> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://velurahq.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Semrush and Ahrefs for live SEO data in workflows

> Pull Semrush and Ahrefs keyword, backlink, and rank data into VeluraHQ workflow research steps — every content decision backed by live SEO intelligence.

Connecting Semrush or Ahrefs to VeluraHQ makes live keyword data, domain analysis, backlink metrics, and rank tracking available inside your workflow research blocks — no exporting CSVs, no tab switching, no stale data. Your workflows pull the numbers they need at the moment they need them.

## What data you can access

### Semrush

Once connected, the following Semrush data types are available inside workflow research steps:

* **Keyword overview** — search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC for any target keyword
* **Domain analytics** — organic traffic estimates, keyword rankings, and visibility trends for any domain
* **Organic keyword rankings** — your current ranking positions across your tracked keyword set
* **Backlink profile** — referring domains, anchor text distribution, and link authority metrics
* **Keyword gap analysis** — keywords your competitors rank for that your site doesn't

### Ahrefs

Once connected, the following Ahrefs data types are available inside workflow research steps:

* **Keyword explorer data** — search volume, keyword difficulty, and traffic potential for target keywords
* **Domain Rating** — Ahrefs' authority score for any domain, useful for competitive benchmarking
* **Organic keyword rankings** — pages and positions for your tracked domain
* **Backlink analysis** — referring domains, new and lost links, and anchor text data
* **Content gap analysis** — topic and keyword opportunities based on what competitors rank for that you don't

## Connecting Semrush

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the integration settings">
    Go to **Settings > Integrations > Semrush** in your workspace.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate your Semrush API key">
    Log in to Semrush and navigate to **Account > API**. Generate a new API key and copy it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect">
    Paste the API key into VeluraHQ and click **Connect**. VeluraHQ will verify the key and confirm access.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Connecting Ahrefs

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the integration settings">
    Go to **Settings > Integrations > Ahrefs** in your workspace.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Generate your Ahrefs API token">
    Log in to Ahrefs and navigate to **Account > API Key**. Generate a new token and copy it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect">
    Paste the token into VeluraHQ and click **Connect**. VeluraHQ will verify access before saving.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Using SEO data in workflows

Once connected, add a Semrush or Ahrefs block to any workflow research step. The block pulls live data for the inputs your workflow provides — a URL, a keyword, or a competitor domain. Common use cases include:

* **Qualify a topic before creating content** — pull keyword volume and difficulty to decide whether a page is worth creating or whether an existing page should be refreshed instead
* **Backlink research** — fetch competitor backlink data for a link-building research step without leaving the workflow
* **Topic cluster gap analysis** — surface keyword gaps to identify which topics are missing from your site relative to competitors
* **Post-refresh validation** — pull current ranking positions for a recently refreshed page to confirm that the update improved search visibility over time

<Note>
  Semrush and Ahrefs API calls consume **credits from your Semrush or Ahrefs plan directly** — not from VeluraHQ credits. Each API call counts against your monthly API quota in the respective tool. Monitor your usage in your Semrush or Ahrefs account dashboard to avoid unexpected overages.
</Note>

<Tip>
  Connecting Semrush or Ahrefs also enriches the **Actions opportunity engine**. Ranking drops and keyword gap signals become more precise when backed by data from your SEO tool — instead of relying solely on GSC position data, Actions can factor in difficulty, traffic potential, and competitive overlap when scoring which pages to prioritize.
</Tip>