Backlinks play a vital role in search engine rankings and are the backbone of your siteβs content. I would say backlinks are the friends in need that help you around every corner of the SEO strategies.
To master the backlink game, you need the right backlink monitoring tools. In this article, we’ll explore the best free backlink monitoring tools along with their features, pricing, and pros and cons.
Backlink Monitoring Tools | Starting Price | Free Trial |
1. SEMrush | $99 per month | Free version available |
2. Moz Link Explorer | $79 per month | 30-day free trial |
3. Ahrefs | $99.95 per month | 7-day free trial |
4. Linkody | $14.90 per month | 30-day free trial |
5. Majestic SEO | $49.99 per month | Limited free version |
6. Monitor Backlinks | $25.90 per month | 30-day free trial |
7. CognitiveSEO | $129.99 per month | 14-day free trial |
8. OpenLinkProfiler | $0 per month | Free version available |
Table of Contents
What is a backlink?
A backlink, also known as an “inbound link” or “incoming link,” is a hyperlink that points from one website to another.
In simpler terms, when a website links to another website, it creates a backlink. These Backlinks are crucial for (SEO) and play a significant role in determining a website’s authority (DA), credibility, and ranking in SERPs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Backlink Monitoring Tools
Choosing the right backlink monitoring tool depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider the following factors:
- Budget: While Ahrefs and SEMrush offer extensive features, they come with a higher price tag. If you’re on a tight budget, Linkody might be a more feasible option.
- Features: Evaluate the features offered by each tool and choose one that aligns with your requirements. Moz’s spam score and Ahrefs’ comprehensive analysis may be vital for some, while others may prioritize affordability.
- Ease of Use: Consider the learning curve associated with each tool. Beginners might find Linkody more accessible, while experienced SEO professionals may appreciate the depth offered by Ahrefs.
- Scalability: As your website grows, your backlink monitoring needs may change. Select a tool that helps you scale your business.
List of Top Backlink Monitoring Tools Of [year]
![semrush logo semrush logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/semrush-logo.webp)
1. SEMrush Backlink Analysis Tool
π² Pricing:
- Plans start at $99.95 per month, placing it in the higher price range.
![semrush backlink analysis tools semrush backlink analysis tools](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/semrush-backlink-analysis-tools.webp)
Founders | Oleg Shchegolev and Dmitry Melnikov |
Year of Establishment | 2008 |
Headquarters | Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
Features:
- Backlink Analytics: SEMrush offers a comprehensive set of tools for backlink analysis.
- Organic Traffic Insights: Users can gain insights into their site’s organic traffic and competitors.
- Position Tracking: This feature allows tracking of keyword positions in search engine results.
Pros and Cons
β Pros:
- All-in-one SEO Suite: SEMrush is renowned for being an all-encompassing SEO tool.
- Competitive Analysis Tools: The tool provides robust features for analyzing competitors.
β Cons:
- Complexity: Due to its extensive features, SEMrush may be difficult for beginners to operate.
![moz logo moz logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/moz-logo.webp)
2. Moz Link Explorer
π² Pricing:
- Plans start at $79 per month, positioning it as a mid-range option.
![moz link explorer moz link explorer](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/moz-link-explorer.webp)
Founder | Rand Fishkin and Gillian Muessig |
Year of Establishment | 2004 |
Headquarters | Seattle, Washington, USA |
Features:
- In-depth Link Analysis: Moz Link Explorer provides detailed insights into a website’s backlink profile, including metrics like domain authority and page authority.
- Spam Score: It assigns a spam score to each link, helping users identify and disavow potentially harmful links.
- Page and Domain Authority Metrics: Moz’s proprietary metrics provide an understanding of a site’s authority.
Pros and Cons:
β Pros:
- User-friendly Interface: Moz Link Explorer is known for its user-friendly interface.
- Spam Score Aids in Link Quality Assessment: The spam score feature helps users assess the quality of their backlinks.
β Cons:
- Limited Features in Lower-tier Plans: Some advanced features may be restricted to higher-tier plans.
