Top 5 Backlink Gap Tools for SEO

Backlink gap tools help you identify websites linking to your competitors but not to you, revealing missed opportunities for link-building. These tools simplify the process of comparing backlink profiles across competitors, saving time and effort. Here are five of the best options:

• Ahrefs: Known for its vast database (35 trillion links) and advanced competitor analysis features, including the Link Intersect tool.

• Semrush: Offers a larger database (43 trillion links) and the ability to compare up to five competitors at once.

• Majestic: Focuses on link quality with unique metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow.

• Moz Pro: Provides beginner-friendly tools with a solid database (45.5 trillion links).

• SE Ranking: Budget-friendly with simple visual tools, ideal for small businesses.

Quick Comparison

Each tool caters to different needs. For in-depth analysis, Ahrefs or Semrush are top choices. Smaller budgets may prefer SE Ranking, while Majestic excels in link quality metrics. Moz Pro is great for beginners. Test these tools to find the best fit for your SEO strategy.

How To Do A Backlink Gap Analysis? [in 2025] (Using Semrush)

What Is Backlink Gap Analysis?

Backlink gap analysis is all about comparing your website’s backlinks to those of your competitors. The goal? To uncover domains linking to your rivals but not to you, highlighting missed opportunities for targeted link-building.

By analysing referring domains across competitors, you can pinpoint potential targets - often industry publications or authoritative sites. This process lays the groundwork for using tools that can streamline and sharpen your analysis.

Experts often stress the value of this approach:

"Backlink gap analysis provides a data-driven approach to discovering new, relevant backlink opportunities by learning from competitors who are already performing well."
– Wildnettechnologies.com

For UK-based agencies and in-house teams, this analysis offers valuable competitive intelligence. It identifies websites already linking to similar businesses, making them more likely to link to your content as well.

It’s worth noting that in SEO, competitors aren’t just direct business rivals. They also include any sites competing for the same search engine results. For instance, a London accounting firm might find its SEO competitors include financial blogs, business advice platforms, or even software companies targeting similar keywords.

Backlink gap analysis helps you focus your outreach efforts on the most promising opportunities. As Darrell Mordecai from Similarweb explains:

"Backlink gap analysis will help you to prioritise tasks within your link building efforts and make sure you're working efficiently – because we all know no business has unlimited resources."

This analysis can also reveal content gaps. For example, if your competitors consistently attract backlinks through research reports or industry guides, it might suggest a content format you should consider for your own strategy.

Regularly conducting backlink gap analysis keeps UK digital marketers ahead of the curve. As new websites emerge or existing ones shift their linking patterns, fresh opportunities arise. Many marketers find it useful to perform these analyses monthly or quarterly to stay updated.

For agencies handling multiple clients, backlink gap analysis offers a structured way to approach link-building. Instead of starting from scratch with each client, you can quickly identify industry-specific opportunities and tailor your outreach accordingly. This approach not only saves time but also boosts the effectiveness of multi-sector campaigns across the UK.

Finally, focusing on domains linked by several competitors helps confirm genuine opportunities worth pursuing, ensuring your efforts are both efficient and impactful.

How to Choose Backlink Gap Tools

Picking the right backlink gap tool can make a big difference in your SEO strategy. The effectiveness of your analysis often depends on the tool's features and how well it meets your specific needs.

Start by considering database size and update frequency. For instance, Semrush boasts a massive backlink index of 43 trillion links from 390 million domains, refreshing every 15 minutes to include new data. On the other hand, Ahrefs offers a similarly impressive database with 326 billion indexed pages. A large, frequently updated database ensures you're working with the most accurate and up-to-date information when identifying backlink opportunities.

Next, examine the competitor analysis features. Some tools allow you to compare multiple competitors at once, which can save a lot of time. Semrush lets you analyse up to 5 domains simultaneously, while Ahrefs goes further with its Link Intersect feature, supporting up to 10 domains. Other useful features include advanced filters, visualisation tools, and the ability to pinpoint shared backlinks across competitors.

