With the current launch of our distant MCP server, anybody can now chat immediately with Ahrefs knowledge to get actionable Search engine optimization insights.
MCP, which stands for Mannequin Context Protocol, is an open customary that firms can use to combine their exterior instruments and knowledge with suitable AI assistants.
Think about you’ve lately launched a brand new clothes model and wish to discover eCommerce shops rating nicely for the forms of merchandise you’ll promote— a standard purpose earlier than reverse-engineering what makes them profitable.
The usual Ahrefs interface allows you to lookup any website to uncover issues just like the key phrases they’re rating for, their most linked-to content material, and the way total search site visitors is trending.
Our new MCP server, which integrates with widespread AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude, presents the flexibility to automate these and numerous different processes to realize insights at scale.
Ask for recommendation as should you’re speaking with a pal and, on this case, we now have an inventory of potential opponents to start out investigating additional.
Out there on Ahrefs Lite, Commonplace, Superior and Enterprise plans, you’ll now be capable to faucet immediately into our API while not having to know the best way to code.
The one drawback you would possibly face is, “What ought to I ask subsequent?”.
This information goals to reply that very query.
Each time I’m engaged on Search engine optimization tasks for shoppers, I usually use a number of instruments to carry out related duties.
For instance, I crawl web sites utilizing the Ahrefs Website Audit software, Screaming Frog, and customized software program.
My course of for key phrase analysis contains Ahrefs, Google Developments, Google Autosuggest, and guide checks of search outcomes.
I realized early on that a few of my greatest insights come from having a number of views on associated knowledge. If you’re engaged on websites with tens of 1000’s and even tens of millions of pages, it’s doable to overlook finer particulars in a single software that stand out in one other.
I view utilizing the Ahrefs MCP server in an identical manner: I acquire new insights due to a special perspective that AI gives, and as a bonus, it allows me to scale operations that I already know the best way to carry out.
It gained’t (and shouldn’t) absolutely change all guide checks and human intelligence.
At instances, you’ll obtain suggestions you’re already conscious of, and like many AI assistants, it’d make issues sound easier than they’re in actuality.
However it might additionally let you know a couple of cluster of unusual key phrases a website is rating for that sparks an thought of how one can compete with your personal take.
It is going to remind you that particular rankings a competitor has picked up are seasonal, and that it is likely to be good to arrange content material for the site visitors “peak” coming in just a few months.
It is going to inform you concerning the small area of interest website you initially ignored which has ramped up content material manufacturing in current months and, from an Search engine optimization perspective, is getting outcomes.
And should you’re nonetheless not satisfied, chatting immediately with Ahrefs knowledge is simply plain enjoyable.
A word on set-up and prompting
There are guides to 5 widespread AI instruments together with Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot Studio. Alternatively, you should utilize our distant connection URL immediately: https://api.ahrefs.com/mcp/mcp.
Whereas you may get the identical nice performance from the ChatGPT integration as Claude, MCP connectors are in beta in ChatGPT, and that’s noticeable at instances.
I say this as a paying ChatGPT buyer for years and a Claude one for only a few weeks, I a lot favor the expertise in Claude.
Instruments don’t all the time know to make use of the Ahrefs MCP server versus looking the net, so it’s extremely really helpful that you just’re particular about that, beginning requests with “Use the Ahrefs MCP server” or “Utilizing the Ahrefs MCP server,…”.
Assume that I could have had so as to add that to the next prompts in the event that they didn’t route via the Ahrefs MCP connection mechanically.
As a last word, your Ahrefs account stage determines what number of rows you’ll be able to pull again for every request.
15 immediate concepts throughout three ranges of insights
Easy prompts can present actionable responses in seconds, whereas others that require extra knowledge (reminiscent of analyzing the backlink profile of a number of websites) can take a couple of minutes to course of.
Typically, the extra in-depth your request, the extra items you’ll eat and the longer it is going to take to complete your response.