![ahrefs logo ahrefs logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ahrefs-logo.jpg)
3. Ahrefs Free Backlink Checker
π² Pricing:
- Plans start at $99 per month, making it a more premium option in terms of pricing.
![ahrefs free backlink checker ahrefs free backlink checker](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ahrefs-free-backlink-checker.webp)
Founder | Dmitry Gerasimenko |
Year of Establishment | 2010 |
Headquarters | Singapore |
Features:
- Comprehensive Backlink Analysis: Ahrefs provides an extensive database of backlinks, allowing users to analyze the link profile of any website thoroughly.
- Site Audit: It includes a site audit feature that helps identify and fix on-page and technical SEO issues.
- Keyword Research Tools: Ahrefs offers powerful keyword research tools to help users discover valuable keywords for their content.
Pros and Cons
β Pros:
- Large and Up-to-date Link Database: Ahrefs is known for its vast and regularly updated database of backlinks.
- User-friendly Interface: The tool provides an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
- Competitor Analysis Feature: Ahrefs allows users to analyze the backlink profiles of their competitors, offering valuable insights.
β Cons:
- Higher Price Point for Beginners: The pricing might be a bit steep for those on a tight budget or just starting with SEO.
![linkody logo linkody logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/linkody-logo.webp)
![linkody backlink tracker linkody backlink tracker](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/linkody-backlink-tracker.webp)
Founder | François Mommens |
Year of Establishment | 2011 |
Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium |
Features:
- Daily Link Tracking: Linkody provides daily updates on new and lost backlinks, allowing for real-time monitoring.
- Competitor Link Analysis: Users can analyze the backlink profiles of their competitors.
- Disavow Tool: Linkody includes a disavow tool for managing unwanted or harmful links.
Pros and Cons
β Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: Linkody is budget-friendly, making it suitable for those with limited resources.
- User-friendly Interface: The tool is designed with a straightforward and user-friendly interface.
- Email Notifications for New and Lost Links: Users receive email notifications for changes in their backlink profile.
β Cons:
- Limited Advanced Features: Linkody may have fewer advanced features compared to some higher-priced alternatives.
![majestic logo majestic logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/majestic-logo.webp)
![majestic seo backlink checker majestic seo backlink checker](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/majestic-seo-backlink-checker.webp)
Founders | Alex Chudnovsky and Alex Gopsill |
Year of Establishment | 2004 |
Headquarters | Birmingham, United Kingdom |
Features:
- Extensive Link Index: Majestic boasts one of the largest link indexes, providing a comprehensive view of a website’s backlink profile.
- Trust Flow and Citation Flow Metrics: These metrics help assess the quality and quantity of backlinks.
Pros and Cons
β Pros:
- Large Link Index: Majestic is known for its vast and constantly updated link database.
- Trust Flow and Citation Flow Metrics: These metrics provide insights into the trustworthiness and influence of a site’s backlinks.
β Cons:
- User Interface Can Be Complex: Some users find the interface less intuitive compared to other tools.
![monitorbacklinks seoptimer logo monitorbacklinks seoptimer logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/monitorbacklinks-seoptimer-logo.webp)
![monitorbacklinks free backlink checker tool monitorbacklinks free backlink checker tool](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/monitorbacklinks-free-backlink-checker-tool.webp)
Founder | Razvan Girmacea |
Year of Establishment | 2012 |
Headquarters | Bucharest, Romania |
Features:
- Automatic Backlink Monitoring: Monitor Backlinks automatically tracks new and lost backlinks, making it easy to stay updated.
- Competitor Analysis: Users can monitor the backlink strategies of their competitors.
Pros and Cons
β Pros:
- Automatic Monitoring: The tool provides automated tracking of backlinks, saving time for users.
- Competitor Analysis: Users can gain insights into their competitors’ backlink profiles.
β Cons:
- Limited Features in Basic Plans: Some advanced features may be limited to higher-tier plans.
![cognitiveseo logo cognitiveseo logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cognitiveseo-logo.webp)
![cognitiveseo backlink analysis tool cognitiveseo backlink analysis tool](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cognitiveseo-backlink-analysis-tool.webp)
Founder | Razvan Gavrilas |
Year of Establishment | 2011 |
Headquarters | Bucharest, Romania |
Features:
- Link Management: CognitiveSEO offers tools for efficient link management and disavowal.
