How Domain Rating Works: Overview
Domain Rating works as a logarithmic authority metric that evaluates your website's backlink profile. It measures the strength and quality of links pointing to your domain, weighted by the authority of the linking domains. DR operates on a 0-100 scale where higher scores indicate stronger backlink authority and better potential for organic search rankings.
The metric works by analyzing the number of unique referring domains linking to your site, the DR of those linking domains, and various quality signals. Unlike simple link counting, DR uses a sophisticated algorithm that weights each referring domain by its own authority score, creating a compounding effect where high-authority links provide exponentially more value.
Key point: DR works as a proxy for domain authority in SEO. While Google doesn't use DR directly, high-DR domains typically rank better because they have stronger backlink profiles, which Google uses as a ranking factor.
What Domain Rating Measures
Domain Rating measures your website's backlink authority by evaluating several key components:
Backlink Profile Strength
- Number of unique referring domains
- Quality of linking domains (their DR scores)
- Diversity of backlink sources
Link Quality Signals
- Dofollow vs. nofollow ratio
- Editorial context of links
- Natural anchor text patterns
Domain Rating measures your backlink profile strength and quality to determine your domain authority.
How Domain Rating Works in Practice
Understanding how DR works in practice helps you use it effectively for SEO and link building:
Logarithmic Scale
DR works on a logarithmic scale, meaning each point requires exponentially more authority. Moving from DR 20 to DR 30 is easier than moving from DR 70 to DR 80. This design reflects real-world link building: earning your first quality backlinks is easier than competing with established brands for the highest authority placements.
Weighted by Source Authority
Each referring domain is weighted by its own DR score. A link from a DR 80 domain carries significantly more weight than a link from a DR 20 domain. This creates a compounding effect where high-authority links provide exponentially more value. One link from a DR 90 site can boost your score more than 1,000 links from DR 5 sites.
Relative Comparison
DR works as a relative metric—your score is calculated in comparison to all other domains in Ahrefs' index. This means your DR can decrease if competitors gain more authority, even if your backlink profile stays the same. It's a competitive metric that reflects your position in the broader web ecosystem.
Unique Domains Only
Multiple links from the same domain count as one referring domain. DR works by valuing diversity over quantity. Earning links from 50 unique domains is more valuable than earning 500 links from 5 domains. This encourages natural, diverse link building rather than manipulative tactics.
Ahrefs displays Domain Rating along with related metrics that show how DR works in practice.
How Domain Rating Works for SEO Rankings
While Google doesn't use DR directly, Domain Rating works as a strong indicator of SEO performance because it measures the same factors Google considers: backlink quality and authority.
Correlation with Search Rankings
High-DR domains typically rank better because they have stronger backlink profiles, which Google uses as a ranking factor. Studies show strong correlation between DR and organic search performance:
- • Pages on DR 60+ domains rank faster for new content
- • High-DR domains compete more effectively for competitive keywords
- • DR correlates with higher click-through rates and organic traffic
- • Strong DR helps new pages inherit domain authority
Faster Indexing & Ranking
High-DR domains get crawled more frequently by Google, leading to faster indexing of new content. Pages on DR 60+ domains often rank within days or weeks, while low-DR sites may take months to see rankings.
Competitive Keyword Targeting
DR works as a gatekeeper for keyword difficulty. High-DR domains can compete for more competitive keywords. DR 50+ domains can target KD 40+ keywords, while DR 30 domains are limited to lower-competition terms.
Important: DR works as an indicator, not a guarantee. You still need quality content, technical SEO, and user signals to rank. However, high DR makes ranking significantly easier by providing a strong foundation of domain authority.
How Domain Rating Updates Work
Understanding how DR updates work helps you set realistic expectations and track progress effectively:
Update Frequency
Ahrefs recalculates Domain Rating approximately every 3-4 weeks as they re-crawl the web and update their backlink index. This means your DR won't change immediately after earning new links—patience is required.
Leading Indicators
Track referring domains count as a leading indicator since it updates faster than DR. If your referring domains increase but DR doesn't, you may be earning links from lower-DR sources. Monitor both metrics to understand your progress.
Why Updates Take Time
DR updates require Ahrefs to re-crawl millions of websites, process new backlinks, recalculate scores for all domains, and update the relative rankings. This comprehensive process ensures accuracy but takes time. The 3-4 week cycle is standard across the industry.
Pro tip: Set up monthly reports in Ahrefs to track your DR progress automatically. Compare your metrics to competitors to benchmark your performance and identify improvement opportunities.
