How can small businesses improve their Moz DA and Ahrefs DR through backlinks?

Many small businesses struggle to get traffic because they focus on building a visually stunning website but overlook the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Even more critically, they often have no idea about the role of quality backlinks in boosting their online presence. Without establishing website authority through backlinks, search engines are unlikely to rank their site—no matter how great their content or on-page SEO might be. The real truth? Backlinks are the lifeblood of a website’s authority. However, with the right strategies, even a small business can improve its Domain Authority (DA) and Domain Rating (DR).

Small businesses need to consider budgeting for web design, SEO, and backlinks, and Write Wing Media offers one-time and monthly plans. We help you get over these humps, so we make sure the right Google users see your site, because this is an essential part of our service, therefore, it is a crucial aspect of our plans.

Table of Contents

Why Are Backlinks Important for Small Businesses?

Backlinks are like votes of confidence from other websites. When a reputable site links to your content, it signals to search engines that your website is trustworthy and valuable. This, in turn, can improve your rankings on search engine results pages (SERPs).

For small businesses, backlinks are especially important because they level the playing field. While you may not have the budget of a large corporation, a well-executed backlink strategy can help you compete in your niche.

The Role of Moz DA and Ahrefs DR

Before diving into strategies, let’s clarify what Moz DA and Ahrefs DR are:

Domain Authority (DA): A metric developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on SERPs. It ranges from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater authority.
Domain Rating (DR): A similar metric by Ahrefs that measures the strength of a website’s backlink profile.

Both metrics are influenced by the quality and quantity of backlinks pointing to your site. However, it’s not just about getting any backlinks—it’s about getting quality backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites.

Strategy 1: Create Link-Worthy Content

The foundation of any backlink strategy is high-quality content. Without it, even the best outreach efforts will fall flat. Here’s how you can create content that naturally attracts backlinks:

1.1 Publish Original Research

Original research is one of the most effective ways to earn backlinks. For example, if you run a small marketing agency, you could conduct a survey on local SEO trends and publish the results. Let’s say your survey reveals that 75% of small businesses struggle with local keyword optimization. This data can be cited by other websites, earning you backlinks.

1.2 Create Comprehensive Guides

People love how-to guides and tutorials. If you’re a small bakery, you could create a guide on “How to Start a Home Baking Business.” Make it detailed, include visuals, and optimize it for keywords like “start a baking business” and “home bakery tips.”

1.3 Leverage Infographics

Infographics are highly shareable and can generate backlinks from blogs and social media. For instance, an infographic on “The Anatomy of a Perfect Blog Post” could attract links from content marketing blogs.

Strategy 2: Build Relationships with Industry Influencers

Building backlinks isn’t just about content; it’s also about relationships. Here’s how you can connect with influencers in your industry:

2.1 Guest Blogging

Guest blogging is a tried-and-true method for earning backlinks. Reach out to blogs in your niche and offer to write a post. For example, if you’re a fitness coach, you could write a guest post for a health blog on “5 Simple Workouts for Busy Professionals.” Include a link back to your website in the author bio.

2.2 Collaborate on Content

Collaborations can be a win-win. For example, a small business selling eco-friendly products could team up with a sustainability blogger to create a joint blog post or video. This not only earns you backlinks but also exposes your brand to a new audience.

Social media is a great way to build relationships with influencers. Share their content, comment on their posts, and tag them in your own content. Over time, this can lead to opportunities for backlinks.

Hypothetical Scenario: The Local Coffee Shop

Let’s say you own a small coffee shop in Santa Clara, CA. Your goal is to increase your Moz DA from 15 to 30 within a year. Here’s how you could achieve this:

Create a Blog: Start a blog on your website and publish posts like “The Best Coffee Beans for Home Brewing” and “How to Make the Perfect Latte.”
Reach Out to Local Bloggers: Offer free coffee in exchange for a review on their blog. If five local bloggers with an average DA of 40 link to your site, your DA could increase by 5-10 points.
Submit to Directories: List your coffee shop on local directories like Yelp and TripAdvisor. These sites often have high DA, and a backlink from them can boost your authority.

Strategy 3: Leverage Local SEO for Backlinks

For small businesses, local SEO is a goldmine for earning quality backlinks. By focusing on your local community, you can build relationships and gain links from trusted sources in your area.

3.1 Get Listed in Local Directories

Local directories are an easy way to earn backlinks. Websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google My Business are not only great for visibility but also provide high-authority backlinks. For example, if you’re a small restaurant, being listed on Yelp with a link to your website can significantly boost your Domain Rating.

