blog/ahrefs vs semrush local seo comparison illustration

Ahrefs vs Semrush: Which Is Best for Local SEO? (2025 Comparison)

A detailed comparison of Ahrefs and Semrush specifically for local SEO campaigns covering geo-targeted keyword research, local rank tracking, Google Business Profile tools, citation management, and which tool wins for US local businesses.

By Hamid Iqbal · 2025-02-24

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ahrefs or Semrush better for local SEO?

Semrush is better for most local SEO campaigns because of its dedicated Local SEO Toolkit, which includes citation management across 40+ directories, Google Business Profile integration, ZIP-code-level rank tracking, and Map Rank Tracker. Ahrefs excels specifically in local backlink research and competitor link discovery, making it a powerful complementary tool.

Does Ahrefs have local SEO tools?

Ahrefs does not have a dedicated local SEO toolkit. It offers excellent backlink analysis and keyword research that can be applied to local campaigns, but lacks built-in citation management, GBP integration, and geo-specific rank tracking at the ZIP-code level. You'd need to pair Ahrefs with tools like BrightLocal or Whitespark for full local SEO coverage.

Can I track local rankings in Ahrefs?

Ahrefs Rank Tracker supports tracking keywords at the country and city level with daily updates. However, it cannot track rankings at the ZIP-code level or provide grid-based local visibility mapping like Semrush's Map Rank Tracker, which shows your ranking at multiple geo-points around your business location.

How much does Semrush Local SEO cost?

Semrush's Local SEO features are partially included in all plans. The full Local SEO Toolkit with citation management starts at approximately $20/month per location as an add-on. Combined with the Semrush Pro plan ($129.95/month), a single-location business would pay around $150/month for comprehensive local SEO tooling.

Should I use both Ahrefs and Semrush for local SEO?

Using both tools provides the most comprehensive local SEO data. Semrush handles your day-to-day local SEO workflow (rank tracking, citations, GBP monitoring), while Ahrefs provides deeper backlink intelligence for competitive local link building. If budget allows, this combination covers all local SEO needs. If you can only choose one, Semrush is the better standalone choice for local businesses.

Which tool is better for multi-location businesses?

Semrush is significantly better for multi-location businesses. Its Position Tracking allows separate campaigns per location with ZIP-code targeting, and the Local SEO Toolkit manages citations across all locations from one dashboard. Ahrefs treats all locations as a single domain, making location-specific analysis more manual.

Can Ahrefs help with Google Business Profile optimization?

Ahrefs has no native Google Business Profile integration. For GBP optimization, you need Semrush's Local SEO Toolkit (which includes GBP performance metrics, review monitoring, and posting) or a dedicated GBP management tool. Ahrefs can indirectly help by identifying content and backlink opportunities that support your GBP rankings.