Switching SEO tools can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been relying on Ahrefs for months or even years. I know how stressful it can be to move all your keywords, backlinks, and top pages without losing any data. That’s why many SEO professionals and agencies are now exploring SEO PowerSuite, it offers flexible pricing, unlimited project tracking, full desktop control, and robust reporting that you can customize to your needs.
In this guide, I’ll walk you step by step through the entire migration process. You’ll learn how to export your data, import it safely, and rebuild your SEO reports seamlessly. By the end, you’ll feel confident in making the switch, saving time, and fully leveraging the powerful features of SEO PowerSuite without any interruptions to your SEO workflow.
Before You Move: Essential Pre-Migration Checklist
Before starting the migration, it’s crucial to prepare properly. Missing even one step can result in incomplete data transfer or operational hiccups. Here’s a checklist to follow before you begin:
- Export all keywords from Ahrefs: Make sure you have a complete list of tracked keywords in CSV format.
- Export full backlink profiles: Include all referring domains, anchors, and metrics.
- Export top pages and competitor data: This ensures you don’t lose insights about high-performing content and competitor strategies.
- Backup all CSV files securely: Keep them organized in folders labeled by type of data (keywords, backlinks, pages).
- Check desktop storage for PowerSuite tools: PowerSuite runs locally, so you’ll need sufficient space for large projects.
- Ensure a stable internet connection: Required for connecting Google Search Console and fetching live data.
- Review custom Ahrefs reports you want to replicate: Identify which reports or dashboards you need to rebuild in PowerSuite.
Completing this checklist ensures that your migration process is smooth, efficient, and free from avoidable errors.
Move From Ahrefs to SEO PowerSuite
You can move from Ahrefs to SEO PowerSuite by exporting your Ahrefs data, keywords, backlinks, organic pages, and competitor insights, and importing it into Rank Tracker, SEO SpyGlass, WebSite Auditor, and LinkAssistant. PowerSuite tools rebuild missing data automatically and give you full desktop-based control over your projects.
Step 1: Get Your Data Out of Ahrefs
- Open Ahrefs.
- Export your keywords, backlinks, top pages, and competitors as CSV files.
- Save them somewhere easy to find on your computer.
Step 2: Open PowerSuite
- Open Rank Tracker, SEO SpyGlass, WebSite Auditor, and LinkAssistant.
- Create a new project in each tool for your website.
Step 3: Import Your Data
- Rank Tracker: Import keywords CSV.
- SEO SpyGlass: Import backlinks CSV.
- WebSite Auditor: Import top pages CSV.
- LinkAssistant: Import competitor/backlink CSV.
Step 4: Connect Google Search Console
- Link your website to PowerSuite.
- This will bring in live rankings, clicks, and impressions.
Step 5: Refresh Reports
- Open each tool.
- Click refresh or rebuild to see your data properly.
Step 6: Check Everything
- Compare PowerSuite data with Ahrefs to make sure nothing is missing.
Step 7: Keep Your Team Informed
- Explain changes to your team.
- Show why some numbers may look slightly different.
Pro Tip: Use both Ahrefs and PowerSuite together for 2 weeks to make sure nothing is lost.
Why People Are Switching From Ahrefs to SEO PowerSuite
Many SEO professionals and agencies are making the switch for clear, practical reasons:
- Cost Differences: PowerSuite offers flexible pricing and often comes cheaper in the long run, especially for agencies managing multiple projects.
- Unlimited Project Limits: Unlike Ahrefs, which has caps per subscription tier, PowerSuite allows you to manage unlimited websites without extra charges.
- More Control: Desktop-based software allows users to control every aspect of the data, reports, and scheduling.
- Local Desktop Processing: No dependency on cloud limits, enabling faster processing for large websites.
- Better Reporting Flexibility: Customizable, branded reports allow agencies to provide professional outputs to clients.
These factors make PowerSuite an attractive alternative for users looking for scalability, flexibility, and independence from cloud-based limitations.