3.2 Partner with Local Organizations

Collaborate with local nonprofits, schools, or community groups. For instance, if you’re a small printing business, you could sponsor a local school event. In return, the school’s website might link back to your business as a sponsor. A single backlink from a .edu domain can have a significant impact on your Moz DA.

3.3 Host Local Events

Hosting events is another way to earn backlinks. Let’s say you own a yoga studio. You could organize a free yoga session in the park and promote it through local event websites. These sites often link back to the organizer’s website, giving you a valuable backlink.

Strategy 4: Use Broken Link Building

Broken link building is a clever and underutilized strategy. It involves finding broken links on other websites and offering your content as a replacement.

4.1 How It Works

Here’s how you can execute this strategy:

Use tools like Ahrefs or Check My Links to find broken links on websites in your niche.
Reach out to the website owner and let them know about the broken link.
Offer your content as a replacement.

For example, if you run a small gardening business, you might find a broken link on a blog post about “Best Plants for Beginners.” If you have a similar article, you can suggest it as a replacement.

4.2 Hypothetical Numbers

Let’s say you identify 50 broken links on blogs with an average DA of 50. If 10% of these blogs accept your replacement content, you’ll earn 5 high-quality backlinks. This could increase your Domain Rating by 3-5 points over time.

Strategy 5: Repurpose Existing Content

Sometimes, the best way to earn backlinks is to make the most of what you already have. Repurposing content can help you reach new audiences and attract more links.

5.1 Turn Blog Posts into Videos

If you have a popular blog post, consider turning it into a video. For example, a post on “10 Tips for Small Business Marketing” could be transformed into a short, engaging video. Share it on YouTube and include a link to your website in the description.

5.2 Create Slide Decks

Slide decks are another way to repurpose content. Use a tool like Canva to create a visually appealing presentation and upload it to platforms like SlideShare. Include a link to your website in the deck.

5.3 Update Old Content

Refreshing old content can also attract backlinks. For instance, if you wrote a post on “SEO Trends for 2022,” update it for 2025 and promote it as a new resource. This can encourage other websites to link to your updated content.

Hypothetical Scenario: The Eco-Friendly Cleaning Service

Imagine you run a small eco-friendly cleaning service. Your goal is to increase your Ahrefs DR from 20 to 40 within six months. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

Create a Resource Page: Publish a guide on “How to Clean Your Home Using Eco-Friendly Products.” Optimize it for keywords like “eco-friendly cleaning tips.”
Reach Out to Bloggers: Contact 20 eco-lifestyle bloggers and offer them a free cleaning session in exchange for a review. If 5 bloggers with an average DR of 50 link to your site, your DR could increase by 5-7 points.
Leverage Local SEO: List your business on local directories and partner with a local environmental group. A backlink from their website could add another 3-5 points to your DR.

Industry Benchmarks and Data

To put these strategies into perspective, let’s look at some industry benchmarks and data:

According to a 2023 study by Ahrefs, websites with a DR of 30-50 typically have 100-250 referring domains. This means that to reach a DR of 40, a small business might need around 150 quality backlinks.
A report by Moz found that backlinks from websites with a DA of 50+ are 3 times more likely to improve rankings than links from lower-authority sites.
The Content Marketing Institute states that 70% of marketers find original research to be the most effective type of content for earning backlinks.

By aligning your efforts with these benchmarks, you can set realistic goals and measure your progress effectively.

Strategy 6: Outreach and Networking

Outreach is one of the most direct ways to build backlinks, but it requires a thoughtful and personalized approach. The key is to focus on building relationships rather than just asking for links.

6.1 Personalized Email Outreach

When reaching out to website owners or bloggers, avoid generic templates. Instead, craft personalized emails that show you’ve done your homework. For example:

Mention a specific article or piece of content you enjoyed on their site.
Explain why your content would add value to their audience.
Keep the email concise and professional.

For instance, if you’re a small business selling handmade candles, you could reach out to a lifestyle blogger and say:

“Hi [Name], I loved your recent post on creating a cozy home environment. I noticed you mentioned the importance of natural lighting and scents. I’ve written a guide on choosing eco-friendly candles that I think your readers would find helpful. Would you be open to linking to it in your post? Thanks for considering!”

6.2 Build Relationships Before Asking

Instead of cold emailing, start by engaging with the person’s content. Comment on their blog posts, share their articles on social media, and tag them in your posts. Over time, this builds rapport and increases the likelihood of them linking to your content.

