How to Use Ahrefs for Keyword Research
Conduct comprehensive keyword research using Ahrefs to find high-opportunity keywords, analyze competitors, and build a content strategy.
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What You'll Learn
This intermediate-level guide walks you through how to use ahrefs for keyword research step by step. Estimated time: 12 min.
Step 1: Explore seed keywords
Enter broad topic keywords into Ahrefs Keywords Explorer to discover search volumes, difficulty scores, and related keyword ideas.
Step 2: Analyze competitor keywords
Use Site Explorer to see which keywords competitors rank for and identify gaps in your own content.
Step 3: Filter for opportunity
Apply filters for keyword difficulty under 30, search volume above 100, and matching business intent to find actionable targets.
Step 4: Cluster keywords into topics
Group related keywords into topic clusters that map to content pieces and support your overall SEO strategy.
Step 5: Track and monitor rankings
Add target keywords to Ahrefs Rank Tracker to monitor progress and identify when to update or create new content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ahrefs' keyword data reliable?▾
Ahrefs maintains the largest clickstream data panel, providing more accurate search volume and click estimates than most alternatives.
How do I find low-competition keywords?▾
Filter for Keyword Difficulty under 20-30 with search volume above 100. Look for long-tail questions and specific use cases in your niche.
Ahrefs vs Semrush for keyword research?▾
Ahrefs has a more intuitive interface and better backlink data. Semrush has a larger keyword database and more integrated marketing tools.