Ahrefs vs SEO PowerSuite: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of the two tools across key SEO functionalities:
| Feature | Ahrefs | SEO PowerSuite |
| Keyword Research | Real-time search volume, keyword difficulty, SERP features, historical trends | Desktop-based keyword suggestions, integrates with Google Ads & Search Console, AI‑Overview visibility tracking |
| Backlink Analysis | Extensive live backlink database, fast crawling, updated frequently | Import Ahrefs backlinks + SEO SpyGlass index, detailed competitor backlink analysis |
| Rank Tracking | Accurate ranking data, tracks SERP features, historical keyword tracking, bulk keyword edits | Unlimited projects & keywords, daily updates, customizable schedules, integrates with GSC for live rankings |
| Site Audit | Cloud-based site crawl, page limits depending on plan | WebSite Auditor: in-depth desktop audits, unlimited pages, Core Web Vitals & UX performance (CLS, LCP, FID) |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscriptions, tiered limits, plan-based crawl/usage restrictions | One-time license or subscription, unlimited projects/keywords (limited only by desktop storage) |
| Data Limits | Limited crawls, keywords, and projects per plan | Limited only by desktop storage; effectively unlimited projects and crawls |
| AI & Semantic Insights | Limited AI features, mostly trend tracking | AI‑Overview tracking, semantic insights for optimizing content for Google LLM / AI boxes |
| GSC Integration | None | Full integration for live rankings, clicks, and impressions in Rank Tracker & WebSite Auditor |
| Competitor Analysis | Strong competitor backlink & domain metrics, historical trends | Detailed competitor analysis including imported backlinks, site audits, and keyword comparison |
| User Experience / Page Metrics | Basic site health audit, speed recommendations | Built-in Core Web Vitals, UX audits, and technical performance insights |
How to Export Your Data from Ahrefs
Migrating your data from Ahrefs to PowerSuite starts with a clean export. Let’s break it down so it’s easy to follow, step by step.
Export Keywords
- Open Ahrefs’ Keywords Explorer.
- Enter your target website or keyword list.
- Click Export and select CSV.
- Save the file to a location on your desktop where you can easily find it later.
Export Backlinks
- Go to Site Explorer → Backlinks.
- Apply any filters if needed (like dofollow/nofollow, domain rating, or date).
- Click Export → CSV.
- Make sure the exported file contains all domains, metrics, and anchor text. This will help you recreate your link profile in PowerSuite.
Export Top Pages
- Open Site Explorer → Top Pages.
- Select the pages you want to track or analyze.
- Click Export → CSV and save it for import.
Export Competitors
- Navigate to Competing Domains report.
- Filter competitors if necessary to focus on your direct competitors.
- Click Export CSV so you can bring this data into PowerSuite’s competitor analysis tools.
By following these simple steps, you’ll have all the essential data from Ahrefs ready for a smooth import into PowerSuite, making your migration fast, accurate, and hassle-free.
How to Import That Data Into SEO PowerSuite
Importing into Rank Tracker
- Open Rank Tracker → Create a new project.
- Import keyword CSV from Ahrefs.
- Connect Google Search Console.
- Rebuild ranking reports.
Importing into SEO SpyGlass
- Open SEO SpyGlass → Create a project.
- Import backlinks CSV.
- Run backlink analysis and competitor reports.
Importing into WebSite Auditor
- Open WebSite Auditor → Create a project.
- Import top pages CSV.
- Connect Google Search Console → rebuild audits.
Importing into LinkAssistant
- Open LinkAssistant → Create a project.
- Import competitor/backlink CSVs.
- Set up outreach and tracking campaigns.
Does SEO PowerSuite Replace Ahrefs Completely?
Many people ask if SEO PowerSuite can fully replace Ahrefs. The short answer: for most agencies and professionals managing multiple websites, yes, it can handle nearly all key SEO tasks.
Where PowerSuite Shines
- Unlimited project management: no limits on the number of sites or keywords you can track.
- Local desktop processing: your data stays on your computer, giving faster and more secure operations.
- Customizable reporting: build reports exactly how you want for clients or internal use.
- Advanced auditing tools: in-depth site audits with technical checks and Core Web Vitals insights.
Where Ahrefs Still Excels
- Real-time cloud keyword data: perfect for instantly seeing search trends.
- Massive live backlink index: discovers new links faster.
- Instant SERP analytics: quick snapshot of ranking features and competition.