How to Improve Domain Rating
Understanding how DR works helps you improve it more effectively. Here are proven strategies based on how the algorithm operates:
1. Focus on High-DR Referring Domains
Since DR works by weighting each referring domain by its own DR, prioritize earning backlinks from DR 60-90 domains. One link from a DR 80 site can boost your score more than 50 links from DR 20 sites. Use Ahrefs Site Explorer to identify high-DR link opportunities in your niche.
2. Earn Editorial Dofollow Links
DR works by counting only dofollow links, so focus on earning dofollow links within editorial content. These links pass full authority and carry more weight than directory listings or footer links. Create linkable assets like original research and comprehensive guides that naturally attract editorial backlinks.
3. Build Links Gradually
The DR algorithm considers link velocity—how quickly you're earning new backlinks. Maintain consistent link building (5-10 quality links per month) rather than sudden spikes. Gradual, organic growth signals natural link acquisition and is rewarded by the algorithm.
4. Diversify Your Referring Domains
Since DR works by counting unique referring domains (not total links), focus on earning links from diverse sources. Build relationships across your industry to earn natural, varied backlinks from different domains. Diversity matters more than total link count.
Use Ahrefs tools to track your Domain Rating progress and identify improvement opportunities.
How to Use Domain Rating
Domain Rating works as a versatile metric for multiple SEO and business purposes:
Need Help Increasing Your Domain Rating?
Our team specializes in securing high-quality backlinks from DR 60–90 domains that deliver fast, sustainable DR improvements. We handle the entire process: research, outreach, content creation, and relationship building. When we confirm your DR boost via Ahrefs, you get a complete backlink report and ongoing monitoring.
How Does Domain Rating Work FAQ
How does Domain Rating work for SEO?
Domain Rating works as a proxy for domain authority in SEO. While Google doesn't use DR directly, high-DR domains typically rank better because they have stronger backlink profiles, which Google uses as a ranking factor. DR correlates strongly with organic search performance—pages on DR 60+ domains rank faster and compete for more competitive keywords. It's a useful metric for understanding your site's link authority and benchmarking against competitors.
How does Domain Rating update?
Ahrefs recalculates Domain Rating approximately every 3-4 weeks as they re-crawl the web and update their backlink index. Your DR won't change immediately after earning new links—there's a delay while Ahrefs processes new backlinks and recalculates scores. Track referring domains count as a leading indicator since it updates faster than DR. The update cycle means you need patience when building links and measuring progress.
How does Domain Rating work compared to Domain Authority?
Domain Rating (Ahrefs) and Domain Authority (Moz) both measure domain authority but use different algorithms. DR focuses more on link quality and diversity, while DA considers link volume more heavily. DR updates more frequently (every 3-4 weeks) compared to DA. Many SEOs prefer DR because it provides better backlink analysis tools and more accurate correlation with actual ranking performance. Both metrics work similarly as authority indicators, but DR is generally considered more reliable.
How does Domain Rating work for new websites?
New websites typically start at DR 0-5. DR works on a logarithmic scale, meaning it's easier to move from DR 0-20 than from DR 70-80. For new sites, DR increases as you earn your first quality backlinks. Focus on earning 10-30 dofollow links from DR 30+ domains to reach DR 20+. The algorithm weights each referring domain by its own DR, so one link from a DR 60 site can boost a new site more than 10 links from DR 10 sites.
How does Domain Rating work with internal linking?
Internal linking doesn't directly increase Domain Rating since DR measures external backlinks from other domains. However, internal linking works to distribute the authority you've earned from external backlinks across your site. This improves URL Rating (UR) for individual pages and maximizes the SEO value of your existing backlinks. Think of DR as the foundation—internal linking helps you build on that foundation effectively.
How does Domain Rating work for link building?
Domain Rating works as a quality filter for link building. When building links, prioritize earning backlinks from high-DR domains (DR 60+) because they pass exponentially more authority. The algorithm weights each referring domain by its own DR, so one link from a DR 80 site can boost your DR more than 50 links from DR 20 sites. Use DR to identify high-value link opportunities and benchmark your progress against competitors.
How does Domain Rating work with nofollow links?
Nofollow links don't work for Domain Rating—they don't count toward your DR score. Only dofollow links pass authority and contribute to DR calculation. However, nofollow links can still provide value through traffic, brand awareness, and potential conversions. A healthy backlink profile typically has 70-80% dofollow links. When building links, focus on earning dofollow links from high-DR domains for maximum DR impact.