Website Authority Checker your site’s SEO strength. Higher website authority = a better chance of appearing first for a Google search.
Website authority is a crucial SEO metric that directly impacts your site’s ability to rank in search results. According to Backlinko, “Authority Score Checker = a better chance of appearing first for a Google search.”
What is Check Website Authority?
The likelihood that a website will rank in search results is measured by its website authority. Sites with higher scores have a greater chance of ranking in the top SERPs and transferring authority to the websites they link to.
That sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?
Yes, it is. And it’s one of the reasons why website authority has fascinated SEO experts ever since the concept was first hinted at in a 1999 study on authoritative groups. Soon later, Google’s proprietary PageRank algorithm grabbed headlines.
The PageRank score of your website may have a big positive impact on Google search results. A sophisticated network of inbound and outbound links from websites forms the basis of this score. Higher authority sites appeared to have greater influence. Your pages may therefore perform better in terms of PageRank.
- Rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs)
- Pass more authority to sites they link to
- Have more credibility in their niche
The concept originated from a 1999 research paper on authoritative communities and was popularized after Google introduced its PageRank algorithm, which used link networks to evaluate site credibility.
Major Website Authority Metrics
Three main tools measure website authority, each with their own approach:
1. Semrush Authority Score (AS)
- Range: 0-100
- Backlinko’s score: 60
- Focus: Designed to resist manipulation
- Key factors: Link power, organic traffic, link profile quality
- Notable feature: Includes textual rating labels to interpret scores
2. Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR)
- Range: 0-100
- Backlinko’s score: 90
- Focus: Purely link-based evaluation
- Key factors: Number and quality of referring domains
- Notable feature: Uses logarithmic scale (harder to improve as score increases)
3. Moz Domain Authority (DA)
- Range: 0-100
- Backlinko’s score: 72
- Focus: Pioneer in authority metrics
- Key factors: Total inbound links and root domains
- Notable feature: Uses machine learning to adjust scores
Why Website Authority Matters
The article demonstrates authority’s impact through real examples:
- Backlinko (AS: 60) outranks major sites like MailChimp, Semrush, and Moz for the competitive term “what are backlinks?”
- In the recipe niche, The Big Man’s World (AS: 59) secured rich snippets and top placements compared to Eat Well 101 (AS: 41)
- Interestingly, Teaching Expertise (AS: 47) ranked above Crayola (AS: 68) for “fun crayon activities for kids,” showing authority isn’t the only ranking factor
How to Increase Your Website Authority
The primary strategy for improving website authority is acquiring high-quality backlinks. Backlinko shares that they earned over 5,600 quality backlinks in 30 days using their “reverse outreach strategy,” landing links from major publications like Bloomberg, Inc., and Business Insider.
Important Perspective on Authority
The article concludes with a crucial reminder: “Google doesn’t even use the word ‘authority’ in its guide.” While authority metrics provide useful insights, they’re third-party approximations of Google’s ranking factors.
The recommendation is to focus on Google’s own guidance about quality websites rather than exclusively chasing authority scores. Authority metrics should be used as comparative tools and guidelines rather than absolute measures of SEO success.
Using the Free Tool
Backlinko offers a free Website Authority Checker tool powered by Semrush that you can use to:
- Check your domain’s authority score
- Identify areas for improvement
- Compare your score with competitors
- Develop a plan for increasing your authority