Response time: usually underneath two minutes.
1. Determine websites rising natural search site visitors in 2025
Be aware: This is only one a part of the reply. Particular websites within the response are hidden to be respectful.
Immediate:
Utilizing this checklist of 10 websites in my area of interest, inform me which have grown natural search site visitors from January 2025 to September 2025:
[Domains 1-10].
Your AI assistant will rapidly lookup the estimated natural search site visitors every website obtained over the advised timeframe.
It is going to additionally seemingly add commentary on total development percentages and any fascinating stand-out months for a specific area.
2. Uncover the phrases opponents rank on the primary web page of Google for
Immediate:
Inform me concerning the rankings
[Competitor]has on the primary web page of Google that[My Site]doesn’t have first-page rankings for.
To method this manually, you possibly can use Ahrefs’ Aggressive Evaluation software, with quite a few particular filters to hone in on what you’re in search of.
If a easy overview is all you want, the MCP will rapidly checklist phrases you’re not rating for in comparison with any opponents.
3. Discover essentially the most linked-to content material on any website or subfolder
Immediate:
Checklist the highest 10 pages on
[industry blog]ranked by what number of hyperlinks every has. Additionally embrace their estimated natural search site visitors.
I prefer to lookup how particular directories are performing — not simply domains as a complete. As an example, discovering essentially the most linked-to articles on Ahrefs.com/weblog/ gives very totally different insights from the general Ahrefs web site.
4. Discover natural search opponents for any website
Immediate:
Give me an inventory of the closest natural search opponents for
[My site, e.g. Docusign.com].
The Ahrefs API has a selected endpoint that exhibits natural search opponents ranked by the variety of widespread key phrases every website shares. We will use the MCP to faucet into that.
Within the instance above, if we’re researching Docusign, we’ll get insights on websites like PandaDoc and SignWell.
You possibly can carry out this motion manually within the Ahrefs Dashboard by going to Website Explorer > Natural Rivals.
5. Mix key phrase analysis with weblog publish headline concepts
Immediate:
My enterprise sells
[product type, e.g. coffee tables], and I’m seeking to analysis extra weblog publish concepts. Assist me discover key phrases that individuals use for analysis earlier than making a purchase order.
This immediate will pull knowledge immediately from Ahrefs’ key phrase database, wanting up informational, comparability, question-based, and related question varieties related to your particular state of affairs.
Response time: usually 2-10 minutes.
6. Uncover trending key phrases (and why they’re rising in recognition)
Immediate:
I’ve coated
[my niche e.g. gardening]with a number of evergreen content material angles. Are there any trending phrases carefully associated to my trade that you possibly can suggest contemplating? Ideally as much as 20 phrases with the potential to extend in recognition in 2026.
The MCP can make the most of Ahrefs Key phrase Explorer to analyse related insights for every key phrase, reminiscent of search quantity over time, site visitors potential, and key phrase problem.
I particularly just like the descriptions as to why a time period is likely to be more and more widespread.
7. Batch analyze particular area insights (like Natural Site visitors and Area Score)
Immediate:
Right here’s an inventory of 20 websites in my area of interest
[attach a file or type each domain]. Please create a desk that features their Ahrefs DR, Natural Site visitors, and the variety of key phrases they’re rating within the prime 3 positions for in search outcomes.
It’s typically the case that I’ll have an inventory of web sites to dive into, found via analysis exterior of Ahrefs, on which I now need further Search engine optimization-focused insights. The MCP helps to offer these at scale.
8. Construction content material outlines utilizing insights from key phrase analysis
Immediate:
I’m writing a information on
[topic, e.g. the best travel backpacks]. Conduct key phrase analysis to assist determine key phrases I ought to cowl, then construction an instance article define utilizing your findings. Hold it pure, slightly than overly keyword-focused.
Mix key phrase analysis with an AI assistant’s understanding of how articles are usually structured.
