How We Increased Our Domain Authority from 0 to 50+
This blog is a comprehensive guide and is tailored to cater to websites at various stages of development, from the nascent DA 0–20 to the elevated DA 50 and beyond. Whether you’re just starting your online journey or seeking to ascend further, each section will provide actionable insights, proven techniques, and advanced strategies to boost your website’s Domain Authority. So, buckle up as we embark on a journey to enhance your website’s online influence and visibility.
This is also the real-life story of Fitbots.com and all that we did with screenshots. At the time of writing this blog, we are at DA 52 and DR 51. Enjoy the read and give us some claps and comments.
I. Introduction — Basics of DA & DR
A. Unveiling the Significance of Domain Authority (DA)
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, Domain Authority (DA) has emerged as a pivotal metric determining a website’s prowess in search engine rankings. Developed by Moz, DA is a numeric score ranging from 0 to 100 that reflects a site’s authority and potential for high visibility on search engine result pages (SERPs).
B. The Power of a High DA in SEO and Online Presence
A high DA isn’t just a vanity metric; it directly impacts a website’s ability to attract organic traffic, gain credibility, and outrank competitors. Search engines, like Google, consider websites with higher DAs as more trustworthy and relevant, making it imperative for webmasters and marketers to actively pursue strategies that elevate this critical metric.
C. What Lies Ahead
This comprehensive guide, based on data from fitbots.com, is designed to address the needs of websites at different developmental stages, providing solutions to challenges from the early stages with a Domain Authority (DA) of 0–20 to the more advanced stages at DA 50 and beyond. Whether you’re initiating your online venture or aiming for higher echelons, each section delivers actionable insights, proven techniques, and advanced strategies to enhance your website’s Domain Authority. Join us on this journey to elevate your website’s online influence and visibility.
II. Understanding Domain Authority
A. Decoding the Algorithm
To effectively improve your website’s Domain Authority, it’s crucial to comprehend how this metric is calculated. Moz’s algorithm considers various factors, including the quantity and quality of inbound links, the relevance and diversity of content, and the overall health of your website. This multifaceted approach necessitates a holistic strategy for optimal results.
B. Factors Influencing Domain Authority
Backlinks Quality and Quantity
The backbone of DA, high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites significantly impact your score.
Diversify sources and ensure relevance to your niche.
Content Quality and Relevance
Engage your audience with valuable, well-researched content.
Regularly update and refresh existing content to reflect industry trends.
Website Structure and User Experience
A well-organized site structure enhances user experience and contributes to higher DA.
Focus on mobile responsiveness, intuitive navigation, and fast loading times.
C. Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation
Understanding that DA is not a static metric is pivotal. Regularly monitor your website’s performance using tools like Moz’s Site Explorer, and be prepared to adapt your strategies based on changes in the digital landscape. Embrace a dynamic approach to stay ahead in the competitive online arena.
Arming yourself with a solid foundation in the intricacies of DA sets the stage for the targeted strategies that will follow in the subsequent sections. By comprehending the algorithm and the factors that influence DA, you can make informed decisions to elevate your website’s authority and visibility.
III. DA 0–20: Laying the Foundation
A. On-Page Optimization
Title Tags and Meta Descriptions
Craft compelling, keyword-rich titles and meta descriptions.
Challenge: Balancing optimization without sacrificing readability.
Lesson Learned: Without great content that users want keywords and meta descriptions fail. Fitbots is now known for its OKR expertise globally. Initially, we just offered OKR software this did not make any impact on DA however as we introduced coaching and certification our content became relevant and thus SEO team now had levers to play with titles and meta descriptions.
Fitbots OKR Software
Fitbots OKR Coach Certification Program
Keyword Research and Implementation
Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant terms.
Challenge: Overcoming keyword stuffing and maintaining content quality.
Solution: Leverage tools such as SEMrush or Google Keyword Planner to find relevant keywords and integrate them naturally into your content. We stuck with https://app.neilpatel.com/
Quality and Relevant Content Creation
Create engaging, informative content aligned with user intent.
Challenge: Generating content consistently and avoiding duplication.