Pricing is another crucial factor, especially for UK users. Keep in mind currency conversion rates and potential VAT charges. Semrush starts at $249 per month (around £195), while Ahrefs begins at $129 per month (approximately £100). Since many tools default to USD pricing, check if the platform offers billing in GBP or provides transparent currency conversion to avoid surprises.

Integration options with your existing tools can also streamline your workflow. Many leading platforms connect with tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and reporting dashboards through APIs. Alongside this, usability is key. A user-friendly interface, a manageable learning curve, and helpful guided workflows can boost productivity. Some platforms are known to be less intuitive, which might slow down new users.

For agencies and larger teams, consider tools with data export and automation features. Options such as batch analysis, automated competitor tracking, and flexible export formats can help manage multiple projects more efficiently.

Here's a quick comparison of some popular tools:

If you're unsure which tool to commit to, free versions and trials can be a great way to test the waters. For example, Semrush offers a free account with 10 backlink reports per day, while Ahrefs provides limited free tools. Trying these out can help you gauge data quality and ease of use.

For teams based in the UK, it's also worth looking for tools that offer local customer support during British business hours. This ensures better responsiveness and compliance with UK data protection standards, as well as improved coverage of UK domains.

1. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a standout tool in the world of backlink gap analysis, thanks to its massive database and detailed competitor insights. Since it began crawling the web in 2010, Ahrefs has built one of the largest backlink databases available, setting a high standard for other platforms.

Backlink Database Size

Ahrefs boasts an impressive database of 35 trillion links. It crawls up to 8 billion pages daily, with updates happening every few minutes, and stores over 715 petabytes of data. This scale ensures a more thorough backlink gap analysis, uncovering opportunities that smaller databases might miss. Plus, with such frequent updates, you can quickly spot new backlinks your competitors are gaining and act on fresh opportunities.

Competitor Analysis Features

Ahrefs shines when it comes to competitor analysis. Its Competitive Analysis tool lets you compare your website with competitors, revealing both keyword and backlink opportunities. The Site Explorer feature identifies organic competitors, while the Link Intersect tool allows you to analyse multiple domains at once. You can even filter results to find domains linking to several competitors, making it easier to pinpoint valuable backlink opportunities.

Pricing (in GBP)

Ahrefs offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different needs. Since its pricing is listed in USD, UK users will need to account for currency conversion. Based on a current exchange rate of 1 USD = 0.75466 GBP, here’s a breakdown of the costs:

• Starter: $29/month (around £21.88)

• Lite: $129/month (around £97.35) or £81.50 with annual billing

• Standard: $249/month (around £187.91) or £157.00 with annual billing

• Advanced: $449/month (around £338.84) or £282.27 with annual billing

• Enterprise: $1,499/month (around £1,131.94) with an annual commitment

Additional user costs vary, starting at £30.19/month for Lite plans and going up to £75.47/month for Enterprise plans.

Although Ahrefs doesn’t offer a free trial, it has received strong reviews, including a 4.7/5 rating on Capterra and 4.5/5 on G2. However, some users have expressed concerns about recent pricing changes.

"Recent plan changes have made Ahrefs almost 3x more expensive for my company to use for the same features we've previously used it for." – Maddy O, Founder

Integration with Other SEO Tools

For those on Advanced and Enterprise plans, Ahrefs provides API access, enabling integration with custom tools and workflows. It also connects with Google Search Console and offers various data export options for in-depth analysis. Additionally, its Project Boost feature is available starting at £15.09/month per project.

2. Semrush

Semrush is a well-regarded name in the world of backlink gap analysis, relied upon by SEO experts for its robust backlink research capabilities. With its extensive database and focused analysis tools, Semrush is designed to uncover key backlink gaps to refine your SEO strategy. Beyond backlink analysis, it offers an impressive array of SEO tools, all supported by its vast database.

Backlink Database Size

Semrush boasts one of the largest backlink databases in the industry, with a staggering 43 trillion links. This figure even surpasses Ahrefs’ database of 35 trillion links. Its backlink analysis reports draw on this enormous index, ensuring comprehensive insights. Furthermore, Semrush identifies referring domains for 99.5% of the URLs it analyses, making it a powerful tool for leaving no backlink opportunity unexplored.

