Understanding Backlink Counts: A Comparison Between Ahrefs and Semrush

Introduction to Backlink Counts

In the world of SEO, backlinks are a cornerstone of success. They not only help in improving a website's search engine ranking but also contribute to building trust with search engines. Two popular tools for checking backlinks are Ahrefs and Semrush. In this article, we will delve into the difference in backlink numbers reported by these tools and discuss how to optimize backlink counts for better search engine visibility.

The Backlink Figures for Ahrefs and Semrush

One often encounters perplexing numbers when comparing backlink counts from different SEO tools. For instance, Ahrefs may provide a lower count of actual backlinks compared to what Semrush reports. This can be due to several reasons, including differences in how the tools detect and count backlinks, as well as the method of disavowing harmful backlinks.

Backlink Counts from Ahrefs

Ahrefs is known for its comprehensive backlink reports. According to usage, Ahrefs typically gives you around 30 real links for a given domain. This number can vary based on the website and its overall backlink profile. Ahrefs is meticulous about providing accurate data, often filtering out soft 404s and non-creating factors, which may account for the lower count.

Backlink Counts from Semrush

On the other hand, Semrush often reports a higher backlink count. Semrush, which is equally robust in its analysis, shows around 70 real backlinks for a similar domain. This higher number is due to Semrush's aggressive approach to finding backlinks, including identifying vanity or irrelevant backlinks. Semrush also includes more hreflang variants and backlinks from different languages, which can inflate the count.

Disavow List Optimization with Semrush

A useful trick is to create disavow lists using Semrush. By auditing backlinks one by one, you can identify and remove harmful or non-creating backlinks. After cleaning up the backlink profile, you can re-run the analysis to get a more accurate count of real backlinks. This process ensures that your site benefits from only quality backlinks, improving your SEO performance over time.

Free and Paid SEO Tools for Backlink Analysis

In addition to Ahrefs and Semrush, there are several other free and paid SEO tools available for backlink analysis. Some of the notable tools include:

MOZ: Offers a comprehensive suite of SEO services, including backlink analysis. SEMrush: Known for its in-depth analysis and reporting features, which are more extensive compared to Ahrefs. SEScale: A free tool for backlink analysis that is easy to use and provides detailed results.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference in backlink counts from Ahrefs and Semrush is crucial for optimizing your SEO strategy. By using tools like Semrush to create and manage disavow lists, you can ensure that your website benefits from only high-quality backlinks. For a more personalized approach, consider exploring other free and paid SEO tools that offer robust backlink analysis features.

Additional Keywords:

domain analysis backlink analysis tools SEO tool comparison

Meta Description:

Explore the difference in backlink counts between Ahrefs and Semrush. Learn how to optimize your backlink profile and improve your SEO with these helpful tips and tricks.