Solution: Develop an editorial calendar and use plagiarism checkers like Grammarly or Copyscape to ensure originality.
B. Technical SEO
Website Speed Optimization
Optimize images, use browser caching, and leverage content delivery networks (CDNs).
Challenge: Balancing media-rich content with loading speed.
Solution: Employ tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to identify and rectify speed bottlenecks.
Lesson Learned: Serious buyers of OKR software are primarily desktop/tablet users (over 75%). We prioritized optimizing the user experience for these devices. Observing trends over months and years, we understood that mobile users mainly consume content on social channels like LinkedIn. However, they continue their journey on desktops if they want to take a free trial. Therefore, understanding your segment’s behavior and optimizing for it is crucial.
Mobile Responsiveness
Ensure a seamless experience across various devices.
Challenge: Testing and optimizing for diverse screen sizes and resolutions.
Solution: Tools like Google Mobile-Friendly Test assist in identifying and resolving mobile responsiveness issues.
Note: This is not contradictory to the statement made above. We focused on getting the Mobile experience for the Hero section right on iPhone and Top Andriod devices.
XML Sitemap and Robots.txt Setup
Submit XML sitemaps to search engines and configure robots.txt.
Challenge: Ensuring proper indexing and avoiding unintentional blocks.
Solution: Google Search Console provides insights into crawl errors and indexing status.
C. Building Initial Backlinks
Submitting to Relevant Directories
List your site on niche directories.
Challenge: Identifying authoritative directories and avoiding spammy ones.
Solution: Use tools like Moz Local or BrightLocal to find reputable directories for submission. Also, join a ton of Slack marketing communities to help you out.
Guest Posting on Niche Websites
Contribute valuable content to websites in your industry.
Challenge: Balancing quantity with quality and relevance.
Solution: Offer Free courses or content relevant to your market.
Lesson Learned: As a founder, your primary responsibility is to spread the word and continuously promote your company. This involves applying for startup awards, seeking media coverage, and finding other ways to increase visibility. I owe a great deal of credit to my co-founder, Vidya, for driving Brand Fitbots’ visibility and securing those crucial high-DA backlinks in the early days.
Engaging in Social Media Promotion
Share your content on social platforms for increased visibility.
Challenge: Maintaining consistency and relevance in social media activity.
Solution: Social media management tools like Hubspot or SocialPilot can help schedule and track your social posts.
Lesson Learned: When you get community of subject matter experts and influencers to contribute to your content your Social Channels take off.
D. Challenges in Execution and Steps to Overcome Them
Content Consistency Challenge:
Solution: Develop a content calendar, use content scheduling tools, and consider outsourcing content creation if necessary.
OKR Blogs
Backlink Quality Challenge:
Solution: Prioritize outreach to authoritative sites, monitor backlink profiles using tools like Ahrefs, and disavow toxic links.
Tip: Examine every link. Cutshort.io & feedspot.com are trusted on non-toxic so can be retained else you will have to disavow them.
Technical SEO Complexity Challenge:
Solution: Break down technical tasks, seek professional assistance if needed, and use tools like Screaming Frog for comprehensive website audits.
Navigating the challenges in executing foundational strategies requires a combination of diligence, strategic planning, and leveraging the right tools. Overcoming these hurdles sets the stage for a gradual increase in Domain Authority.
III. DA 20–40: Building Momentum
A. Content Strategy
Regular and Consistent Content Updates
Post regularly to keep your audience engaged and attract search engine attention.
Challenge: Maintaining a consistent content schedule.
Solution: Use content calendar tools like clickup to plan and schedule content updates.
Lesson Learned: Once you get into a rhythm of posting, your DA will not automatically improve. However, if your content is relevant and useful, you will get noticed by other marketers who may start writing to you. This is a sign that your strategy is working. Quantity will help you get started, but quality will propel you up the DA ladder. Don't use Gen AI tools write Authentic & original content. Let be in your style.
Diversifying Content Types
Explore various content formats such as videos, infographics, and podcasts.
Challenge: Balancing diverse content with quality.
Solution: Tools like Canva for graphics and Audacity for podcasts can help diversify content creation.