Our AI Content material Helper can take this to the subsequent stage, however the MCP can present an important start line.
For those who like, you may also request an evaluation of top-ranking pages for related queries.
9. Uncover the top-ranking websites throughout any group of key phrases
Immediate:
Throughout this checklist of 20 totally different keyphrases related to my area of interest, inform me which internet sites rank for essentially the most phrases and in the very best positions.
[Include your keyphrases]
This immediate is nice for rapidly discovering the highest websites in niches you aren’t already conversant in.
10. Discover damaged backlinks to any area or URL path
Immediate:
Discover damaged backlinks pointing to any URLs underneath the next subdirectory:
[e.g.nytimes.com/wirecutter/]. I’m particularly in search of particular person URLs that obtain essentially the most hyperlinks from different websites however don’t exist. Deal with excessive DR hyperlinks, and only one per area.
This immediate gives direct insights from the Damaged Backlinks report we provide in Website Explorer. For those who’re conversant in the filters we now have in place (like solely returning One hyperlink per area), then you’ll be able to simply improve your prompts with extra specifics.
Response time: two to 10+ minutes. The larger the request (i.e., the extra key phrases, search outcomes, or websites to research), the longer it is going to take.
11. Analysis worldwide Search engine optimization growth alternatives
Immediate:
I run a
[business type, e.g. fashion marketplace]primarily for the US market. We’re seeking to develop internationally. Please discover as much as 10 examples of comparable companies that expanded into different nations. Define what they had been, and the way their natural site visitors is trending in these nations.
The purpose right here is to determine the nations the place opponents are rating nicely, and the markets they haven’t focused, to provoke the analysis course of for future enterprise selections.
On this instance, the MCP rapidly checked worldwide search site visitors for manufacturers reminiscent of UNIQLO, Shein, H&M, ASOS, Nike, and Mango.
12. Insights into competitor content material methods
Immediate:
Analyze the highest ten natural search opponents to
[Site e.g. AllRecipes.com]. I wish to get an thought of any distinctive, non-standard approaches they’re taking to content material creation and the phrases they’re focusing on, exterior of[common topic, e.g. recipes].
The purpose right here is first to find the content material methods throughout a number of websites, then strip out the commonalities to disclose any fascinating outliers.
13. Total website suggestions to extend natural search site visitors
Immediate:
You’re an Search engine optimization professional. Your job is to extend natural site visitors to
[Site, e.g. Chewy.com]in a authentic, whitehat manner. You may have entry to the very best Search engine optimization knowledge on the planet through the Ahrefs MCP. Analysis essentially the most related data you’ll be able to about my website and the trade wherein it operates. Provide any recommendation you’re feeling is suitable.
This instance was impressed by Marie Haynes, who kindly messaged me (with permission to share) to say she was gaining some nice insights from prompts alongside this line.
I believe it completely suits into the ‘enjoyable’ class, the place it’s not tremendous apparent what sort of response you’ll get, however doubtlessly identifies one thing you may need ignored.
14. In-depth trade analysis primarily based on particular rankings
Immediate:
Present an inventory of the highest 20 keyphrases that
[Site e.g.GarageGymReviews.com]is rating first-page for, the place the ‘Individuals Additionally Ask’ SERP function is current. Rank them by estimated search quantity. Solely embrace phrases at the very least 4 phrases in size, and exclude any which can be branded (i.e.,[mention ‘Garage Gym Reviews’]). Then inform me the highest ten websites rating total for these phrases mixed.
Right here we begin by figuring out rankings that just one website has, then use these phrases to realize a special perspective on natural opponents.
You possibly can request different SERP options to be current, reminiscent of Movies or ‘Discussions & Boards’.
The concept is you could mix two (or extra) separate angles right into a single request.
15. Analyze a number of backlink profiles at as soon as
Immediate:
Present me a complete overview of the backlink profile of those 5 web sites I’m researching:
[Sites 1,2,3,4,5]. Make sure to embrace the speed at which they’re choosing up hyperlinks from new domains.
