With the current launch of our distant MCP server, anybody can now chat immediately with Ahrefs knowledge to get actionable Search engine optimisation insights.
MCP, which stands for Mannequin Context Protocol, is an open normal that corporations can use to combine their exterior instruments and knowledge with suitable AI assistants.
Think about you’ve not too long ago launched a brand new clothes model and need to discover eCommerce shops rating nicely for the forms of merchandise you’ll promote— a standard aim earlier than reverse-engineering what makes them profitable.
The usual Ahrefs interface lets you lookup any web site to uncover issues just like the key phrases they’re rating for, their most linked-to content material, and the way general search visitors is trending.
Our new MCP server, which integrates with well-liked AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude, provides the flexibility to automate these and numerous different processes to achieve insights at scale.
Ask for recommendation as should you’re speaking with a good friend and, on this case, we now have an inventory of potential opponents to start out investigating additional.
Out there on Ahrefs Lite, Customary, Superior and Enterprise plans, you’ll now have the ability to faucet immediately into our API with no need to know methods to code.
The one drawback you may face is, “What ought to I ask subsequent?”.
This information goals to reply that very query.
Each time I’m engaged on Search engine optimisation tasks for shoppers, I usually use a number of instruments to carry out comparable duties.
For instance, I crawl web sites utilizing the Ahrefs Website Audit instrument, Screaming Frog, and customized software program.
My course of for key phrase analysis contains Ahrefs, Google Tendencies, Google Autosuggest, and guide checks of search outcomes.
I discovered early on that a few of my finest insights come from having a number of views on associated knowledge. Whenever 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 instrument that stand out in one other.
I view utilizing the Ahrefs MCP server in an identical manner: I achieve new insights because of a special perspective that AI offers, and as a bonus, it permits me to scale operations that I already know methods to carry out.
It received’t (and shouldn’t) totally exchange 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 may possibly additionally let you know a few cluster of unusual key phrases a web site is rating for that sparks an thought of how one can compete with your personal take.
It can 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 visitors “peak” coming in a couple of months.
It can inform you concerning the small area of interest web site you initially ignored which has ramped up content material manufacturing in current months and, from an Search engine optimisation perspective, is getting outcomes.
And should you’re nonetheless not satisfied, chatting immediately with Ahrefs knowledge is simply plain enjoyable.
A observe on set-up and prompting
There are guides to 5 well-liked AI instruments together with Claude, ChatGPT, and Microsoft Copilot Studio. Alternatively, you should use 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 choose the expertise in Claude.
Instruments don’t at all times 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’ll have had so as to add that to the next prompts in the event that they didn’t route by way of the Ahrefs MCP connection robotically.
As a remaining observe, 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 (equivalent to analyzing the backlink profile of a number of websites) can take a couple of minutes to course of.
Usually, the extra in-depth your request, the extra items you’ll eat and the longer it’s going to take to complete your response.
Response time: usually beneath two minutes.
1. Determine websites rising natural search 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 listing of 10 websites in my area of interest, inform me which have grown natural search visitors from January 2025 to September 2025:
[Domains 1-10].
Your AI assistant will shortly lookup the estimated natural search visitors every web site obtained over the advised timeframe.
It can additionally doubtless add commentary on general development percentages and any attention-grabbing stand-out months for a selected 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 instrument, with quite a few particular filters to hone in on what you’re searching for.
If a easy overview is all you want, the MCP will shortly listing phrases you’re not rating for in comparison with any opponents.
3. Discover probably the most linked-to content material on any web site or subfolder
Immediate:
Checklist the highest 10 pages on
[industry blog]ranked by what number of hyperlinks every has. Additionally embody their estimated natural search visitors.
I prefer to lookup how particular directories are performing — not simply domains as a complete. For example, discovering probably the most linked-to articles on Ahrefs.com/weblog/ offers very completely different insights from the general Ahrefs web site.
4. Discover natural search opponents for any web site
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 reveals natural search opponents ranked by the variety of widespread key phrases every web site 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’ll be able to 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 trying to analysis extra weblog publish concepts. Assist me discover key phrases that folks 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 comparable question sorts related to your particular situation.
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 intently 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, equivalent to search quantity over time, 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 well-liked.
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 high 3 positions for in search outcomes.
It’s typically the case that I’ll have an inventory of websites to dive into, found by way of analysis outdoors of Ahrefs, on which I now need extra Search engine optimisation-focused insights. The MCP helps to supply 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 following stage, however the MCP can present a terrific start line.
For those who like, you can even 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 listing of 20 completely different keyphrases related to my area of interest, inform me which internet sites rank for probably the most phrases and in the most effective positions.
[Include your keyphrases]
This immediate is nice for shortly discovering the highest websites in niches you aren’t already acquainted with.
10. Discover damaged backlinks to any area or URL path
Immediate:
Discover damaged backlinks pointing to any URLs beneath the next subdirectory:
[e.g.nytimes.com/wirecutter/]. I’m particularly searching for particular person URLs that obtain probably the most hyperlinks from different websites however don’t exist. Give attention to excessive DR hyperlinks, and only one per area.
