Semrush Review: How It Transformed My SEO Strategy

Written by: Khalid Mir

March 12, 2025

Updated on March 13, 2025

Khalid Mir

I’m Khalid Mir. I specialize in SaaS, digital tools, and content marketing. My passion lies in testing and reviewing tools to share simple, clear insights. I focus on creating content that helps businesses grow. I also manage content plans and ensure everything runs smoothly. My goal is to make choosing the right tools easy for everyone.

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Expertises: Specialize in SaaS, Digital Tools, Content Marketing

If you’ve ever felt lost with SEO, you’re not alone. I used to feel the same way, juggling keywords, backlinks, and rankings all on my own. Then I found Semrush, and it made everything so much easier. 

In this Semrush Review, I’ll show you how it helped me, and why it could be just what you need. Keep reading to learn more about how it works and how it can boost your SEO!

How It Works for Me

I was struggling to keep up with SEO. I had to track keywords, check backlinks, and make sure my content was optimized. It all felt like too much. Then I found Semrush.

At first, I didn’t know if it would work. But after using it for a while, I was happy with what I found. Semrush made everything easier. I could track keywords, see my competitors’ moves, and find backlinks—all in one place.

What I Like

• Easy Keyword Research
  I love how simple it is to find good keywords. The Keyword Magic Tool shows me lots of ideas. I can filter by difficulty and find the easiest ones to rank for.
• Competitor Analysis
  I can quickly see what my competitors are doing. Semrush tells me what keywords they rank for. I can copy their strategy and improve mine.
• Backlink Finder
  Finding backlinks used to be hard. Now, I can see where my competitors are getting their links. I can go after the same sites and get good backlinks too.
• User-Friendly Design
  Even though Semrush has many features, it’s easy to use. I didn’t need to watch many tutorials. The interface is clear, and I found what I needed quickly.
• Site Audits
  I use the site audit feature a lot. It helps me find SEO issues. I fix them fast before they hurt my rankings.

What Could Be Better

• Pricing
  Semrush is not the cheapest tool. The plans might not fit small budgets, especially for beginners. But if you’re serious about SEO, it’s worth the money.
• Learning Curve
  Some of the features are advanced. It might take time for beginners to get used to them. But the platform is still easy enough to learn step by step.
• Limited Crawls
  Some plans limit how many times you can crawl your site daily. For smaller sites, it’s fine. But larger sites may need more crawls.

My Personal Experience

At first, I felt lost in all the features. But I took my time and started with the basics. I used Semrush to:

1. Track Keywords:
   I check my keywords every week. It helps me see what’s working and what’s not. Since I started, my rankings have improved.
2. Build Backlinks:
   I use the backlink tool to find where my competitors get links. Then, I reach out to those sites. This has helped me get better backlinks.
3. Plan Content:
   The keyword tools help me find good content ideas. I focus on easy-to-rank keywords and make sure my content is good.

Recommendation

Semrush is great for anyone serious about SEO. It works for both beginners and experts.

For bloggers, small business owners, and digital marketers, Semrush is perfect. You can track keywords, find backlinks, and improve SEO fast.

But if you’re on a tight budget, try their free trial first. You can also check out other tools that might be simpler for beginners.

How I Use Semrush Effectively

If you’re new to Semrush, don’t worry! I was once in your shoes. At first, it can seem a little overwhelming. But trust me, it’s easier than it looks. Here’s how I use Semrush, step by step, to boost my SEO.

Step 1: Set Up Your Account

First, create your account and log in. Once you’re in, add your website. This helps Semrush track your SEO progress. You’ll get insights on your traffic, rankings, and health of your site.

Step 2: Run a Site Audit

Next, use the Site Audit tool. This checks your site for problems like broken links or slow pages. Simply enter your URL and click Start Audit. Semrush will scan your site and give you a list of fixes. Start with the most urgent issues and work your way down.

Step 3: Research Keywords

To find the best keywords, use the Keyword Magic Tool. Type in a broad keyword, like “content marketing.” Semrush will show you related keywords. Look for low-difficulty keywords with decent search volume. These are easier to rank for and will help your site grow.

Step 4: Track Your Rankings

Go to the Position Tracking tool to track your keywords. Enter the keywords you want to follow. Semrush will show you where you rank. Check this weekly to see if your SEO efforts are paying off.

Step 5: Analyze Your Competitors

Want to know what your competitors are doing? Use the Competitor Analysis tool. Enter a competitor’s URL, and Semrush will show their top keywords and backlinks. This gives you ideas for your own strategy.

Step 6: Check Backlinks

Backlinks are key to SEO. Use the Backlink Analytics tool to find where your competitors are getting their backlinks. You can reach out to those sites and try to get links too.

Step 7: Optimize Your Content

After you’ve done all your research, use the SEO Content Template. Just enter your target keyword. Semrush will create a content plan for you, based on top-ranking pages. It helps you write better and rank higher.

Semrush Alternatives

If you’re searching for a Semrush alternative, I get it. While Semrush is a powerful tool, it’s not for everyone. Maybe the price feels steep, or you want a simpler interface. Whatever the reason, there are other great options. Here are some tools I’ve tested that might suit your needs.

Ahrefs

Ahrefs is one of the top competitors to Semrush. It shines in backlink analysis. If you want to see where your competitors are getting their backlinks, Ahrefs is one of the best tools out there.

What I Like:

• Accurate Backlink Data: Ahrefs has one of the largest link databases.
• Keyword Explorer: Find keyword opportunities with search volume and ranking difficulty.
• Site Audit: Identify technical SEO issues and fix them easily.

Ubersuggest

If you’re on a budget, Ubersuggest is a solid choice. It offers keyword research, site audits, and competitive analysis at a lower price.

What I Like:

• Affordable: Much cheaper than Semrush or Ahrefs.
• Simple Interface: Easy to use, even for beginners.
• Lifetime Plan: Pay once and access it forever.

SE Ranking

SE Ranking is great for small businesses and agencies looking for an SEO tool with accurate rank tracking.

What I Like:

• Accurate Rank Tracking: See how your keywords perform in search results.
• Competitive Pricing: More budget-friendly than Semrush.
• White Label Reporting: Great for agencies.

My Personal Recommendation

If you need strong backlink analysis, Ahrefs is your best bet. For a budget-friendly alternative, Ubersuggest or Serpstat work well. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool with domain authority insights, Moz Pro is a great option. And if you need affordable rank tracking, SE Ranking is worth a look.

Ultimately, the best tool depends on your needs and budget. If Semrush feels overwhelming or pricey, these alternatives offer great SEO insights without breaking the bank.

My Final Thoughts

If you want a tool that covers all things SEO, Semrush is a great choice. It’s powerful and easy to use. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, it can help you grow your site. 

But if you’re just starting out and need something simpler or cheaper, other tools might work better. From my experience, take your time and see if it fits your needs.