I particularly like figuring out how rapidly opponents are choosing up new backlinks in comparison with my very own manufacturers.
Analyzing a number of websites without delay helps you kind a great overview as to the place you stack up. You possibly can construct on this by including extra websites or requesting particular forms of hyperlinks (e.g., excluding these which can be nofollowed).
Out there now: A bonus immediate through the web page explorer endpoint
The Ahrefs improvement group continually provides new options to our API, and after they do, you may also acquire further insights through our MCP server.
We’ve simply launched the Web page Explorer endpoint in APIv3 (technical particulars right here), which gives page-level particulars from any web sites you’ve audited with Ahrefs.
You possibly can first use the Ahrefs MCP server to get an inventory of points that apply to your most up-to-date Website Audit crawl:
From there, you should utilize the brand new endpoint to discover particular points, reminiscent of which URLs redirect, or all pages that returned a 404 standing code.
Having spent a number of time with the MCP testing artistic methods to enhance my workflows, I’ve realized just a few issues to make the expertise extra useful.
As soon as related, attempt asking your AI assistant of selection for inspiration on what to immediate.
This sounds meta, however it works: Clarify the present state of affairs of the tasks you’re engaged on from a advertising and marketing perspective and what you’re combating. You possibly can then see some instance prompts which could assist with what to ask.
Particularly for ChatGPT, be sure you point out the Ahrefs MCP server in your prompts.
For instance, a request for one thing across the prime blogs in a selected area of interest can rapidly set off your AI assistant of selection to start out looking the net.
Together with “Utilizing the Ahrefs MCP server, please checklist the highest blogs rating for…” in your immediate will guarantee it collects knowledge immediately from Ahrefs as a substitute.
Be particular concerning the variety of websites you’re seeking to analyse, key phrase solutions you prefer to, and the date vary you need insights from.
This manner you’ll be able to keep away from getting too few insights, or too many that you just eat pointless items.
Whereas ChatGPT connectors are in beta, I’ve personally discovered Claude to be a extra satisfying expertise.
I favor ChatGPT’s design, however not in relation to calling instruments (just like the Ahrefs MCP server).
For those who’re already conversant in a course of to comply with, be clear concerning the order of the duty you need your AI assistant to comply with.
For those who usually lookup the key phrases a website is rating for earlier than you analyze its backlinks, immediate your assistant to do the identical.
For those who encounter any oddities (they’re uncommon), you’ll be able to examine the response to realize an thought of what may need gone mistaken.
ChatGPT’s personal documentation recommends this step to assist debug any points. It might be the case that your immediate may very well be improved, otherwise you’ve requested for one thing we don’t have knowledge on (like the place a website ranks in DuckDuckGo).
You possibly can simply examine your present utilization and limits through the Ahrefs dashboard.
Merely navigate to Accounts > Limits & Utilization and scroll right down to the API items / mo part.
Don’t count on the MCP to exchange all human intelligence (or our typical interface), however see it as an addition to these.
Some duties are all the time going to be extra satisfying in a purpose-built UI than in a chat-like interplay.
However when scale and a brand new perspective are what you’re in search of, you would possibly simply surprise the way you labored with out the MCP prior to now.
Wrapping up
I didn’t initially count on to get pleasure from utilizing the MCP server as a lot as I’ve. Now that it’s right here, I hold discovering new use circumstances to realize insights and enhance productiveness.
On a private word, I’m honored to be writing my first-ever weblog publish right here after lately becoming a member of the corporate.
I’ll be working with the Ahrefs advertising and marketing and product groups to assist instruments like this one (and all the pieces else within the pipeline) be as useful as doable.
If any further use circumstances or requests come to thoughts, I’d completely love to listen to them. Attain out to me on LinkedIn or X, and I’ll see what we will do.
