In the competitive world of SEO tools, accurate and comprehensive data is everything. Ahrefs stands out as one of the most trusted platforms for backlink analysis, keyword research, and site auditing. But a common question among users is: where does Ahrefs get its data? Understanding the sources behind Ahrefs’ massive databases can help you trust its metrics more and use them effectively in your strategies.
This matters because reliable data drives better decisions whether you’re building links, targeting keywords, or analyzing competitors. Ahrefs’ proprietary approach sets it apart from tools like SEMrush, especially in backlink accuracy. In this guide, we’ll break down Ahrefs’ data sources, how often it updates, key metrics like Domain Rating (DR), and comparisons to alternatives like Google Keyword Planner and SEMrush.
Primary Data Sources for Ahrefs
Ahrefs primarily relies on its own infrastructure for data collection, avoiding reliance on third-party search engines for core metrics.
Web Crawling with AhrefsBot
The backbone of Ahrefs’ data is its web crawler, AhrefsBot, which operates 24/7. This bot discovers and indexes backlinks, web pages, and content across the internet. Ahrefs has built one of the largest independent indexes, with trillions of links updated frequently.
Backlinks wise, Ahrefs is known for having the most comprehensive and fresh database. Live backlinks update every 15-30 minutes, making it ideal for real-time link monitoring.
Keyword and Traffic Data
For keywords, search volumes, and traffic estimates, Ahrefs blends multiple sources:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Google Trends
- Anonymized and aggregated Google Search Console data (with user consent)
- Other third-party providers, including clickstream data
This multi-source approach refines accuracy, especially for search volumes and click-through rates (CTR). Traffic estimates calculate from rankings, volumes, and modeled CTR.
Discussions on where does Ahrefs get its data Reddit often highlight this blend, noting it improves over sole reliance on Google tools.
Content and Site Data
Ahrefs’ Content Explorer and Site Audit use crawlers like AhrefsSiteAudit to index pages and analyze on-site issues.
How Often Does Ahrefs Update Its Data
Frequency varies by metric:
- Live backlinks: Every 15-30 minutes
- Full backlink index refresh: Pages re-crawled based on priority (high-authority sites more often), with a complete cycle around every two months
- Keyword volumes and CPC: Every few weeks, at least monthly
- SERP positions: Vary by keyword popularity (multiple times daily for high-volume terms)
- Rank Tracker: Weekly by default (daily with add-ons)
These updates ensure freshness, but what contributes to fluctuations in Ahrefs search traffic estimations includes ranking changes, CTR model adjustments, unknown keywords, and database refinements.
What Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR) Represents
Ahrefs domain rating dr represents the relative strength of a website’s backlink profile on a logarithmic 0-100 scale. Higher DR means more “link juice” passed to linked sites.
Calculation factors:
- Number of unique referring domains
- Their own DR
- Link distribution (to avoid dilution)
DR is relative your score can shift based on the broader index. It’s a strong proxy for ranking potential, correlating with organic traffic.
Ahrefs vs. SEMrush: Data Sources and Accuracy
Where does SEMrush get its data? SEMrush uses its own crawler (crawling billions of pages daily for 43+ trillion links), clickstream data, public APIs, and machine learning models.
Key differences:
- Backlinks: Ahrefs often praised for larger, fresher index and accuracy
- Keywords: SEMrush has massive database (26+ billion keywords); some prefer its volume estimates
- Traffic: Both estimate (rankings x volume x CTR); discrepancies common
SEMrush’s Keyword Difficulty score indicates the effort needed to rank in top 10, based on top pages’ authority, backlinks, and SERP features (0-100%, higher = harder).
Here’s a comparison table:
| Aspect | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Backlink Database Size | ~35 trillion links | ~43 trillion links |
| Primary Strength | Backlink freshness and accuracy | Keyword volume and all-in-one features |
| Keyword Difficulty | Logarithmic scale, backlink-focused | Percentage based on authority, backlinks, SERP features |
| Traffic Estimates | Strong for organic SEO | Includes paid and broader insights |
| Update Frequency | Live links every 15-30 min | Monthly rankings refresh |
| Best For | Link building, competitor backlinks | Comprehensive marketing (SEO + PPC) |
Many SEOs use both: Ahrefs for links, SEMrush for keywords.
Ahrefs Keyword Explorer vs. Google Keyword Planner
Ahrefs Keyword Explorer offers deeper insights than the free Google Keyword Planner:
- Exact volumes (not ranges)
- Keyword difficulty
- Traffic potential
- SERP overview
- Millions of suggestions
Google Keyword Planner provides direct Google data (great for PPC bids and trends) but buckets volumes and lacks SEO metrics.
Ahrefs refines Planner data with clickstream for better accuracy.
Deep Insights: Limitations and Best Practices
No tool is perfect estimates can fluctuate due to algorithm changes or incomplete crawling. Cross-verify with Google Search Console for your site.
On where does Ahrefs get its data in SEMrush comparisons, Ahrefs’ independent crawling gives it an edge in pure backlink work.
FAQ
Where does Ahrefs get its data?
Primarily from its own crawlers (AhrefsBot), plus blended sources like Google Keyword Planner and clickstream for keywords/traffic.
How often does Ahrefs update its database?
Live backlinks every 15-30 minutes; full index cycles vary, with high-priority pages updated frequently.
What does Ahrefs Domain Rating (DR) represent?
The backlink profile strength on a 0-100 logarithmic scale, relative to other sites.
Where does SEMrush get its data?
From its proprietary crawler, clickstream, APIs, and machine learning.
What does the Keyword Difficulty score indicate in SEMrush?
The percentage effort needed to rank in Google’s top 10 (higher = harder).
Why do Ahrefs traffic estimates fluctuate?
Due to ranking changes, CTR model tweaks, database updates, and unknown keywords.
Is Ahrefs better than Google Keyword Planner?
For SEO depth (difficulty, suggestions), yes; Planner is free and direct for PPC trends.
Conclusion
Knowing where does Ahrefs get its data largely from independent crawling and refined third-party blends explains its reputation for reliable backlink and keyword insights. While no tool matches Google’s internal data perfectly, Ahrefs’ approach delivers actionable intelligence for SEO success.
