A Call for Change: Rethinking the Discussion Around Domain Authority in r/bigseo
Dear r/bigseo Moderators,
I would like to open up a dialogue regarding the language used in the auto-moderation comments concerning Domain Authority (DA) within our community. Recent discussions and new insights into Google’s metrics have prompted me to believe that a nuanced approach is necessary.
It has come to light that Google indeed has a metric internally recognized as “siteAuthority,” as indicated in leaked documents from their Content Warehouse, specifically within the GoogleApi.ContentWarehouse.V1.Model.CompressedQualitySignals module. This discovery has the potential to reshape our understanding of how third-party metrics, such as DA, fit into the broader SEO landscape.
Currently, the auto-moderation comment in response to any mention of DA states:
“DA is a useless third-party metric. Google does not use DA in any way. It isn’t a good KPI.”
While I can appreciate the sentiment behind this statement, it brings an important point of contention to the forefront. It can be misleading to assert that “Google does not use DA in any way.” Even if DA, which was developed by Moz, may not directly influence Google’s ranking algorithm, its applicability in various SEO scenarios cannot be dismissed.
For instance, when evaluating potential websites for link outreach, DA serves as a valuable tool. If this metric truly held no weight, linking from a site with a DA of 0 would be just as effective as one with a DA of 60; clearly, that is not the case. Many in our community leverage DA as a means of prioritizing their outreach efforts, demonstrating its practical utility.
Therefore, I propose that we reconsider the auto-moderation language surrounding this topic. It no longer provides clarity for newcomers to the field and instead perpetuates confusion. Adjusting our approach would enhance the value of the guidance we offer, fostering a more constructive discussion.
I welcome feedback from fellow community members and moderators alike. What are your thoughts on revising this auto-mod comment to better reflect the complexities of Domain Authority and its role in SEO?
Thank you for considering this request. I believe that together, we can create a more informed and supportive environment for all members of r/bigseo.
One response to “Request to r/bigseo mods for DA automod language update”
Thank you for initiating this meaningful conversation! I completely agree that the simplistic dismissal of Domain Authority (DA) overlooks its practical applications within our SEO toolkit. While it’s crucial to recognize that DA is indeed a third-party metric and not directly utilized by Google in their ranking algorithms, it still serves as a useful benchmarking tool in many SEO strategies.
For example, as you mentioned, many SEO professionals use DA to assess the strength of potential backlink sources, especially when conducting outreach. High DA scores can indicate strong domain credibility, which can lead to better SEO outcomes if you’re able to secure a link from such a site. Additionally, certain industries may value DA differently based on competitive landscapes, making it an essential consideration for specific niches.
It’s also worth noting that a nuanced understanding of metrics like DA can help demystify SEO for newcomers. Instead of viewing these tools as binary “good” or “bad,” we can encourage a more balanced perspective that evaluates their utility depending on context and specific goals, as you rightly suggest.
Revising the auto-mod language to reflect these complexities could promote deeper understanding and robust discussions around link building and SEO strategies. Encouraging members to consider multiple data points in conjunction with their SEO decisions, rather than dismissing them outright, would certainly enrich our community. I’m looking forward to seeing how this dialogue evolves!