Domain Authority is a proprietary metric developed by Moz that scores websites from 0 to 100 based on the quantity and quality of their inbound links. A site with DA 20 will typically struggle to outrank a site with DA 60 for competitive keywords, all else equal. The score uses a machine learning model trained on actual Google SERPs, incorporating factors like the number of linking root domains, total backlinks, link quality, and MozRank. Google does not use Domain Authority in its algorithm. DA is a third-party attempt to model ranking strength. That said, because DA heavily weighs backlink profiles and Google also prioritizes authoritative link signals, the two correlate in practice. Sites with DA above 50 generally have extensive, editorially earned link profiles. DA below 20 typically indicates newer sites or those with minimal external validation. The logarithmic scale means moving from DA 20 to 30 is far easier than 70 to 80. Most small business sites in Ottawa range between DA 15–35. Established regional publishers or universities sit at DA 60–85. Ottawa SEO's own domain portfolio shows variability: aged, link-rich properties reach DA 40–50, while newer microsites start around DA 10–15 and climb as they earn links. DA updates roughly monthly and can fluctuate when Moz recalibrates its index or when competitors gain links faster than you. A drop doesn't always mean you lost links; it can mean the competitive landscape shifted. We track DA as a benchmark for link building progress but prioritize actual Google rankings and organic traffic over chasing the score itself. Other tools offer similar metrics: Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR), Semrush Authority Score, and Majestic Trust Flow. Each uses different data sets and weightings, so a site might score DA 35 but DR 42. We reference multiple metrics to triangulate link equity rather than fixating on one number. The real value is in understanding the link profile behind the score—what domains link to you, their relevance, and whether they pass editorial trust.