This immediate offers direct insights from the Damaged Backlinks report we provide in Website Explorer. For those who’re acquainted with the filters we’ve 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 investigate), the longer it’s going to take.
11. Analysis worldwide Search engine optimisation growth alternatives
Immediate:
I run a
[business type, e.g. fashion marketplace]primarily for the US market. We’re trying to develop internationally. Please discover as much as 10 examples of comparable companies that expanded into different international locations. Define what they had been, and the way their natural visitors is trending in these international locations.
The aim right here is to determine the international locations the place opponents are rating nicely, and the markets they haven’t focused, to provoke the analysis course of for future enterprise choices.
On this instance, the MCP shortly checked worldwide search visitors for manufacturers equivalent to 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 need to get an thought of any distinctive, non-standard approaches they’re taking to content material creation and the phrases they’re concentrating on, outdoors of[common topic, e.g. recipes].
The intention right here is first to find the content material methods throughout a number of websites, then strip out the commonalities to disclose any attention-grabbing outliers.
13. General web site suggestions to extend natural search visitors
Immediate:
You’re an Search engine optimisation professional. Your job is to extend natural visitors to
[Site, e.g. Chewy.com]in a professional, whitehat manner. You will have entry to the most effective Search engine optimisation knowledge on the planet by way of the Ahrefs MCP. Analysis probably the most related data you’ll be able to about my web site and the trade during which it operates. Provide any recommendation you’re feeling is acceptable.
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 feel it completely suits into the ‘enjoyable’ class, the place it’s not tremendous apparent what sort of response you’ll get, however probably identifies one thing you might 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 embody phrases no less than 4 phrases in size, and exclude any which are branded (i.e.,[mention ‘Garage Gym Reviews’]). Then inform me the highest ten websites rating general for these phrases mixed.
Right here we begin by figuring out rankings that just one web site has, then use these phrases to achieve a special perspective on natural opponents.
You’ll be able to request different SERP options to be current, equivalent to Movies or ‘Discussions & Boards’.
The concept is that you would be able to 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]. You’ll want to embody the speed at which they’re choosing up hyperlinks from new domains.
I particularly like understanding how shortly opponents are choosing up new backlinks in comparison with my very own manufacturers.
Analyzing a number of websites directly helps you kind a great overview as to the place you stack up. You’ll be able to construct on this by including extra websites or requesting particular forms of hyperlinks (e.g., excluding these which are nofollowed).
Out there now: A bonus immediate by way of the web page explorer endpoint
The Ahrefs improvement workforce consistently provides new options to our API, and once they do, you can even achieve extra insights by way of our MCP server.
We’ve simply launched the Web page Explorer endpoint in APIv3 (technical particulars right here), which offers page-level particulars from any web sites you’ve audited with Ahrefs.
You’ll be able to 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 use the brand new endpoint to discover particular points, equivalent to 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 discovered a couple of issues to make the expertise extra precious.
As soon as linked, attempt asking your AI assistant of selection for inspiration on what to immediate.
This sounds meta, but it surely works: Clarify the present state of affairs of the tasks you’re engaged on from a advertising and marketing perspective and what you’re fighting. You’ll be able to 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 high blogs in a selected area of interest can shortly set off your AI assistant of selection to start out looking the internet.
Together with “Utilizing the Ahrefs MCP server, please listing the highest blogs rating for…” in your immediate will guarantee it collects knowledge immediately from Ahrefs as an alternative.
Be particular concerning the variety of websites you’re trying to analyse, key phrase options you prefer to, and the date vary you need insights from.
This fashion 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 fulfilling expertise.
I choose ChatGPT’s design, however not with regards to calling instruments (just like the Ahrefs MCP server).
For those who’re already acquainted with a course of to observe, be clear concerning the order of the duty you need your AI assistant to observe.
For those who usually lookup the key phrases a web site 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 achieve an thought of what might need gone improper.
ChatGPT’s personal documentation recommends this step to assist debug any points. It might be the case that your immediate might be improved, otherwise you’ve requested for one thing we don’t have knowledge on (like the place a web site ranks in DuckDuckGo).
You’ll be able to simply examine your present utilization and limits by way of 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 switch all human intelligence (or our typical interface), however see it as an addition to these.
Some duties are at all times going to be extra fulfilling in a purpose-built UI than in a chat-like interplay.
However when scale and a brand new perspective are what you’re searching for, you may simply surprise the way you labored with out the MCP prior to now.
Wrapping up
I didn’t initially count on to take pleasure in utilizing the MCP server as a lot as I’ve. Now that it’s right here, I maintain discovering new use circumstances to achieve insights and improve productiveness.
On a private observe, I’m honored to be writing my first-ever weblog publish right here after not too long ago 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 every little thing else within the pipeline) be as precious as doable.
If any extra use circumstances or requests come to thoughts, I might completely love to listen to them. Attain out to me on LinkedIn or X, and I’ll see what we will do.
