04 / Link data
Ahrefs is a cloud SEO platform best known for its large backlink index. It also includes keyword research, competitor analysis, rank tracking, and a Site Audit crawler, and offers free webmaster tools for sites you can verify.
This lesson explains the main Ahrefs tools, how Site Audit works, how backlink data supports technical audits, and when Ahrefs is the right choice.
1. What Ahrefs is
Ahrefs runs in the browser. Core tools include Site Explorer for backlink and organic traffic data, Keywords Explorer, Site Audit, Rank Tracker, and Content Explorer. Ahrefs Webmaster Tools gives verified site owners free access to Site Audit and Site Explorer data for their own sites, within limits.
SEO tools update plans, limits, and features frequently. This lesson focuses on how each tool works and where it fits in an audit workflow. Check the vendor's website for current pricing and plan limits before choosing.
2. Site Explorer and backlinks
| Metric or report | Use in audits |
|---|---|
| Referring domains | How many unique sites link to a page or domain |
| Best by links | Which pages attract the most links |
| Broken backlinks | External links pointing to pages that now return 404 |
| Anchor text | How other sites describe your pages |
| Organic keywords and top pages | Which pages earn estimated organic traffic |
Backlink data changes audit priorities. A 404 page with dozens of referring domains should be redirected before a 404 with none. See prioritization and SiteAuditLint's backlinks import.
3. Ahrefs Site Audit
Site Audit crawls a project, reports errors, warnings, and notices, and gives a Health Score. It supports JavaScript rendering, scheduled crawls, and a data explorer for filtering URLs. Issues can be linked to Site Explorer data such as backlinks and traffic.
4. Other tools
Keywords Explorer
Search volume, difficulty, and SERP data for keyword research.
Rank Tracker
Track positions for target keywords over time.
Content Explorer
Find popular content and link prospects by topic.
AI visibility features
Newer tools track brand mentions in AI answers. Check current availability.
5. Strengths
Backlink data
A large, frequently updated link index.
Competitor analysis
Estimated traffic and top pages for any domain.
Free webmaster tools
Useful access for verified site owners.
Integrated data
Audit issues alongside links and traffic.
6. Limits to consider
Usage-based limits
Plans limit credits, crawled pages, and projects.
Estimated traffic
Traffic figures are models, not analytics.
Crawler flexibility
Less configurable than dedicated desktop crawlers for complex audits.
7. Comparing with other tools
See Screaming Frog vs Ahrefs vs SiteAuditLint and Screaming Frog vs Seobility vs SiteAuditLint.
8. Practical exercise: Find backlinked broken pages
Ahrefs checklist
0 of 8 tasks completed
Key takeaways
- Ahrefs is a cloud SEO platform known for its backlink index.
- Site Explorer shows referring domains, broken backlinks, and top pages.
- Backlink data helps prioritize redirects and broken page fixes.
- Site Audit provides errors, warnings, and a Health Score.
- Ahrefs Webmaster Tools offers free access for verified sites within limits.
Knowledge check
Next, learn how SiteAuditLint fits into this toolbox in the SiteAuditLint lesson.