domain rating measures the strength of a website, there is also a DR score attributed to each web page, called page authority or page rank.

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How to calculate your domain rating

If you create your algorithm, you can calculate your domain rating, which would be time-consuming. Hopefully, SEO experts have made various SEO tools available. Moz, SEMrush, and Ahrefs have their version of a domain authority checker tool, so pick one and use it consistently. For each of these tools, you can find your complete website's backlink profile with several backlinks, link profile, domain rating from these backlinks, etc.

What is a good domain rating score?

A good domain rating typically refers to a high score assigned to a website based on various factors, such as a strong backlink profile, domain authority, and overall trustworthiness. This rating, often measured on a scale from 0 to 100, indicates the strength and credibility of a website in the eyes of search engines like Google. Websites with a high domain rating are more likely to rank well in search engine results, attract organic traffic, and enjoy greater online visibility. Achieving a good domain rating requires consistent efforts in content quality, link building, and user engagement, ultimately enhancing the website's authority and reputation within its niche.

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What is a bad domain rating score?

A bad domain rating typically signifies a low website score due to a poor backlink profile, low domain authority, and limited trustworthiness. Websites with a low DR struggle to rank well in organic search results, attract linking websites and generate significant organic search traffic. Lower domain ratings indicate weaker authority and credibility, hindering a website's ability to compete effectively within its niche and diminishing its online visibility and reach. It's crucial for website owners to improve their domain rating through strategies such as enhancing content quality, building high-quality backlinks, and engaging with their target audience to bolster organic search performance and overall website authority.

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Domain rating KPI examples & templates

Your domain rating can be (and should be) added to a few different reports.

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See this KPI in action here!

SEO report template

Track all of your SEO metrics in this complete SEO strategy report template that is 100% customizable. Measure your digital marketing strategy with metrics like organic traffic, link profile, and root domain external links.

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Web Analytics report template

Track every key metric you want in an in-depth digital marketing reporting template, from SEO to social media and overall website performance. Gain insights into user behavior and learn how to better the user experience and attract potential customers.

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Google My Business Report Template

Almost half of all searches on Google are looking for local information. The accuracy and performance of your local business listing are crucial if you want to be found by your target audience when it matters most! Get essential insights on search traffic, keywords you rank for, and more.

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Domain rating best practices

Here are some best practices you should keep in mind to achieve a higher score for your domain authority.

Build a high-quality backlink strategy

To establish a high-authority website, it's essential to craft comprehensive content marketing and robust link-building strategies. Prioritize acquiring do-follow links from reputable high-domain authority websites, ensuring high-quality content and backlinks. This entails conducting thorough keyword research, producing top-notch content, contributing guest posts, and adeptly seizing linking opportunities with high-DR (domain rating) websites. Effective link prospecting to maximize the number of unique domains linking back to your site is crucial for enhancing its overall authority and visibility.

Focus on search engine optimization

Understanding SEO fundamentals can significantly influence a site's Domain Rating (DR) score, as enhanced user experience fosters popularity and naturally attracts more inbound domain links. Prioritize on-page SEO optimization, ensuring mobile compatibility, and incorporating internal links, which play a crucial role in bolstering your search engine ranking, particularly on Google Search. Utilizing a reliable site explorer tool can aid in identifying valuable dofollow inbound links and optimizing your site's overall SEO performance for improved DR scores.

Keep an eye on your competitors

Monitoring your competitors is paramount for gauging your domain rating advancement. Conduct thorough site audits and analyze their backlinks and keyword rankings using your preferred SEO tool explorer. This enables the identification of valuable link-building opportunities from target websites sharing similar content niches. Prioritize steering clear of no-follow links, which offer limited impact, and avoid questionable or detrimental links. Leveraging a reliable crawler and comprehensive SEO tools streamlines the process of identifying and capitalizing on advantageous link prospects.

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Domain Rating Synonyms

Although domain rating is widely used, multiple synonyms can be used. Here are a few :

Domain authority score, Moz domain authority, Domain Rating score, Domain Authority (DA), Ahrefs Domain Rating, Authority score, SEMrush Authority Score, PageRank, Website Authority, Domain score, DA score, DR score, URL rating, Ahref rank.