Content revised 21 October 2026.
Domain Authority is a third-party comparative metric, not a Google score you can directly improve through a prescribed quota. Use tool metrics as context for a website-specific review.
Check the source of the number
Different products use their own link indexes and models. Their scores can change when the model or data changes, even without a corresponding change in Google Search. Compare like-for-like reports before interpreting a movement.
Review the underlying website
Look at accurate useful pages, accessible navigation and relevant references. A score does not reveal whether a service page answers the customer’s question or whether the quote form works. Those need direct inspection.
Avoid buying the target
An offer to raise an authority score through bulk links may optimise the tool metric while creating poor promotion or policy problems. Ask about the actual publisher, relationship and purpose of any placement.
Choose business evidence
Track relevant search visibility and verified enquiries alongside completed work. A higher third-party number does not establish revenue or a guaranteed position. Document the limitation whenever the score appears in a report.
Official guidance: Google ranking-system context.