Domain Rank (DR) is one of the first metrics you'll encounter in LinkRocket's Backlink Analysis tool. This score provides a quick snapshot of a website's overall authority based on its backlink profile, but interpreting it correctly requires understanding what it measures—and what it doesn't.
What Domain Rank Represents
Domain Rank is a proprietary score from 0 to 100 that estimates how authoritative a website appears based on the quantity and quality of its backlinks. The calculation considers factors like the number of referring domains, the authority of those linking domains, and how link equity flows through the web.
A higher Domain Rank generally correlates with better search visibility, but the relationship isn't perfectly linear. A DR 60 site won't automatically outrank a DR 40 site—Google's algorithm weighs hundreds of factors beyond backlinks.
Interpreting Domain Rank Scores
Use this reference table to contextualize Domain Rank scores:
Score Range | Typical Profile | Examples |
|---|---|---|
0–10 | Very new or small websites with minimal backlink history | Personal blogs, recently launched startups |
11–30 | Growing websites building their initial link portfolio | Local businesses, niche hobby sites |
31–50 | Established websites with meaningful authority | Regional brands, popular industry blogs |
51–70 | Highly authoritative websites | National brands, well-known news outlets |
71–90 | Top-tier authority domains | Major corporations, leading publications |
91–100 | Elite global platforms | Google, Wikipedia, Facebook |
Most small-to-medium businesses operate in the 20–50 range. If your site falls here, you're in good company—and you have realistic opportunities to grow.
Why Relevance Matters More Than Raw Score
One common mistake is chasing high-DR backlinks without considering topical relevance. A link from a DR 30 website in your exact industry often delivers more SEO value than a link from a DR 70 site with no connection to your niche.
Search engines evaluate links contextually. When a cooking blog links to a kitchenware store, that connection makes sense. When a random tech forum links to that same store, the signal is weaker—even if the tech forum has a higher Domain Rank.
When assessing your backlink profile or identifying outreach targets, prioritize relevance first and authority second.
Important: Domain Rank can be artificially inflated through manipulative link schemes. A suspiciously high DR on an otherwise unknown site may indicate spam. Always evaluate links in context rather than trusting the score alone.
Domain Rank vs. Domain Authority
You may encounter the term "Domain Authority" (DA) elsewhere. Domain Authority is a similar metric developed by Moz, while Domain Rank is the equivalent metric from Ahrefs. LinkRocket displays DR by default, but the concepts are interchangeable—both attempt to quantify website authority on a 0–100 scale.
Neither metric is a Google ranking factor. They're third-party estimates designed to help SEO professionals compare domains. Treat them as useful proxies, not definitive measures.
Tracking Domain Rank Over Time
Your Domain Rank will fluctuate as you gain or lose backlinks, and as the broader web evolves. A small dip doesn't necessarily indicate a problem—it could simply reflect normal recalculations as new data enters the system.
Monitor your DR monthly rather than daily. Consistent growth over quarters matters more than week-to-week variations.