6.3 Hypothetical Numbers

Let’s say you send 50 personalized outreach emails to websites with an average DA of 40. If 10% of them agree to link to your content, you’ll earn 5 high-quality backlinks. This could boost your Moz DA by 3-5 points within a few months.

Strategy 7: Monitor and Analyze Your Backlink Profile

Building backlinks is an ongoing process, and it’s important to monitor your progress. Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to track your backlink profile and identify opportunities for improvement.

7.1 Disavow Toxic Links

Not all backlinks are beneficial. If your website has links from spammy or low-quality sites, it can hurt your rankings. Use Google’s Disavow Tool to remove these links from your profile.

7.2 Identify Top-Performing Content

Analyze which pieces of content are attracting the most backlinks. For example, if your blog post on “10 Tips for Small Business Marketing” has earned 20 backlinks, consider creating similar content to replicate its success.

7.3 Set Realistic Goals

Based on industry benchmarks, here’s a rough guide to how many backlinks you might need to achieve different DA or DR levels:

To reach a DA of 30: 50-100 quality backlinks.
To reach a DA of 50: 200-300 quality backlinks.
To reach a DA of 70: 500+ quality backlinks.

These numbers are not set in stone, but they provide a useful framework for setting goals and measuring progress.

Hypothetical Scenario: The Handmade Jewelry Business

Let’s say you own a small handmade jewelry business and want to increase your Moz DA from 20 to 35 within a year. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

Create Shareable Content: Publish a blog post on “The Top 10 Jewelry Trends for 2025” and include high-quality images of your products.
Outreach to Fashion Bloggers: Reach out to 30 fashion bloggers and offer them a free piece of jewelry in exchange for a review. If 10 bloggers with an average DA of 50 link to your site, your DA could increase by 5-7 points.
Leverage Social Media: Share your blog post on Pinterest and Instagram, tagging influencers in your niche. This can lead to additional backlinks from social shares and mentions.
Monitor Progress: Use Moz to track your DA and adjust your strategy as needed.

FAQs

What is the difference between Moz Domain Authority and Ahrefs Domain Rating?

Moz Domain Authority (DA) and Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR) are both website authority metrics that predict how well a site might rank in search engines, but they use different methodologies. Moz DA uses a 1-100 scale and considers more than 40 factors including linking domains and link quality.

Ahrefs DR focuses primarily on the strength of a website’s backlink profile, using a similar 1-100 scale but with its own proprietary algorithm. While both metrics serve similar purposes, they often show different scores for the same domain because they analyze different factors and use different data sets. It’s best to use both Moz and Ahrefs tools for a more comprehensive view of your site authority.

How can small businesses increase domain authority through quality backlinks?

Small businesses can increase their DA score by focusing on quality backlinks through several strategies: creating exceptional, linkable content; guest posting on relevant industry websites; getting featured in local business directories; building relationships with industry influencers; participating in expert roundups; creating and distributing infographics; and implementing a broken link building strategy.

Remember that increasing domain authority takes time – focus on natural link building rather than quantity alone. High authority backlinks from trusted sources will have more impact on your Moz Domain Authority and Ahrefs Domain Rating than numerous low-quality links. Also, diversify your link sources to create a natural backlink profile that search engines trust.

Beyond DA and DR, what other authority metrics should small businesses monitor?

While DA and DR are important, small businesses should monitor several other authority metrics: Page Authority (Moz’s metric for individual page ranking potential); Trust Flow and Citation Flow (Majestic SEO metrics measuring link quality and quantity); Semrush Authority Score (comprehensive metric combining multiple factors); Spam Score (identifies potential spam signals that could hurt rankings); organic traffic trends; keyword rankings for target terms; and referring domains growth.

These complementary metrics provide a more holistic view of your website authority beyond just the domain-wide scores. Using multiple SEO tools like Moz, Ahrefs, Majestic, and Semrush will give you the most comprehensive perspective on your site’s performance and authority.

What are effective strategies to increase both Moz DA and Ahrefs DR simultaneously?

To increase both metrics simultaneously, focus on strategies that improve overall site health and link profile: create high-quality, linkable content; build relationships with high authority websites in your industry; optimize on-page SEO to improve user experience; remove toxic backlinks through regular audits…

Also, do this: improve site technical performance (speed, mobile-friendliness); maintain consistent content publishing; build local citations for local businesses; leverage social media platforms to increase content reach; implement internal linking strategies; and pursue relevant industry partnerships.