Best Combo Approach
Many SEO professionals use both tools together: PowerSuite for daily tracking, audits, and reporting, and Ahrefs for real-time keyword updates and backlink discoveries. This way, you get the best of both worlds without losing accuracy or efficiency.
Common Migration Mistakes to Avoid
Switching from Ahrefs to SEO PowerSuite can be smooth, but many beginners make avoidable mistakes. Let’s go through the most common pitfalls so you can save time and protect your data.
- Not exporting full backlink profiles → If you skip parts of your backlinks, your link analysis will be incomplete, and you may miss critical SEO opportunities.
- Skipping keyword difficulty data → Without this, your keyword strategy may be off, targeting keywords that are too hard or missing easier opportunities.
- No competitor mapping → Forgetting to map competitors can lead to lost insights on who’s outranking you and why.
- Not connecting Google Search Console (GSC) → This means live metrics like clicks, impressions, and rankings won’t sync, giving an incomplete picture.
- Poor folder organization → Disorganized files create confusion during import, slowing down the migration and risking mistakes.
By avoiding these mistakes, your migration will be clean, accurate, and much faster, ensuring you don’t lose any valuable SEO data.
Tips to Get Ahrefs-Like Results in PowerSuite
If you want to make PowerSuite feel as powerful as Ahrefs, there are a few simple tricks you can use. These help you get accurate data, stay up-to-date, and optimize your SEO like a pro.
- Enable scheduled tasks → Let PowerSuite automatically update rankings, backlinks, and site audits so you don’t have to do it manually every day.
- Use custom formulas → Replicate Ahrefs metrics like keyword difficulty or traffic estimates with PowerSuite’s formula tools, giving you familiar insights for strategy.
- Leverage WebSite Auditor TF-IDF analysis → Optimize your content by analyzing top-ranking pages and finding semantic keyword opportunities, just like you would in Ahrefs.
- Enable backlink update modules in SEO SpyGlass → Keep your link data fresh and accurate, tracking new links and lost backlinks automatically.
By applying these tips, you can get Ahrefs-level insights in PowerSuite, making your SEO workflow fast, accurate, and professional.
Conclusion
Migrating from Ahrefs to SEO PowerSuite is much easier than it seems, as long as you follow a clear, step-by-step approach. With unlimited projects, desktop-based processing, and flexible reporting, PowerSuite is perfect for agencies, SEO professionals, and anyone managing multiple websites.
The key is to export your data carefully from Ahrefs, import it into the right PowerSuite tools, and avoid common migration mistakes like missing backlinks or skipping competitor mapping.
By running both platforms in parallel initially, double-checking your reports, and leveraging features like scheduled updates and advanced audits, you can make a smooth transition.
With this approach, you’ll switch confidently, retain all crucial SEO data, and continue optimizing your sites without disrupting ongoing operations.
FAQs
Is SEO PowerSuite better than Ahrefs?
Yes! For desktop processing, unlimited projects, and cost-efficiency, PowerSuite shines. Ahrefs is still better for live cloud keyword data and real-time SERP analytics, so it depends on your workflow.
Can I migrate Ahrefs backlinks?
Absolutely. Simply export your backlinks as CSV from Ahrefs and import them into SEO SpyGlass. This ensures you retain your complete link profile.
Does PowerSuite need the internet?
Partially offline. You can run audits, reports, and rank tracking locally, but the internet is required for Google Search Console and live SERP updates.
Is PowerSuite accurate?
Yes. Its rank tracking, backlink analysis, and site audit reports are highly reliable, especially when you connect GSC for live metrics.
Will I lose any data during migration?
No, as long as you export CSVs carefully and import them correctly. Always double-check reports after import to confirm.
Can PowerSuite handle multiple websites like Ahrefs?
Yes! PowerSuite supports unlimited projects, making it ideal for agencies or professionals managing multiple sites simultaneously.
How often should I update data in PowerSuite?
Ideally, enable scheduled tasks. Daily or weekly updates keep rankings, backlinks, and audits fresh, similar to real-time monitoring in Ahrefs.
Can I replicate Ahrefs metrics in PowerSuite?
Yes! Use custom formulas in Rank Tracker and SEO SpyGlass to mimic metrics like traffic estimates, keyword difficulty, and SERP features, giving you a familiar analysis experience.