Don’t Get Scammed by Domain Authority (With PDF Guide)

The world of SEO is filled with tools and metrics designed to help websites improve their rankings, and one of the most popular among them is Domain Authority (DA). 



But what if the very metric that many SEO professionals rely on is not as useful (or reliable) as you think?

The SEO community has largely built its link-building strategies around two metrics: 

Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR). 

While these numbers can give you an idea of how well a website is performing, the ease with which they can be manipulated makes them problematic. 

Freelance platforms like Fiverr offer services that can take your website’s DA from 0 to 50 in just a few days.

Sounds like a dream, right? 

But it’s a red flag.

Google executives, including John Mueller, have repeatedly emphasised that DA is not a ranking factor in their search algorithm. 

So, if Google doesn't use DA, why are we so obsessed with it? 

You can buy higher DA scores, but that doesn’t guarantee better rankings or more traffic.

You can easily purchase DA/DR services on Fiverr, but ask yourself: 

Would Google, a company renowned for its search algorithm sophistication, allow such key ranking metrics to be bought so easily? 

Probably not.

Instead of being swayed by manipulated DA scores, you should focus on metrics that provide value in link building. 

Here are 7 metrics to consider:

1. Organic Traffic
2. Ranking Keywords
3. Good Backlinks
4. Social Presence
5. Targeted Niche
6. Real People
7. Business Model

These metrics offer a more reliable gauge of a website’s value than DA ever could.

While DA and DR have their place, especially in giving a rough idea of a site’s potential, they should not be the foundation of your link-building efforts. 

Instead, focus on metrics that matter and can drive meaningful traffic and results.

Hi, I’m Zach Argyle, founder of Jodana, where I help SEOs and agencies build stronger, more resilient backlinks. Want more link-building tips? Follow me for insights that will elevate your SEO game.