Wit, wisdom, and creativity are gifts. I’m proud of my marketing team, Bani, Prerna, Varshini, and Richa, who consistently come up with eye-catching strategies.
Encouraging User-Generated Content not machine-generated
Foster a community where users contribute content.
Challenge: Incentivizing users to actively participate.
Solution: Implement social sharing tools and run contests to encourage user-generated content.
Lesson Learned: The devil is in the details. Create a list of keywords that are relevant to your brand. Ensure that every image, every meta tag, every blog, and every webinar incorporates these relevant keywords. Don’t compromise on quality, and focus on improving your content one step at a time, every day. DA & DR will move up if uses consume what you publish.
B. Backlink Outreach
Outreach to Industry Influencers
Build relationships with influencers for quality backlinks.
Challenge: Gaining attention from influencers.
Solution: Tools like LinkedIn can help identify and connect with influencers in your niche.
Participating in Online Communities and Forums
Engage in discussions and share your expertise.
Challenge: Establishing credibility in communities.
Solution: Regular participation in Webinars and forums to drive brand visibility. Slack channels are also of great help in helping you gain backlinks as your content gets shared and people will reach out to you and refer you.
Building Relationships with Other Website Owners
Collaborate with other site owners for mutual backlink opportunities.
Solution: Outreach tools like Linkedin or Slack streamline communication and relationship-building.
C. Social Signals
Social Media Engagement and Sharing
Actively engage with your audience on social platforms.
Challenge: Managing multiple social media channels effectively and importantly finding the channel that works for you
Solution: Social media management tools like Hubspot can help streamline social media engagement.
Tip: Most social platforms provide analytics to track your social strategy’s performance against your competitors. Leverage these analytics and scan your competitors’ posts to identify strategies that could work for you.
Encouraging Social Proof and Testimonials
Showcase positive reviews and testimonials.
Challenge: Eliciting feedback and testimonials from users.
Solution: Use tools like G2 or Gartner to gather and display customer testimonials.
D. Challenges in Execution and Steps to Overcome Them
Content Diversification Challenge:
Solution: Experiment with different content formats gradually, monitor engagement metrics, and seek feedback from your audience.
Note: Climbing the DA ladder requires unwavering discipline with keywords and tagging. As you diversify your content, you’ll discover that some formats perform better than others. However, regardless of your experimental findings, consistent tagging of each image, inclusion of relevant keywords, and aligning titles with user search behavior remain crucial for success.
If you are looking for ideas for topics around which you wish do diversify the content, https://answerthepublic.com/ is a great place to start!
Influencer Outreach Challenge:
Solution: Personalize outreach messages, offer value to influencers, and use tools like Linkedin for streamlined communication to leverage the social credibility you have built.
Community Engagement Challenge:
Solution: Consistent participation, offering valuable insights, and using community management tools like Discourse can enhance engagement.
Social Media Management Challenge:
Solution: Schedule posts in advance, monitor analytics for optimal posting times, and use social media management tools to streamline processes.
Navigating these challenges and implementing effective solutions not only helps build momentum for your website but also sets the stage for more advanced strategies in the pursuit of higher Domain Authority.
IV. DA 40–50: Strengthening Authority
A. Advanced Link Building
Creating and Promoting Valuable Resources
Develop authoritative resources like ebooks or comprehensive guides.
Challenge: Balancing resource creation with regular content updates.
Solution: Plan resource creation strategically, perhaps as quarterly or annual initiatives.
Pro Tip: Content goes out of fashion quickly. In the early days, the top eBook was “How to Run an OKR Pilot,” but then the trend shifted to “KPIs vs. OKRs.” As the market matures, the content you publish must change and mature as well. Remember to keep all artifact descriptions well-updated with relevant metadata.
Earning High-Quality Backlinks Through Mention Real People
Showcase real-world success stories through case studies, stories, or expertise.
Forge partnerships with other influential players in your industry.
Challenge:
a) Establishing mutually beneficial collaborations
b) Identifying and persuading experts for blogs and showcasing them.
Solution: Create top content where people like to be featured.
