What metrics might raters use to evaluate site authority?

The evaluation of site authority is largely determined by the trustworthiness and credibility of the site in question. The correct choice highlights the importance of the quality of backlinks and recognition from credible sources, as these are critical indicators of a site’s authority.

Backlinks serve as endorsements from other websites; when high-quality, reputable sites link back to a page, it signals to both users and search engines that the content is valuable and reliable. Similarly, recognition from credible sources, such as media outlets, academic publications, or established organizations, reinforces the site's authority. These elements contribute to a site's reputation and its perceived expertise in a given subject area.

While metrics like domain age, website speed, popularity on social media, and the number of ads can provide context about a site, they do not directly measure the trustworthiness and authority of the content as effectively as backlinks and recognition do. Therefore, focusing on the quality of backlinks and acknowledgment from credible sources provides a more precise assessment of a site's authority.