Overview
When you’re browsing quote and article requests on Featured, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the variety of publications. Some are household names; others are niche but trusted within specific industries. This guide helps you understand how to evaluate opportunities, so you can respond strategically and see better results over time.
What is Domain Authority (DA)?
Domain Authority (DA) is an SEO metric that predicts how likely a website is to rank in search engine results. On Featured's Pro and Business plans, you'll see each source’s DA and expected attribution type directly in the platform.
High DA = Higher SEO impact
Low DA = Not necessarily low value (especially if the audience is highly relevant)
Tip: Not sure Featured's paid plan is right for you? You can also check DA or DR using free tools from providers like Ahrefs or Moz.
What to consider when choosing which requests to prioritize
Audience alignment
If the publication’s audience matches your target customers, a lower DA isn't something to always avoid.
Example: A small business consultant may benefit more from a feature in SmallBizClub than a mention in Fast Company, depending on goals.
Brand recognition
If you recognize the name right away, others probably do too. These outlets carry authority and a wide reach.
Think: Forbes, TODAY, HubSpot, GoDaddy
Link value (for SEO)
Backlinks from high-DA sites can improve your search engine visibility. But remember:
A healthy SEO portfolio includes do-follow, no-follow, and even unlinked mentions
Don’t skip a relevant opportunity just because of the expected link type
Industry focus
Smaller publications with a tight industry focus often have highly engaged readers.
Examples: GoBankingRates, AZBigMedia, American Business Journal
These can be especially powerful for B2B or niche verticals.
Expected attribution type
Pro and Business plan users can see attribution types based on historical trends:
DoFollow = SEO gold
NoFollow = Still valuable for traffic and brand
Unlinked = Still builds credibility
Unknown = New source to the platform (not enough data to determine the expected attribution type)
Note: All three types contribute to a healthy digital footprint.
Why opportunity selection matters for your business
Choosing which queries to respond to is about more than just chasing big names. Here’s why:
High-DA backlinks help improve SEO and boost search visibility
Niche sources can drive leads from highly targeted audiences
Thought leadership builds your personal brand and fuels other content—like LinkedIn posts, email campaigns, and web copy
Pro tip: The best opportunities align with your voice, values, and expertise. Whether it’s Inc. or a niche finance blog, your passion and authority will shine through when you respond authentically.