Pro Tip: Content is the beginning of the game. Once you get noticed, people will start reaching out to you for backlinks. Engaging with the digital marketers who reach out is a crucial activity. You need backlinks from them and other sites, so ensure you act promptly and follow through to earn high-quality backlinks.
B. Technical SEO Refinement
Do not underate and forget Technical SEO!
#1 Schema Markup Implementation
Enhance search results with structured data markup.
Challenge: Implementing and validating complex schema markups.
Solution: Use schema generators like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper or Schema.org’s tools.
Fitbots Blog
Technical SEO Tags fixed with no errors
#2 SSL Certificate
Secure your website with HTTPS for better user trust.
Challenge: Navigating through SSL installation complexities.
Solution: Many hosting providers such as web flow offer simple SSL out of the box.
#3 Regular Website Audits for Issues and Improvements — This is the Real #1
Conduct routine audits to identify and rectify website issues.
Challenge: Analyzing and prioritizing issues identified in audits.
Solution: Tools like Google Search Console provide detailed insights into website health and issues or you can use Uber Suggest as well (which we did)!
Pro Tip: Regularly reviewing SEO is the most important activity for maintaining DA & DR. It’s easy to make mistakes, and it can be boring at times, but actions and discipline serve as the bridge between outcomes and theoretical knowledge.
C. User Experience Enhancement
Improving Website Navigation
Ensure intuitive and user-friendly navigation.
Challenge: Balancing a visually appealing design with functionality.
Solution: Gather user feedback, conduct A/B testing, and use tools like Microsoft Clarity for heatmaps and user recordings.
Pro Tip: Don’t fall for the vanity metrics of DA or DR. While they can be good proxies for site traffic and potential leads, what truly matters is whether you’re attracting high-quality prospects who convert. I recommend focusing on measuring MQLs (Marketing Qualified Leads), MQLs that convert to free trials, free trial engagement, and ultimately, free trial conversions to paying customers. Nothing else truly matters.
Incorporate multimedia elements for a richer user experience.
Challenge: Optimizing images and multimedia without compromising site speed.
Solution: Compress images, use lazy loading, and employ Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) for multimedia content.
Implementing Responsive and Intuitive Design
Ensure your website adapts seamlessly to different devices.
Challenge: Testing responsiveness across various devices and browsers.
Solution: We used a simple trick as time went by we stuck with Google Mobile responsiveness scores.
D. Challenges in Execution and Steps to Overcome Them
Resource Creation Challenge:
Solution: Plan resource creation strategically, allocate dedicated time and resources and consider outsourcing if necessary.
Pro Tip: Identifying the Minimum Number of Blogs and Content for SEO Boost
I remember when our Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR) hovered around 30–35. We embarked on a company-wide project, “Project 800,” inspired by an SEO consultant and marketer’s suggestions. The essence was to reach 800 blogs with the highest quality content, potentially elevating our DA to 70 and enhancing visibility and site traffic.
Although we didn’t quite reach 800, this initiative ignited a company-wide blog writing spree, and the results were magical. Project 800 saw valuable contributions from Soujanya, Bani, Arunabh, Prerna, Mominur, Sahil, Vinay, and Vaibhav. A huge shout-out to the team!
Project 800 managed on ClickUp
Website Audit Challenge:
Solution: Prioritize identified issues based on their impact, and address critical ones first. Regularly schedule comprehensive website audits.
Pro Tip: Our Weekly marketing calls would start with review of Ubersuggest and we focused on items we could solve for the week.
User Experience Testing Challenge:
Solution: Gather user feedback by talking to prospects
Embracing the challenges and implementing effective solutions at this stage will not only solidify your website’s authority but also pave the way for more advanced SEO strategies as you progress toward a higher Domain Authority.
V. DA 50+: Scaling Heights
A. Authority Content
Creating Cornerstone Content | Be the experts
Develop comprehensive, in-depth content that serves as a cornerstone in your niche.
Challenge: Balancing depth with readability and accessibility.
Solution: Use a structured approach, break down complex topics, and leverage multimedia for enhanced understanding.
