A question that continues to divide marketers and business leaders: what truly builds lasting authority?
This dilemma often crystallizes into a single strategic choice that pits raw power against authentic connection.
On one side, there’s the allure of high-authority backlinks—securing a link from a major website with a powerful Domain Authority (DA) or Domain Rating (DR), even if the context isn’t a perfect match.
On the other, there’s the pursuit of niche relevance—placing valuable, insightful content on a credible website that may have a lower authority score but boasts a perfectly aligned and engaged audience.
This isn’t just a tactical debate; it’s a strategic one that cuts to the heart of how search engines in 2025 perceive value.
As algorithms become vastly more sophisticated at understanding context, user intent, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T), the old rules of “link juice” are being fundamentally rewritten.
To get a definitive verdict on where leaders should place their bets, the BoostMyDomain team turned to a global panel of distinguished digital growth experts and business leaders.
We asked them to settle the debate:
“Random link placements on sites with high DR/DA scores OR placing real content in low-scoring yet credible websites—what would you recommend and why?”
Their responses provide a crucial guide for any business looking to build a resilient, effective, and future-proof backlink strategy.
Read on!
Target Audiences Matter More Than Domain Metrics
As Capt Chris with Flippin’ Awesome Adventures, I’d choose placing real content on low-scoring yet credible websites over random link placements on high DR sites any day.
Here’s why. I want links that actually make sense for my brand and build trust. If I put real content on a smaller site that’s credible and relevant, like a local Panama City Beach travel blog or a family vacation planning site, it reaches people who care about what I offer. Even if their DA isn’t sky high, the traffic is targeted and the backlink is natural.
Random links on unrelated high DR sites might give a small SEO bump short-term, but they don’t build brand reputation or bring in quality visitors who are likely to book tours. I’d rather invest time creating genuine, helpful content that lives on sites where my ideal guests are already hanging out. That builds authority with both Google and real people planning their adventures.
Real Influence Beats Inflated Metrics Every Time
Placing real content on low-scoring yet credible websites is the better long-term strategy — and here’s why:
Relevance and trust > raw authority metrics: High DR/DA scores are tempting, but random links without context often scream “manipulative” to both users and Google. In contrast, thoughtful, relevant content on a niche site with real readership builds authentic trust and SEO value over time — even if the site’s metrics are modest.
Audience engagement matters: A low-DA site that caters to your specific industry, region, or customer segment likely brings better qualified traffic. Those visitors are more likely to engage, convert, or remember your brand — which matters far more than one off, high-metric backlinks with no real audience fit.
Future-proof SEO: Google’s algorithm updates increasingly reward helpful, real content and penalize unnatural link-building tactics. Random high-DA link drops can get devalued (or worse, trigger penalties), while earned, contextual placements will continue to build authority safely.
I’d choose real content on credible niche sites — because real influence beats inflated metrics, especially in the age of smarter algorithms and savvier audiences.
Sales and Marketing (Digital Marketing), EDS FZE
Plant Seeds in Fertile Soil, Not Concrete
For me, placing real content on credible, lower DR/DA sites beats random links on high-scoring domains any day. Why? Because relevance matters more than just numbers. A high DR site might look like a shiny trophy, but if your link sits there like a wallflower with no context, it won’t drive meaningful traffic or trust.
Credible niche sites with lower scores can actually punch above their weight if they offer real engagement and relevant audiences. Think of it as planting seeds in fertile soil rather than scattering them on concrete. The content adds value, connects with readers, and builds genuine authority.
Random links feel like shouting in a crowded room. Content-based links? They’re like joining the right conversation and getting a nod of approval. For long-term growth, I’d pick relevance and authenticity over flashy metrics every time.
SEO Consultant, Mike Khorev
Context Trumps Metrics in Evolving SEO Landscape
I’d choose placing real, contextual content on low-scoring but credible websites — every time.
Relevance and Trust > Metrics
– Domain Rating (DR) and Domain Authority (DA) are third-party metrics, not Google ranking factors.