Both Moz and Ahrefs look for similar quality signals, so a comprehensive strategy that addresses site health, content quality, and natural link acquisition will improve both metrics over time.

How long does it typically take to improve domain rating vs domain authority for small businesses?

Improving domain authority or domain rating for small businesses typically takes 3-6 months to see notable improvements, though this varies based on starting point, industry competitiveness, and strategy effectiveness. Lower DA/DR sites (below 20) might see faster improvements, while sites with higher metrics face diminishing returns.

Authority takes time to build because search engines deliberately delay recognizing new backlinks to prevent manipulation. Several factors influence the timeline: backlink acquisition rate, current website age, content quality and frequency, technical SEO health, and competitor activity.

Focus on consistent, quality improvements rather than quick fixes, and track progress monthly, understanding that both Moz and Ahrefs update their metrics on different schedules.

How can small businesses use Moz and Ahrefs tools effectively to improve their website authority?

Small businesses can use Moz and Ahrefs effectively by: conducting competitor backlink analysis to find link opportunities; performing regular backlink audits to remove toxic links; using Site Explorer (Ahrefs) or Link Explorer (Moz) to identify top-performing content to emulate…

Also, do this: tracking keyword rankings to measure progress; analyzing top pages by traffic to identify content opportunities; using Content Explorer to find trending topics; monitoring referring domains growth; utilizing the backlink gap analysis to find opportunities competitors have secured; and setting up alerts for new backlinks and mentions.

Combine insights from both tools for comprehensive analysis, as each SEO tool has unique strengths – Moz excels in on-page analysis while Ahrefs provides deeper backlink insights.

What are common mistakes small businesses make when trying to increase DA and DR?

Common mistakes include: purchasing low-quality backlinks that harm rather than help; obsessing over DA/DR scores instead of focusing on overall SEO strategy; neglecting on-page SEO while pursuing backlinks; building too many links too quickly (unnatural pattern); focusing on quantity over quality of backlinks; ignoring toxic backlinks in their profile; using exact-match anchor text too frequently…

Also, do this: targeting irrelevant websites for backlinks; neglecting content quality while chasing metrics; failing to analyze competitor backlink strategies; overlooking technical SEO issues that impact authority; and expecting immediate results when authority metrics take time to improve. Avoid these pitfalls by developing a comprehensive, patient approach that balances quality content creation, technical optimization, and ethical link building practices.

Is a high DA or DR score always indicative of a website’s actual authority and ranking potential?

No, a high DA or DR score isn’t always indicative of actual ranking potential. These are third-party metrics, not official Google ranking factors. While they correlate with ranking ability, they have limitations: they don’t capture all elements Google considers; they might miss recent algorithm changes; they can’t account for topical relevance; they don’t fully reflect user engagement metrics; they might overvalue raw link quantity in some cases; and they can be manipulated.

Some sites with lower DA/DR scores but excellent content and engagement may outrank higher authority sites for specific queries. Remember that both Moz domain authority and Ahrefs domain rating are comparative metrics best used to gauge relative strength against direct competitors rather than absolute ranking potential.

While social media links are typically nofollow and don’t directly pass link equity, they can indirectly boost your DA score and DR in several ways: increasing content visibility, which leads to more natural backlinks; building brand awareness that generates direct searches (a positive ranking signal); providing opportunities for relationship building with influencers who might link to your content; creating amplification networks for content distribution; offering platforms to showcase expertise, building credibility; generating traffic that improves engagement metrics; and providing social proof that makes your content more linkable.

Integrate social media into your strategy by sharing valuable content consistently, engaging with industry communities, building relationships with influencers, and amplifying your best content across multiple platforms to maximize exposure and natural link acquisition opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Backlink Building Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

For small businesses, building quality backlinks takes time, effort, and consistency. It’s not about getting hundreds of links overnight but about earning relevant, high-quality backlinks that align with your niche and audience.

By focusing on strategies like creating link-worthy content, leveraging local SEO, and building relationships with influencers, you can steadily improve your Moz DA and Ahrefs DR. Remember, the goal isn’t just to boost these metrics—it’s to drive more traffic, build trust, and ultimately grow your business.

So, start small, stay consistent, and celebrate every backlink you earn. Over time, these efforts will compound, helping your website climb the search engine rankings and attract more customers.

If all of this info is too much for you, let us handle all of this for you. Reach out to us today, and you can stay focused on what you do best.