Share of authority · SoA
Share of Authority is a brand’s share of authority in a topical field compared with its competitors. It is a practitioner term, also used by Microsoft Clarity for a metric in its Citations dashboard, with no standardized definition: each tool or agency calculates it its own way.
Standalone definition · 47 words
How do you approach it?
You combine indicators: SERP share of voice on the topic’s queries, number and quality of referring domains, AI citations over a set of prompts and editorial coverage. You must state the formula, the competitors and the period for the figure to mean anything. Microsoft Clarity also shows a “share of authority” under Dashboards, AI Visibility, Citations (available to all projects since May 13, 2026): it is that tool’s own measure, not a Google or Bing metric.
How does it differ from share of voice?
Share of voice measures visibility (positions or citations). Share of Authority tries to capture recognition of the subject, with authority signals added. The gap between the two reveals visibility without authority, or the reverse.
What precautions apply?
A composite indicator hides its components. Keep the detail (links, citations, coverage) and never compare figures calculated with different methods. Avoid presenting this score as an engine metric: no engine publishes it.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google use this score?
No, it is a practitioner indicator.
How do I track it?
With a fixed method, defined competitors and a regular cadence.
Is it useful for a client?
Useful as a steering reference, provided its components are explained.