We offer two backlink targeting strategies
DA Targeting and Smart Select
Both use Domain Authority (DA), a Moz metric that estimates a site’s authority. DA is useful, but it is not Google’s metric and it is only one signal alongside relevance, traffic quality, and overall site quality.
In the Project Builder, you choose how Rank Engine should target sites for your placements.
DA Targeting
Choose a DA bracket (DA40 to 49, DA50 to 59, or DA60+). We then select the best options within that bracket based on relevance, traffic quality, site popularity, and budget.
Smart Select
We prioritise relevance, traffic quality, and overall site quality first, with DA as a secondary signal. This approach gives us flexibility to pursue the strongest opportunities available, which may result in one premium placement or two strong placements, depending on what offers the best value for your campaign.
Which option should I choose?
- Pick DA Targeting if you need a specific authority bracket for your strategy or reporting.
- Pick Smart Select if you want the best overall opportunities for impact (relevance + traffic + quality).
Smart Select outcomes
Smart Select is an outcome-based package, not a fixed DA tier.
We select the best available opportunities at your budget and deliver one of these outcomes:
- 1 x high-authority DA60+ placement: a relevant, high-authority placement on a DA60+ site when a strong opportunity is available.
- 1 x high-authority DA50+ placement: a relevant placement on a DA50 to 59 site. This is the baseline Smart Select outcome.
- 1 x high-traffic authority placement: a placement on a site with unusually high traffic for its DA range, where traffic and relevance make it a stronger opportunity than a higher-DA site.
- 2 x high-quality placements: used when a niche is highly specialised or strict ccTLD targeting would make a forced single placement weaker.
Backlink Targeting FAQs
Is a higher DA site always better?
Not always. DA (a Moz metric) is a useful proxy for authority, but it is not Google’s metric and it does not capture everything that makes a placement valuable. In practice, relevance, traffic quality, and overall site quality can matter more than DA alone. Smart Select is designed for this reality. It prioritises relevance and quality first, with DA as a secondary signal.
What is the difference between Smart Select and DA Targeting?
Both options include outreach and a published placement. The difference is what we optimise for.
- DA Targeting: you choose a minimum DA bracket (DA40+, DA50+, DA60+). Best when DA thresholds matter for your strategy or reporting.
- Smart Select: we prioritise relevance, traffic, and overall quality first, then consider DA. Best when you want the strongest overall opportunity at that budget.
When is Smart Select the best choice?
Choose Smart Select when you want the best overall SEO value rather than a fixed DA bracket. It is ideal when:
- Relevance and traffic quality matter more than a specific DA number
- You want flexibility to take better opportunities slightly above or below a bracket
- You are optimising for long-term performance, not just metrics
When is DA Targeting the best choice?
Choose DA Targeting when you need guaranteed DA minimums. It is ideal when:
- You must hit a specific DA threshold for reporting or client requirements
- You want strict control over the authority bracket of placements
- You are buying placements to match a defined spec (for example, DA60+ only)
Can I mix Smart Select and DA Targeting?
Yes. Many campaigns combine both: DA Targeting for strict authority requirements, and Smart Select for the best overall opportunities.