- Spammy Link Detection: The tool helps identify potentially harmful or unnatural links.
Pros and Cons
β Pros:
- Link Management Tools: CognitiveSEO focuses on effective link management and optimization.
- Unnatural Link Detection: The tool aids in identifying and managing unnatural or low-quality links.
β Cons:
- Not affordable: It might be on the pricier side for smaller businesses or individual website owners.
![openlinkprofiler logo openlinkprofiler logo](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/openlinkprofiler-logo.webp)
8. OpenLinkProfiler
π² Pricing:
- Some basic features are available for free.
![openlinkprofiler homepage openlinkprofiler homepage](https://affreborn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/openlinkprofiler-homepage.webp)
Founder | Christoph C. Cemper |
Year of Establishment | N/A |
Headquarters | Vienna, Austria |
Features:
- Free Backlink Analysis: OpenLinkProfiler provides free access to backlink analysis tools.
- Link Disinfection: The tool includes features for identifying and disinfecting harmful links.
Pros and Cons
β Pros:
- Free Access to Basic Tools: OpenLinkProfiler offers free access to essential backlink analysis tools.
- Link Disinfection: Users can identify and address harmful links.
β Cons:
- Limited Advanced Features in Free Version: Advanced features may require a paid subscription.
Key Information About Backlinks
- Inbound Link: A backlink is a link that comes from another high or low-authority website to your website. It represents a vote of confidence or trust from one site to another.
- SEO Importance: Search engines, like Google, consider backlinks as a measure of a website’s popularity, relevance, and authority. Websites with high-quality backlinks are often seen as more trustworthy and are likely to rank higher in search results.
- Quality Over Quantity: While having a large number of backlinks is generally beneficial, the quality of those links is crucial. High-quality backlinks come from reputable, authoritative websites and are more valuable in boosting SEO.
- Anchor Text: The clickable text in a hyperlink is known as the anchor text. It’s another important factor for SEO, as it provides context about the linked content.
- Link Building: The process of acquiring backlinks intentionally is known as link building. Webmasters and SEO professionals engage in link-building strategies to improve a site’s visibility and authority.
- Natural vs. Unnatural Backlinks: Natural backlinks occur organically when other websites find your content valuable and link to it. Unnatural or spammy backlinks can be harmful to a website’s SEO and may lead to penalties from search engines.
More SEO Related Articles:
- Best Free SEO Courses For Beginners
- Best SEO Affiliate Programs For Bloggers
- Best All In One SEO Plugin Alternatives
- 10 Proven On-Page SEO Tactics To Boost Your Blog Traffic
- Newly Launched Rank Math SEO Course Free For Beginners
- SEO PowerSuite Review
- Best AnswerThePublic Alternatives and Competitors
Conclusion
Investing in the right backlink monitoring tools is crucial for your website. Each tool has its pros and cons, so choose wisely based on your requirements.
Regularly monitoring and managing your backlinks enhances your SEO efforts and ensures a high website presence on SERPs. The list of free backlink monitoring tools also provides keyword research, and other essential features for organic traffic.
I hope my extensive research on the best Backlink monitoring tools was informative. Keep visiting AffReborn for more informative articles covering SEO strategies.
Till thenβ¦
Be Healthy, Be Wise, and Keep Sharing!
Take Care Reborns
π FAQs | Best Backlink Monitoring Tools
How to check backlinks for a website?
To check your website’s backlinks, sign up for a free trial on UberSuggest and you will get a list of incoming links from other websites.
How to check backlinks in Google Analytics?
Google Analytics or Google Search Console does not offer a backlink checker feature. You can sign up for a free backlink monitoring tool like Ahrefs or Semrush 7-day free trial.
What is backlink analysis?
Backlink analysis is the process of identifying natural and unnatural backlinks. Unnatural backlinks pose a great threat to a website’s authority and could get penalized by Google.
Are backlink monitoring tools free to use?
You won’t get free backlink monitoring tools for backlink analysis, but you can avail a minimum of a 7-day free trial.