In-Depth Research Articles
Conduct original research to establish thought leadership.
Challenge: Allocating resources for extensive research.
Solution: Plan research projects strategically, collaborate with industry experts, and leverage tools like Typeform for data collection.
Long-Form Evergreen Content
Craft content with enduring value that stands the test of time.
Challenge: Maintaining relevancy in ever-evolving industries.
Solution: Regularly update evergreen content, monitor industry trends, and use tools like Google Trends for insights.
Explore advanced techniques like broken link building and the skyscraper method.
Challenge: Identifying suitable opportunities for advanced link-building.
Solution: Use tools like Broken Link Check or Ahrefs’ Broken Link Checker to find broken links
Utilizing Data-Driven SEO Strategies
Base decisions on comprehensive data analysis and insights.
Challenge: Extracting actionable insights from large datasets.
Solution: Utilize data visualization tools like Google Data Studio, Answer the Public, or Excel for effective analysis.
Staying Updated with Algorithm Changes and Adapting Accordingly
Remain vigilant to search engine algorithm updates and adjust strategies.
Challenge: Keeping abreast of real-time changes in algorithms.
Solution: Follow reputable SEO blogs, join industry forums, and use tools like MozCast to monitor algorithm volatility.
Note: Our peak DA and DR were significantly higher than their current levels. Our DA dropped to 29 following an algorithm change. Assuming that we don’t need to revisit old content or update tags is a major SEO mistake. To stay ahead, we must continuously monitor changing trends and rework keywords, meta tags, and descriptions.
Algorithm Adaptation Challenge:
We had a situation where our DA went to the high 40s and dropped to 32. We realized the issue when our MQLs started to drop. This is something to watch out for
Solution: Subscribe to industry newsletters, attend conferences, and actively participate in SEO communities to stay informed about algorithm changes.
Embracing these advanced strategies and overcoming the associated challenges will propel your website into the upper echelons of Domain Authority, establishing it as a formidable presence in your industry.
VI. Conclusion
A. Recap of Key Strategies for Each DA Stage
DA 0–20: Laying the Foundation
Focus on on-page optimization, technical SEO, and building initial backlinks.
Address challenges in consistent content creation, technical intricacies, and initial backlink quality.
DA 20–40: Building Momentum
Diversify content types, enhance backlink outreach, and leverage social signals.
Overcome challenges in maintaining content consistency, influencer outreach, and community engagement.
DA 40–50: Strengthening Authority
Embrace advanced link-building, refine technical SEO, and enhance user experience.
Tackle challenges related to resource creation, SSL implementation, website audits, and user experience testing.
DA 50+: Scaling Heights
Develop authority content, expand to international markets, and implement advanced SEO strategies.
Address challenges in crafting cornerstone content, internationalization, advanced SEO tactics, and algorithm adaptation.
B. Encouraging Continuous Improvement and Adaptation
Consistent Monitoring and Analysis
Regularly monitor your website’s performance using tools like Google Analytics, Clarity, Moz, or Ahrefs and ubersuggest.
Analyze data trends, and user behavior, and adapt strategies accordingly.
Staying Informed About Industry Trends
Subscribe to industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in forums.
Stay ahead of the curve by being informed about emerging trends and updates.
Iterative Optimization
SEO is an ongoing process; continually optimize and refine your strategies.
Embrace a mindset of constant improvement and adaptability.
Networking and Collaboration
Engage with others in your industry, both online and offline.
Collaborate with peers, seek advice, and share insights to foster a supportive network.
In conclusion, the journey to increase Domain Authority is multifaceted and requires dedication, strategic planning, and adaptability. By addressing challenges at each stage and implementing the suggested solutions and tools, your website can steadily ascend in authority, improving its online visibility and reaping the benefits of a strong digital presence. Remember, the pursuit of a higher Domain Authority is an ongoing process that evolves with the ever-changing landscape of the digital realm.
About the Author
Kashi is the Co-founder and CTO of Fitbots. Kashi has coached over 700+ teams on OKRs with the focus on helping founders and teams achieve more with OKRs. His niche focuses on the future of work by bringing technology to life.
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