When analyzing website authority, which is a key metric?

Website authority is significantly influenced by the number and quality of incoming links. This metric, often referred to as backlinks, indicates how other websites view the credibility and trustworthiness of a particular site. High-quality incoming links from reputable sources signal to search engines that the linked site provides valuable content, which can enhance its authority and improve its ranking in search engine results.

Furthermore, backlinks are a critical component of search engine algorithms, particularly in Google's ranking systems. The more authoritative websites that link to a page, the more likely that page is to rank well, as it is seen as a trusted resource within its niche. This relationship between backlinks and authority makes it an essential metric for assessing a website's overall strength in the competitive online environment.