How to Improve Your Domain Authority with Off Page SEO

Improving your domain authority is one of the best ways to rank higher in search engines. Off page SEO plays a major role in that process. It’s all about building your site’s credibility and reputation through actions that happen outside your website. From backlinking strategies to online reputation management, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you strengthen your domain authority using off page SEO techniques.

improve domain authority off page seo guide

What Is Domain Authority?

Incorporating SEO Link Exchange Strategicallyzty (DA) is a score developed by Moz. It predicts how likely your website is to show up in search results. Scores range from 1 to 100—the higher the number, the better your site is expected to perform.

Even though Google doesn’t use this metric directly, it’s still useful for SEO professionals. It gives you an idea of how strong your site is compared to competitors.

Why Domain Authority Matters

If your site has a high domain authority, you’re more likely to:

It’s also a helpful way to measure how your SEO strategies are working over time.

Infographic on factors affecting domain authority including backlinks, domain age, SEO performance, and brand mentions

Key Factors That Affect Domain Authority

Several things impact your domain authority:

  • Quality and number of backlinks: Links from authoritative, relevant sites count the most.

  • Domain age and history: Older domains with consistent good practices tend to have higher DA.

  • On-page and technical SEO performance: Fast loading, mobile-friendly, well-structured sites do better.

  • Social media signals and brand mentions: Buzz around your brand helps search engines trust you more.

Google looks at how trustworthy your site appears. Sites with strong backlinks and clean technical SEO tend to rank better.

Why Off-Page SEO Helps Domain Authority

Every quality backlink to your site acts like a vote of confidence. The more votes you get from trusted websites, the more likely search engines will reward you with better visibility.

It’s not just about links, though. Mentions, shares, reviews, and media coverage also help. All of these signals can lead to better domain authority over time.

Infographic on strategies to earn quality backlinks such as guest posting, infographics, and case studies

Backlinking Strategies That Work

Backlinks are a big part of off page SEO. You want links from sites that are relevant and respected.

Here are a few ways to earn quality backlinks:

  • Guest posting on reputable industry blogs

  • Creating infographics that others want to share

  • Joining discussions in online forums and communities

  • Publishing original research or case studies

Focus on getting links that make sense for your industry. A few high-quality backlinks are worth more than dozens of low-quality ones.

How to Get High-Quality Backlinks

To earn strong backlinks:

  • Create valuable content that solves problems or answers questions.

  • Reach out to relevant sites and ask them to share or link to your content.

  • Collaborate with influencers or businesses in your field.

Over time, the goal is to have other sites link to yours without you even asking—because your content is that good.

Safe Link Exchange Tips

Link exchanges can help, but they must be done carefully. Only exchange links with sites that are:

  • Relevant to your niche

  • Trustworthy and not spammy

  • Adding real value to your audience

Avoid trading links just for the sake of it. Google may penalize manipulative practices.

Using Directory Submissions

Submitting your website to trusted directories can still help. Just make sure:

  • The directories are industry-specific and respected

  • Your listing is complete and includes keywords

  • The directory is indexed by Google

Skip spammy or low-quality directories—they can do more harm than good.

Content Marketing That Builds Authority

Publishing quality content is a long-term off page SEO strategy. It helps earn natural backlinks and builds trust with your audience.

Great content includes:

  • Detailed blog posts

  • How-to guides

  • Infographics

  • Short videos

The better your content, the more likely people will share and link to it.

Best Types of Linkable Content

Certain content formats naturally attract backlinks. These include:

  • Original research and statistics

  • Visual content like infographics or charts

  • “Ultimate guides” and long-form tutorials

  • Industry comparisons and trend reports

These pieces act like assets—people refer to them and link back when using your info.

Infographic on how to use press releases for SEO including keywords, multimedia, and distribution tips.

Press Release SEO

A press release that’s shared through trusted channels can boost your visibility and generate links.

To do it right:

  • Focus on real, newsworthy updates

  • Include relevant keywords

  • Add multimedia (images, charts, videos)

  • Use a reputable distribution service

Press releases can bring in traffic and quality links from news sites and blogs.