Competitor Analysis Features

Semrush takes competitor analysis to another level with its ability to compare your backlink profile against multiple competitors at once. Its Link Building tool turns these insights into actionable outreach strategies, helping you target the right opportunities. The platform also provides valuable context on authority and relevance, allowing you to prioritise your outreach more effectively. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, Semrush’s pricing options cater to a variety of needs.

Pricing (in GBP)

Although Semrush prices its plans in US dollars, UK users can easily estimate costs with currency conversion. Here’s a breakdown of the current pricing:

• Pro Plan: $139.95/month (approximately £105.47) – designed for freelancers and startups.

• Guru Plan: $249.95/month (approximately £188.46) – ideal for growing businesses and small agencies.

• Business Plan: $499.95/month (approximately £376.92) – tailored for larger agencies and enterprises.

Semrush also offers annual billing discounts of around 17% and includes a 7-day free trial for most of its toolkits. Additional features like Semrush Local (£37.70/month) and the Agency Growth Kit (£52 to £188/month) are available for those with specialised requirements.

Integration with Other SEO Tools

Semrush’s integrated toolkits - spanning SEO, Local, Social, and more - allow for seamless data sharing across platforms, making it easier to manage and optimise your SEO efforts in one place. This integration adds another layer of convenience for businesses looking to streamline their digital marketing strategies.

3. Majestic

Majestic is a platform dedicated to link research, offering precise insights into backlinks and competitive analysis. Unlike all-in-one SEO tools, Majestic focuses exclusively on refining its backlink intelligence, making it a go-to resource for link-related strategies.

One of Majestic's standout features is its extensive database, which includes 6 trillion links. While this may be smaller compared to some competitors, it compensates with a fresh index of over 231 billion URLs. The platform's strength lies not just in the volume of data but in its ability to provide in-depth and actionable link analysis.

Majestic's tools are tailored for comprehensive link research. For instance, the Clique Hunter tool is invaluable for identifying websites that link to multiple competitors but not to your own site[39,40]. This feature supports comparisons of up to 10 domains simultaneously. Another highlight is the Topical Trust Flow, which categorises referring domains by subject, helping users evaluate the relevance of potential link sources. Additional tools, like the Compare Tool for analysing backlink profiles and the Related Sites report for finding websites frequently linked with competitors, further enhance its capabilities. Majestic also provides a historical index, enabling users to study link data over several years to uncover long-term competitor strategies.

Pricing Plans

Majestic offers three pricing tiers, all payable in British pounds:

• Lite Plan: £37.70/month or £376.92/year – Includes 1 million analysis units and access to core features like Site Explorer, Trust Flow, and Topical Trust Flow.

• Pro Plan: £75.41/month or £754.15/year – Offers 20 million analysis units, Historic Index access, Raw Data Exports, Custom Reports, Compare Sites, and Clique Hunter.

• API Plan: £301.64/month or £3,016.43/year – Provides 100 million analysis units, full API access, Custom Monthly Data, and the ability to create OpenApps.

Each plan includes a 7-day money-back guarantee for new customers and access to essential tools like Fresh Index, Link Context, Bulk Backlink Checker, and Campaigns.

Integration and Flexibility

Majestic's API capabilities make it a versatile option for those looking to integrate backlink data into broader workflows. Agencies, in particular, benefit from its ability to provide raw backlink data for custom dashboards and applications. The OpenApps feature further extends its utility, supporting third-party integrations and specialised workflows.

However, it’s worth noting that Majestic focuses solely on backlink data and does not directly connect this information to keyword rankings or traffic metrics. For a complete SEO strategy, many users pair Majestic with other tools like Semrush. This specialised approach ensures that Majestic excels as a complementary addition to your SEO toolkit.

4. Moz Pro

Moz Pro is a well-rounded SEO platform that strikes a balance between offering extensive backlink data and maintaining user-friendly features. While it may not boast the largest database in the market, it focuses heavily on link quality, making it a reliable choice for SEO professionals looking for accurate and actionable insights.

