Increasing Domain Authority means adding backlinks from more unique, stronger referring domains, because Moz builds the score mainly from backlink data. This page lists six steps in order, from measuring the baseline to re-checking the score, names the work that does not move the number, and explains why the score changes even when your own site stays the same.
How do you increase Domain Authority?
Increase Domain Authority by earning backlinks from more unique referring domains with stronger link profiles of their own, because Moz calculates the score with a model that focuses mainly on backlink data. The work is link acquisition, in a steady sequence.
Domain Authority is Moz’s score from 1 to 100, and the guide on what DA measures defines it in full. Moz lists the number of linking root domains and the quality of those links among the factors that feed the score. Both factors respond to new links, so the six steps below all aim at new, relevant referring domains.
What are the steps to raise Domain Authority?
Six steps raise Domain Authority: measure the baseline, find the competitor gap, build a link-worthy asset, place links on new relevant hosts, vary the anchors and re-check on a schedule. Each step feeds the next, so the order matters.
- Measure the baseline. Record your DA, your referring-domain count and the same two numbers for three competitors. A check domain metrics run returns DA and DR for all four domains at once.
- Find the gap. Subtract your referring domains from the competitor median to set a monthly target for new domains.
- Build a link-worthy asset. A guide, a data page or a free tool gives other sites a reason to link, and the page on assets that earn links compares the formats.
- Place links on new, relevant hosts. Guest posts and niche edits on real, indexed sites add referring domains in your niche.
- Vary the anchors. Mix branded, URL and descriptive anchors across domains, and avoid repeating one keyword anchor.
- Re-check on a schedule. Re-measure monthly and compare against the same competitors.
Backlink Agency’s DA increase service covers steps 4 and 5 and reports each placement. No service controls Moz’s calculation, and none guarantees a specific score.
What does not raise Domain Authority?
Moz builds Domain Authority mainly from backlink data, so on-page edits, extra content and technical fixes help the score only when they earn links. Those changes help a page attract links, and the earned links then move the score.
- Meta tag and heading changes: they change how a page reads, not who links to it.
- More pages with no links: pages add content, not referring domains.
- Repeat links from sites already linking to you: they add backlinks and no new domains.
- Bulk low-grade links: Google’s spam policies list using automated programs or services to create links to your site as link spam, so mass-produced links add policy exposure.
Why does Domain Authority change without new links?
Domain Authority changes without new links because shifts in other sites’ scores move the relative scale and because Moz updates its algorithm. The score is comparative, so a competitor’s gain moves your position on the scale while your own profile stays unchanged.
The scale is not linear: growing from 20 to 30 is easier than growing from 70 to 80. Track DA against the same competitors month to month and read the gap, not the raw number. A flat score during an active link build can reflect a moved scale; check referring domains to confirm the links landed.
How long does it take to raise Domain Authority?
Domain Authority reflects the links that Moz has found, so the score does not move on the day a link goes live. Measure on a monthly cycle and judge progress by referring domains first and Domain Authority second.
The guide on how long links take covers the delay between placement and effect. Backlink Agency’s index guarantee replaces any delivered link that Google has not indexed within 30 days, and the 7-day money-back guarantee covers non-delivery. Neither guarantee promises a score or a position.
Where does Domain Rating fit in?
Domain Rating is the Ahrefs counterpart of Domain Authority, and the same link-acquisition steps apply to both scores because both rest mainly on backlink data. Pick one metric as the tracking number and report the other alongside it in every update.
The page on Domain Rating basics defines the Ahrefs score. Buyers who weigh paid placements read the six purchase checks before ordering, and the authority metric guides list every metric definition on the site.
Related: rebuild the competitor gap, SaaS link building by funnel stage, digital PR links from journalists, and local search authority.