Local SEO for Property Managers

If you manage rental properties or real estate, local SEO is a must. Off-page tactics for local visibility include:

  • Optimizing your Google Business Profile

  • Asking for positive reviews from tenants

  • Keeping your business info consistent across directories

These steps help your business show up in local search results, which improves visibility and trust.

Why Local Citations Matter

Local citations are listings of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) across the web.

To get the most from them:

  • Make sure the info is consistent

  • Get listed in industry-specific or local directories

  • Use platforms like Yelp, BBB, and industry associations

Google uses this data to confirm your business’s identity and relevance.

Building Community Trust

Building relationships with your local community can help you earn links and reviews naturally. Ways to do that:

  • Sponsor local events or sports teams

  • Answer questions in local forums or Facebook groups

  • Support a local cause and write about it

When your community trusts you, so do search engines.

Online Reputation Management (ORM)

ORM is about monitoring and improving how people see your brand online.

Key ORM tips:

  • Respond to reviews (positive and negative)

  • Track mentions of your brand

  • Encourage happy customers to leave feedback

A strong reputation can lead to more traffic, better conversion rates, and more backlinks.

Managing Your Brand Image

Your brand’s online image is shaped by how you show up on search, social, and reviews.

To manage it well:

  • Post consistently helpful or positive content

  • Own your brand voice across platforms

  • Address complaints openly and professionally

The better your image, the more trust you build—and trust leads to better domain authority.

Using Reviews to Build Authority

Good reviews do more than just boost conversions—they improve your visibility and off-page SEO.

To get more reviews:

  • Ask for them at the right time (after a positive experience)

  • Make it easy with links or QR codes

  • Always respond to feedback politely

Search engines see reviews as proof of trustworthiness.

SEO Audits Help You Grow Domain Authority

Regular SEO audits help you catch issues before they affect your rankings.

An audit should look at:

  • Site speed and mobile usability

  • Broken links or 404 errors

  • Duplicate content

  • Backlink quality and anchor text

Fixing small problems quickly can help your site perform better overall.

Checking and Fixing Your Link Profile

Your backlink profile is the list of all sites linking to you. Monitor it often to:

  • Remove or disavow toxic backlinks

  • Find opportunities to earn new links

  • Analyze what’s working for your competitors

Keeping your link profile healthy protects your domain authority and search rankings.

Incorporating SEO Link Exchange Strategically

While link exchanges can be part of your backlinking strategy, you need to be strategic:

  • Avoid excessive reciprocal linking patterns

  • Focus on exchanges that add genuine value

  • Combine link exchanges with other tactics like guest posts and content marketing

Smart SEO link exchange can diversify your link profile without risking penalties.

Final Thoughts: Grow Authority the Right Way

Domain authority doesn’t improve overnight. But with smart off-page SEO, you can steadily grow your site’s trust, visibility, and influence.

Focus on:

  • Earning high-quality backlinks

  • Sharing valuable content

  • Building real relationships in your niche

Incorporate tactics like online reputation management, SEO audits, local citations, and press release SEO to cover all bases. These steps, done consistently, will help your domain authority climb and keep your site competitive long-term.

FAQ: Off-Page SEO and Domain Authority

  • A: Anything above 40 is considered strong for most niches, but it depends on your competitors.

  • Usually a few months. It’s a slow climb that depends on consistent link building and content creation.

  • Yes. Backlinks from trusted sites are still one of the top ranking factors.

  • No. Buying links can lead to Google penalties. Focus on earning them with quality content and outreach.

Lacy Hendricks, RMP®, COO, SEOSpace Certified Expert

Lacy Hendricks specializes in SEO for property management companies, combining deep industry knowledge with hands-on digital strategy. She's a certified SEOSpace Expert (Squarespace) and has successfully optimized websites for property managers, political campaigns, and published authors. With a strong background in property management, Lacy brings a unique understanding of the local market dynamics that drive search behavior.

Since 2014, Lacy has worked in real estate and property management, earning her broker’s license in 2023. She currently serves as President of the San Antonio Chapter of NARPM and has led efforts on governmental affairs committees at both the city and national level. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including Property Manager of the Year (2024, SABOR), NARPM Volunteer of the Year (2023), and the Legislative Champion Award (2018, SABOR).

Lacy now focuses on helping property management companies build their online presence, increase traffic, and get found by the right clients through targeted SEO strategies that actually work.

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