Here’s how Moz Pro’s database and pricing stack up against its competitors.

Backlink Database Size

Moz Pro features an impressive database of 45.5 trillion backlinks. This places it ahead of Semrush, which offers 43 trillion backlinks, and far beyond SE Ranking’s 2.9 trillion links. While Ahrefs and Semrush are often praised for their larger databases, Moz Pro carves out its niche by prioritising link quality over sheer volume, ensuring more refined and insightful analysis.

Though its database may not rival Ahrefs in size, Moz Pro’s emphasis on quality ensures users get sharper and more targeted insights.

Pricing

Moz Pro’s pricing structure is designed to cater to a range of budgets, making it an accessible option for many businesses:

• Starter: £39 per month (or £31 per month if billed annually)

• Standard: £79 per month (or £63 per month if billed annually)

• Medium: £143 per month (or £114 per month if billed annually)

• Large: £239 per month (or £191 per month if billed annually)

For teams needing additional resources, extra user seats are available at £39 per month, and additional campaigns can be added for £8 per month. Compared to its competitors, Moz Pro is a budget-friendly option, with its entry-level plan priced at nearly a third of Semrush’s equivalent offering.

"Moz Pro offered a very good experience with an intuitive UI and wide range of features and was a decent alternative to other similarly priced tools." - Angus A., Director, Broadcast Media

However, it’s worth noting that some users feel the platform’s reporting limits are more restrictive compared to what competitors offer.

5. SE Ranking

SE Ranking is a budget-friendly SEO tool designed for small businesses, freelancers, and agencies working with tighter budgets. While its backlink database is smaller compared to industry giants like Moz Pro, which boasts over 45.5 trillion backlinks, SE Ranking compensates with a straightforward, user-friendly interface. Its clear visual tools make backlink analysis easier to understand and use. This combination of simplicity and efficiency makes SE Ranking a strong option in the competitive SEO tools market.

Backlink Database Size

Although SE Ranking’s backlink database is less extensive than some premium tools, it strikes a balance between functionality and affordability. The platform’s strength lies in its intuitive visual presentations, which make analysing backlinks much simpler.

Competitor Analysis Features

SE Ranking offers powerful tools for competitor analysis, such as its Backlink Gap Analyzer and Competitive Research Tool. These features allow users to examine competitors’ backlink profiles and SEO strategies, comparing their domain against up to five competitors simultaneously. The Competitive Research Tool provides detailed insights into rivals’ SEO and PPC strategies, including their top-performing keywords, domain authority, and backlink profiles. Additionally, the Backlink Checker reveals all backlinks for any domain, helping users understand how competitors strengthen their search engine authority.

Pricing

SE Ranking offers three main pricing tiers, with discounts for annual subscriptions:

• Essential: Starts at £52 per month

• Pro: Starts at £95 per month

• Business: Starts at £207 per month

Optional add-ons include the Agency Pack (£40 per month), Content Marketing tools (£23 to £79 per month), and Local Marketing options (£7 to £18 per month per location). This flexible pricing structure allows users to tailor their subscription to their specific needs. Many users appreciate this approach, as reflected in reviews.

"The pricing is great, the results are accurate, it has many tools and functions which make managing SEO on a site much easier and it is fairly easy to learn."
– Richard L, Owner, Marketing and Advertising

"SE Ranking offered better value for money for our needs."
– Angus A, Director, Broadcast Media

However, some users have expressed concerns about recent price increases, noting that the cost difference between SE Ranking and its competitors has narrowed. Despite this, the platform maintains high user ratings, scoring 4.7/5 on Capterra and 5/5 on G2. There have been occasional complaints about customer support, particularly regarding automatic renewals and refund policies, but these issues don’t seem to overshadow SE Ranking’s overall positive reception.

Tool Comparison Table

Choosing the right backlink gap tool depends on your budget, the size of the database, and the features you need. The table below highlights the main differences between popular tools:

These tools cater to different needs, helping you find one that fits your specific goals and resources.

Pricing and Market Position

The pricing reflects each tool's standing in the market. Ahrefs, often seen as the industry standard, has a premium price point. Semrush is priced higher but offers an extensive database and a wide range of features that justify the cost.

