How to Use Semrush

Getting started with Semrush

After reading this guide, you will be able to set up your Semrush account, perform keyword research, and conduct a basic site audit to improve your website's SEO performance.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Semrush's website.
2. Click on the "Sign Up" button located at the top right corner.
3. Enter your email address and a password, or sign up using Google or Facebook.
4. After signing up, you’ll be prompted to choose a plan. Select the “7-day free trial” option to start.
5. Complete the setup by filling in your company details when prompted.

Step 2: Your first keyword research

1. Once logged in, navigate to the "Keyword Research" section on the left sidebar.
2. Click on "Keyword Overview."
3. Enter a keyword relevant to your niche and click the "Search" button.
4. Review the results, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords.
5. Click on "Keyword Magic Tool" for more in-depth analysis and to generate a list of related keywords.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the "Position Tracking" tool under the "Projects" section to monitor the rankings of your selected keywords.
2. Set up a project by clicking "Create Project" and entering your domain.
3. Add keywords you want to track in the "Position Tracking" setup and choose your target location.
4. Regularly check the "Site Audit" tool under "Projects" to identify technical issues on your website.

Pro tip

Use the "Keyword Gap" tool found under "Keyword Research" to compare your keywords with competitors. This will help you discover gaps in your strategy and find keywords you may be missing.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid skipping the initial site audit. Many beginners jump straight into keyword research without assessing their website's current health, which can lead to overlooking critical issues that affect SEO performance.