How to Get Domain Authority (DA) from Top Websites: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is Domain Authority (DA)?
Domain Authority (DA) is a metric developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engines like Google. DA scores range from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger authority. Gaining high-quality backlinks from top websites can significantly boost your DA.
Steps to Get Domain Authority from Top Websites
Step 1: Identify High-Authority Websites
Before getting backlinks, you need to identify authoritative websites in your niche. These could be:
- News websites (e.g., BBC, Forbes, CNN)
- Industry blogs (e.g., HubSpot, Moz, Search Engine Journal)
- Educational websites (e.g., Harvard.edu, MIT.edu)
- Government websites (e.g., NASA.gov)
How to Check a Website’s DA?
Use tools like:
- Moz Link Explorer
- Ahrefs Website Authority Checker
- SEMrush Backlink Analytics
Step 2: Create High-Quality, Shareable Content
Top websites will only link to your website if your content is valuable.
- Write long-form, well-researched articles (1,500+ words)
- Include original data, case studies, or research
- Use infographics, videos, and visuals
- Make your content actionable and engaging
👉 Example: If you want backlinks from Forbes, write an in-depth article about industry trends with original research and statistics.
Step 3: Leverage Guest Blogging
Guest posting is one of the best ways to get high-authority backlinks.
- Find websites that accept guest posts. Use Google search:
"Write for us" + [your niche] "Guest post guidelines" + [your niche]
- Pitch an engaging, unique topic.
- Follow their content guidelines.
- Add a relevant backlink to your site within the article.
👉 Example: Writing for HubSpot or Moz and linking back to your blog post on SEO strategies.
Step 4: Get Featured in News & Media (HARO & PR Outreach)
Journalists and bloggers need expert opinions. You can get mentioned in authoritative sites using:
- HARO (Help A Reporter Out) – Sign up
- Qwoted & SourceBottle – Connect with journalists
- Press Releases – Submit to PR sites like PRNewswire
👉 Example: A journalist from Forbes asks for marketing trends, and you provide expert insights. If quoted, they link back to your site.
Step 5: Use Broken Link Building
Many high-DA websites have broken links (links pointing to non-existent pages). You can replace them with your own relevant content.
How to Find Broken Links?
- Use Ahrefs Broken Link Checker
- Use Check My Links Chrome Extension
How to Reach Out?
- Email the website owner:
Subject: Quick fix for a broken link on your site
Message:Hey [Name], I noticed that you have a broken link on [Page URL]. I have a similar piece of content that fits perfectly. Would you like to link to it?
Step 6: Get Listed on Resource Pages & Directories
Many websites maintain “resource pages” or directories in their niche. Find and request a backlink.
- Use Google Search:
"Best [niche] resources" "Top [industry] websites" "Useful [topic] links"
- Email the site owner requesting to be included.
👉 Example: If you run a fitness blog, ask health sites to add your articles to their resource list.
Step 7: Participate in Interviews, Podcasts, and Webinars
Being featured as an expert in interviews, podcasts, or webinars often results in a backlink.
- Search for podcasts in your niche
- Offer unique insights to podcast hosts
- Get mentioned with a link to your website in the show notes
👉 Example: If you're an SEO expert, appearing on a marketing podcast can earn you a backlink from their high-DA website.
Step 8: Leverage Social Media & Community Engagement
While social media links don’t directly pass DA, they increase visibility, leading to backlinks from authoritative sources.
- Share content on LinkedIn, Twitter, Reddit, Quora, and Medium
- Answer relevant questions on Quora & Reddit
- Engage with influencers and thought leaders in your niche
👉 Example: If you write an in-depth guide on digital marketing, share it on LinkedIn where industry professionals might link to it.
Step 9: Skyscraper Technique – Outdo Existing High-DA Content
The Skyscraper Technique involves improving existing popular content to attract backlinks.
Steps:
- Find a high-ranking article in your niche
- Make a better version (more detailed, updated, better design)
- Reach out to websites linking to the old article and suggest yours
👉 Example: If an old SEO guide has outdated strategies, update it with 2025 techniques and ask websites linking to the old guide to link to yours instead.
Step 10: Monitor and Maintain Backlinks
After earning backlinks from top websites, monitor them to ensure they remain active.
- Use Google Search Console to track backlinks
- Use Ahrefs or SEMrush to check lost links
- Contact webmasters if links are removed
Final Thoughts
Getting domain authority from top websites takes time and effort, but with the right approach, you can secure high-quality backlinks that boost your website’s rankings. Focus on:
✅ Creating valuable content
✅ Building relationships with authoritative sites
✅ Using outreach and link-building strategies