Domain authority is an important metric that helps websites rank better on search engines. While there are several factors that influence domain authority, broken links and improper redirects can silently reduce your score. Fixing these issues can help improve site health and directly support your SEO efforts.

This article discusses how to increase domain authority by fixing broken links and redirects. You will learn about the causes of these issues, how to detect them, and how to resolve them effectively.

What Is Domain Authority?

Domain authority is a score developed by SEO platforms to estimate the strength of a website’s ranking ability. It ranges from 0 to 100 and is influenced by several factors including backlinks, internal links, user experience, and page structure.

Although search engines do not use this score directly, it reflects how well a site might perform in search results. A higher score typically means better visibility. Broken links and bad redirects affect both user experience and crawlability, which indirectly impacts this score.

What Are Broken Links?

Broken links are links on a webpage that do not work. They lead to a dead page that shows a 404 error or cannot be reached at all. These links can occur due to:

• Deleted pages
• Moved pages without redirection
• Mistyped URLs
• Linking to external sites that no longer exist

Broken links reduce domain authority because they interrupt the user experience and block search engine crawlers from indexing content correctly.

Fix

1. Use Link Check Tools
   Use online tools or browser extensions that scan your website for broken links. Tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Google Search Console are good options.
2. Manually Check Key Pages
   Focus on high-traffic and high-authority pages first. These contribute more to your site’s authority.
3. Update or Remove Broken Links
   If a link is broken due to a removed page, find a relevant alternative and replace it. If no replacement is available, remove the link altogether.
4. Fix Internal Linking Issues
   Check if internal links are pointing to outdated or moved content. Update them with the correct URLs.

What Are Redirects?

Redirects are commands that send users and crawlers from one URL to another. They are useful when a page is moved or replaced. But too many redirects, incorrect status codes, or redirect loops can cause serious SEO issues.

Types of Redirects

• 301 Redirect: Permanent redirect that tells search engines the page has moved for good
• 302 Redirect: Temporary redirect
• Meta Refresh Redirects or JavaScript Redirects: Often used for delay-based page changes but not recommended for SEO

Fix

1. Scan for Redirect Chains and Loops
   Use SEO audit tools to check for redirect chains. A chain happens when a URL redirects to another, which then redirects again. Loops occur when the redirects form a circle and do not resolve.
2. Use 301 Redirects for Permanent Changes
   When moving or deleting pages, apply a 301 redirect to the new or most relevant page. This helps preserve link equity and maintain user flow.
3. Avoid Redirect Chains
   Shorten long redirect chains by pointing the original URL directly to the final destination. This reduces load time and improves crawl efficiency.
4. Fix Incorrect Redirects
   Sometimes redirects send users to unrelated pages. Redirects should point to a page that closely matches the original content to retain engagement and trust.

How Fixing Links Helps Improve Domain Authority

Broken links and poor redirects disrupt site performance. Here’s how fixing them contributes to domain authority:

• Better User Experience: Visitors stay longer and visit more pages when all links work properly.
• Improved Crawlability: Search engine bots can crawl your site easily and index your content without hitting dead ends.
• Preserved Link Equity: Redirects help pass the link juice from old URLs to new ones, which supports authority growth.
• Lower Bounce Rate: Working links keep users engaged and lower bounce rates, which is a positive ranking signal.

Steps to Regularly Monitor Links and Redirects

1. Schedule Routine SEO Audits
   Run monthly or quarterly audits to catch issues early.
2. Monitor External Links
   Even links pointing outside your site can go bad. Keep track of external links and replace broken ones with newer, relevant sources.
3. Use Plugins or CMS Tools
   If you use platforms like WordPress, several plugins can help monitor and fix broken links in real-time.
4. Keep a Change Log
   Maintain a simple document or use version control to track changes to URLs, page deletions, or redirection rules.

How to Increase Domain Authority with Smart Fixes

Improving domain authority is a gradual process. But by addressing link errors and managing redirects efficiently, your website can gain better SEO health. Focus on accuracy and consistency in your link structure. Fixing broken links and setting up proper redirects is one of the easiest ways to gain quick wins in authority.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to increase domain authority begins with maintaining a healthy, accessible website. Broken links and bad redirects often go unnoticed but carry heavy weight in SEO performance. By applying the above fixes, your website can retain user interest, remain crawler friendly, and gradually build a stronger domain presence.