– A contextual backlink from a website that is really in your niche, even with just 15 DA, can be worth more in terms of SEO value (and real traffic) than some random link from some unrelated DR 80 technology aggregator with no contextual value.
Google’s Spam Policies are Evolving
Google increasingly is discounting backlinks that appear as:
– Paid ad spaces without context.
– Posted on “link farm” sites regardless of DR.
– Stuffed in unused pages or footers.
On the other hand, earned media on small blogs or discussion forums exhibits natural linking behavior, and that is what Google wishes to be rewarding.
User Behavior Signals Matter
– A link that is actually getting real clicks and usage (even from a small, low-DA site) can be worth more to your overall visibility and brand credibility than a link sitting idle on a high-DA content farm.
Bonus: True content opens doors to relationships and organic mentions elsewhere.
CEO, BoostVision
Focus on Relevance and Honesty, Not Metrics
I don’t care about DR/DA scores when placing content. I focus on relevance and honesty. If a query is even slightly connected to what I do, and I have something real to say, I’ll respond. That’s it.
A lot of content out there is written purely for backlink building, no real, honest value. I’d rather answer fewer questions and focus on the ones where I can actually contribute something useful. That way, people start to trust what you say. You’re not just another voice chasing backlinks, you’re someone who shows up where it matters and adds something real. That builds authority the right way.
Founder, Paramor
Audience Trust Outweighs Domain Authority Every Time
I’d choose real content on low-scoring but credible websites every time. Domain Rating (DR/DA) is just one metric—and often overvalued.
What really matters is relevance, authenticity, and whether the content reaches the right audience. A thoughtful mention on a niche blog your target audience trusts can drive more qualified traffic and build stronger brand equity than a random link on a high-DR site that lacks context.
In the long run, contextual relevance and trust beat raw authority scores for sustainable SEO and brand building.
Senior Marketing Consultant, BeastBI GmbH
Quality Links Build Trust With Users and Algorithms
I prioritise placing real, relevant content on low-scoring yet credible websites over random link placements on high DR/DA sites.
While high authority metrics can be attractive, Google’s algorithm now favors context, topical relevance, and genuine user engagement.
Backlinks from sites that are niche-specific—even with modest DR—can drive higher-quality traffic and improve topical authority, especially when the content is meaningful and aligned with user intent.
Random placements on high-DR domains, especially if they’re unrelated or look unnatural, risk being flagged as manipulative or spammy, which can hurt rankings in the long run.
Our link-building strategy is about quality over quantity—building trust with both search engines and users. One strong backlink from a niche blog with real readers often outperforms a generic link on a high-DR news aggregator.
This approach supports sustainable SEO growth and better aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
SEO Lead, Smartlead
Relevance Matters More Than Domain Authority Scores
I would choose placing real content on low-DA but credible websites.
Random link placements on high-DA sites can be risky, as they often lack relevance, which is more important than just domain authority. Links from irrelevant sites, even with high DA, can hurt your SEO or look spammy to search engines.
On the other hand, low-DA sites that are credible within your niche can still drive targeted traffic and help build brand authority. If the site is relevant and reaches the right audience, the value of that connection outweighs the DA score.
Ultimately, relevance and context matter more for long-term SEO success than simply targeting high-DA sites.
Co-Founder, WebSpero Solutions
Topical Relevance Beats Third-Party SEO Metrics
I choose the second option: placing real content in low-scoring yet credible websites. DR, DA and other third-party SEO metrics are just estimates — they correlate with a strong website, but don’t drive SEO performance by themselves.
Topical relevance and credibility, on the other hand, can’t be faked and are very important for driving rankings and traffic. Given the choice between a random link on a “high value” website and a more relevant one on a smaller website that’s topically similar to mine, I will pick the second option every time.
Director, Spare Space
On behalf of the BoostMyDomain community of readers, we thank these leaders and experts for taking the time to share valuable insights that stem from years of experience and in-depth expertise in their respective niches.
BoostMyDomain invites you to share your insights and contribute to our authoritative publication. Reach a wider audience, build your credibility, and establish yourself as a thought leader in an industry that caters to every business with an online presence!