Competitor SEO Analysis UAE
Trying to outrank your competitors in search results? One of the smartest steps you can take is learning how to compare Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA) with your competitors. By understanding these metrics, you can get a strong sense of how well your website measures up and what it takes to move ahead. If you're diving into a broader strategy like Competitor SEO Analysis UAE, then DA and PA comparisons are essential ingredients of the mix.In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Domain Authority and Page Authority are, how they differ, how to find them, and most importantly, how to compare these metrics with competitors so you can take smart steps toward SEO success.

What Is Domain Authority (DA)?

Domain Authority is a score developed by Moz that predicts a website's ability to rank in search engine results. It ranges from 1 to 100. The higher your score, the more “authority” your site has in the eyes of search engines like Google.Here are a few key things to know about Domain Authority:
  • It's based on links — both quality and quantity
  • It considers factors like total linking root domains and the trustworthiness of linking sites
  • It is a relative score, not absolute — comparing with competitors is key

What Is Page Authority (PA)?

Page Authority, also created by Moz, predicts how well a specific page on your website is likely to rank. So, while DA looks at your whole domain, PA zooms in on one URL.Main takeaways about Page Authority:
  • Also scored between 1 and 100
  • Used to compare individual landing pages or blog content
  • Based on link data and SEO factors at the page level

Why Comparing DA and PA Matters

You might have a good DA and PA on paper. But how do they stack up against your competition? That’s the million-dollar question. If your competitors outrank you, chances are they have stronger authority.Comparing DA and PA tells you:
  • Where you stand in your niche or industry
  • Which competitors you need to outpace
  • Which pages are doing better and why
  • Where to focus your SEO efforts (domain-wide or on specific content)

How to Find Domain Authority and Page Authority

1. Moz Link Explorer

This is the go-to tool from the creators of DA and PA. Simply plug in your URL or your competitor’s, and it’ll give you all the juicy details — DA, PA, backlinks, and more.

2. Ubersuggest

This free tool, created by Neil Patel, quickly shows domain and page authority scores, along with SEO keywords, traffic estimates, and backlink profiles.

3. Ahrefs and SEMrush

Technically, they use different naming: Ahrefs uses “Domain Rating,” while SEMrush uses “Authority Score.” But they serve the same purpose and are reliable ways to compare authority metrics.Pro Tip: Always use the same tool for all your comparisons. Scores vary slightly between platforms, and it's consistency that truly matters when analyzing data.

How to Compare Domain Authority & Page Authority With Competitors

Step 1: Identify Your Key Competitors

Start by figuring out who you’re actually competing with in search. These may not always be your industry rivals — instead, focus on those websites occupying the top spots for your targeted keywords.Use Google searches to find:
  • Brands ranking ahead of you for your highest-value keywords
  • Similar blog content or resources doing better than yours
  • Leading sites in your business vertical in your region (especially if you're targeting the UAE market)

Step 2: Run DA and PA Checks

Now plug your site and competitors into your chosen authority-checking tool. Document everything: DA of each domain, PA of top-performing pages, and backlink stats.Use a simple spreadsheet to organize:
  • Website URL
  • Domain Authority
  • Top Page URLs
  • Page Authority of each URL
  • Number of Referring Domains
  • Total Backlinks

Step 3: Spot the Gaps

Once you've got everything laid out, start analyzing the gaps:
  • Do your competitors have higher DA? You need more high-quality backlinks.
  • Is a competitor’s blog post ranking because it has a higher PA? Optimize or rework your own content and boost its authority.
  • Are there content types (e.g., guides, case studies) that consistently have higher PA? That’s a sign you should publish similar content.

Step 4: Take Action Based on Data

Numbers mean nothing without action. Once you’ve done your side-by-side comparisons, take practical steps:Ways to improve your Domain and Page Authority:
  • Earn backlinks from high-authority sites through guest posts, PR, and collaborations
  • Update and optimize your most important pages for better PA
  • Focus on internal linking to pass link juice between high and low authority pages
  • Remove spammy links that could harm your DA
  • Create content worth linking to — think ultimate guides and original research

Best Practices for Ongoing Authority Monitoring

Comparing your domain and page authority with competitors isn't a one-and-done task. SEO is dynamic, and authority scores fluctuate over time. Here's how to stay on top of your game:
  • Check your DA and PA monthly
  • Set benchmarks and targets based on top competitors
  • Monitor new backlinks — both yours and theirs
  • Watch for sudden drops in authority and investigate why
  • Keep improving content quality and site performance

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While comparisons are powerful, don't obsess over them blindly. Keep an eye on these common traps:
  • Over-focusing on DA while ignoring user intent and content quality
  • Chasing junky backlinks just to boost scores
  • Ignoring relevance — a high-DA backlink that’s off-topic won’t help much
  • Not acting on data — don’t let your research gather dust

Wrapping It Up

If you're serious about outpacing the competition online, learning how to compare Domain Authority and Page Authority with competitors is key. It helps you identify where you stand, pinpoint who’s ahead, and figure out what you need to do to claim your spot on top.Combine this strategy with broader tactics like Competitor SEO Analysis UAE, and you’ll be armed with insights that fuel real growth. DA and PA aren’t just scores — they’re compasses pointing your site toward better visibility, more traffic, and better business results.

Author

With over two decades of experience in the industry, I have honed my skills in brand marketing and creative consultancy. I have collaborated with top-tier clients, delivering impactful strategies and solutions that drive business growth.My expertise spans various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to every project.