For years, link sellers and bots have taken advantage of MOZ’s Domain Authority metric, using various schemes to artificially boost DA. MOZ has been aware of this for a while and released a statement back in February that this was about to change. And now, Domain Authority 2.0 is here. Here’s what we know so far.
A new scoring system
Previously, the Domain Authority of a site was dictated by a set of complex algorithms that aimed to determine the strength of the domain. These algorithms interpreted data based on a large number of unmanipulated sites.
However, the new scoring system has scrapped this altogether. MOZ will now be using a neural network system to better understand and identify the cause and effect of a variety of different sites, which includes domains that use bots and bought links.
So, what does this mean? Essentially, that MOZ’s DA will become much more accurate and in tune to deceptive means of authority building. This is great news if you’ve been sticking to the rules!
Will this affect my site?
Maybe. MOZ state that your DA rankings might go up, down, or they might not change at all. And don’t worry, this isn’t to say that you’ve done anything wrong if your rankings go down. It just means that you might have to change the way you’ve been doing things a little. Likewise, it doesn’t mean you’re home free if they go up.
As we said, the new algorithm is trying to be more accurate to what Google uses as ranking factors in the organic search. However, since the only people who know what those factors are, are Google themselves, MOZ is simply a metric of your ‘rankability’ in the organic search.
These ranking assumptions are based on heaps of data. And data can merely form correlations, so all the DA numbers really mean are ‘you’ve done things that other people who rank highly are also doing’. So, if your rankings have changed, then maybe you just need to do some research on the types of ranking activities you or your company should be taking part in.
Final thoughts
Should you be worried about DA 2.0? Nope! If you’re still doing well, keep doing what you were already doing. However, if you have noticed some negative changes to your site’s domain authority, then it isn’t the end of the world. At the very least, you can rest assured that your new rankings are much more accurate than before. And that’s a good thing.
Now that MOZ have taken the time to improve their ranking model, you can make better decisions on where to focus your SEO energy. What’s more, the new system works even better for sites who currently are not ranking for anything at all, since the previous model simply didn’t include sites like that in their data pool. So, it’s better for the little guys and much worse for the fakes. Huzzah!
Confused about how to work with DA 2.0?
Search engine optimisation can be a confusing thing. And now that MOZ have updated their systems, there’s that bit more to include in your regular SEO activities. If you have no idea where to start on your optimising, we can help!
We have almost 30 years of experience in the technical marketing field. Together with our team of digital marketing extraordinaires and web team wizzes, we can help to boost your Domain Authority and get your site up on the Google search results.
Get in touch with us on 01244 347 545, or send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
