Domain Authority
A third-party score, popularized by Moz, that predicts how well a website will rank on a 1 to 100 scale based largely on its backlink profile. It is not a metric Google uses or recognizes; it is a comparative estimate created by SEO tool vendors to gauge relative site strength.
Why It Matters
Domain authority offers a quick benchmark for comparing your site against competitors and for vetting potential link partners. Used as a directional guide rather than a target, it helps prioritize link-building outreach.
Common Mistake
Treating domain authority as an actual Google ranking factor or obsessing over the number. Chasing the score instead of earning relevant links and useful content optimizes for a vendor metric, not real rankings.