Ahrefs · Keywords, backlinks & competitor view
The market and authority layer Search Console doesn’t provide.
PAID
Why I use it
- Actionable keyword research and rank tracking across a query set.
- Backlink profiles help calibrate how hard a topic really is.
How I use it : mini guide
I buy or share access for an audit phase, not to “watch” hundreds of keywords with no decision behind it.
- Semantic map : Intent around the catalogue and pillar pages.
- Competitors : Pages that win for direct competitors : ideas for structure and internal linking.
- Toxic or opportunity links : Over-optimised anchors, spammy links ; disavow or cleanup list when needed.
- Client report : PDF or slides with opportunities ranked effort vs impact.
I don’t obsess over Domain Rating alone : I always contextualise with real GSC traffic.
Concrete Shopify example
B2B niche: find under-served informational queries ; hub content + internal links to money categories.
Limits I've identified
- Cost : hard to justify without SEO volume or content budget.
- Search volumes are estimates : I validate with GSC once live.
- Learning curve on advanced reports.
Alternatives if you don't want to pay
- GSC real queries + manual SERP checks for very tight budgets.