"Semrush is the best backlink checker tool overall, bar none. It offers one of the largest link databases, generous usage limits, and provides more tools in one place than any of its competitors." – Adam Connell

Semrush leads with over 43 trillion backlinks, compared to Ahrefs' 35 trillion. However, a 2024 study found Semrush covers 87% of websites, suggesting that database size alone doesn't guarantee better results.

Specialised Features

Majestic stands out for its focus on link quality, using Trust Flow and Citation Flow to assess link value. SE Ranking, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly choice, ideal for small businesses and freelancers who need straightforward tools without breaking the bank.

Which Tool Is Right for You?

The best tool depends on your priorities:

• Agencies managing multiple clients: Ahrefs and Semrush are excellent choices.

• Beginners: Moz Pro offers an intuitive experience with industry-standard metrics.

• Link quality analysis: Majestic is the go-to option.

• Budget-conscious users: SE Ranking provides reliable data at a lower cost.

The only way to find the best fit is to test these tools on your own websites and competitors. This will help you uncover the most effective solution for your industry and specific needs.

Conclusion

Based on the comparisons above, backlink gap tools are a must-have for SEO professionals in the UK. These tools help pinpoint valuable backlinks that competitors have secured but are missing from your site. By focusing on these gaps, you can design smarter link-building strategies that directly influence your search rankings and boost organic traffic.

Comprehensive backlink analysis provides the insights needed to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're managing a single site or juggling multiple client campaigns, these tools uncover the missing links that could be limiting your site's performance.

With options ranging from high-end platforms with extensive features to more affordable tools offering the basics, there’s something for every budget and requirement.

Choosing the right tool boils down to three main considerations: your budget, the features you need, and how well the tool integrates with your workflow. For example, a small business might find SE Ranking's £50 monthly plan ideal, while a larger agency could justify spending £108 per month on Semrush for its broader capabilities. These decisions align with the strategies we've discussed to enhance search performance effectively.

Testing these tools on your site and your competitors’ sites is the best way to determine which one provides the most actionable insights. This hands-on approach helps close critical backlink gaps and ensures consistent improvements in search performance.

For agencies like Skwigl Digital, these tools offer a competitive edge by delivering data-driven SEO services with measurable results. The right tool not only improves outcomes for clients but also streamlines campaign management, making it an invaluable asset for any SEO strategy.

FAQs

How can I choose the best backlink gap analysis tool for my business?

To find the right backlink gap analysis tool for your business, start by defining your specific SEO goals. You’ll want a tool that offers in-depth competitor backlink comparisons, as this can uncover opportunities to strengthen your link-building strategy. Pay attention to factors like ease of use, accuracy of data, and any extra SEO features that might add value.

Make sure the tool fits seamlessly into your workflow and delivers insights that can directly support your broader SEO strategy. Opting for a user-friendly platform with strong competitor analysis features can simplify your process and help you achieve better results.

What is the difference between backlink gap analysis and traditional link-building strategies?

Backlink Gap Analysis vs Traditional Link-Building

Backlink gap analysis is all about spotting the backlinks your competitors have that your site doesn’t. It’s a way to identify specific areas where you’re falling behind and uncover opportunities to boost your site's authority and improve search rankings.

On the flip side, traditional link-building is about actively going out and earning those backlinks. This often involves tactics like guest posting, submitting your site to directories, or running outreach campaigns. While backlink gap analysis shows you where to focus your efforts, traditional link-building is the step where you take action to secure those links.

To put it simply, backlink gap analysis helps you find the opportunities, and traditional link-building is how you act on them to strengthen your SEO game.

How often should I perform a backlink gap analysis to stay ahead in SEO?

To stay ahead in the SEO game, it's a good idea to perform a backlink gap analysis every three months. This regular check helps you spot new opportunities, keep an eye on what your competitors are up to, and adjust to any shifts in search engine algorithms.

By routinely analysing your backlink profile, you can ensure it stays robust and aligned with your SEO objectives, giving you an edge in the constantly evolving digital world.