Quick Start

This guide covers every SE Ranking feature:
- Getting Started — Create account and basic setup
- How to Use Keyword Researcher — Find high-value keywords with strong ranking potential
- How to Use Backlink Checker — Analyze your link profile and find opportunities
- How to Use Website Audit — Discover issues preventing top positions
- How to Use Content Idea Finder — Generate topics that drive traffic
- How to Use Local Marketing — Dominate local SEO and boost visibility
- How to Use On-Page SEO Checker — Get actionable insights for each page
- How to Use SERP Competitor Analysis — Uncover competitor strategies
- How to Use SEO Report Generator — Create professional client reports
- How to Use Lead Generator — Convert site visitors into clients
Time needed: 5 minutes per feature
Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives
Why Trust This Guide
I’ve used SE Ranking for over 18 months and tested every feature covered here. This how to use SE Ranking tutorial comes from real hands-on experience — not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots. As an SEO pro working with in-house teams and agency clients, I’ve put this platform through its paces.

SE Ranking is one of the most powerful SEO platforms available today.
It combines unique datasets with advanced features that maximize ROI, not costs.
But most users only scratch the surface of what it can do.
This guide shows you how to use every major feature.
Step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.
SE Ranking Tutorial
This complete SE Ranking tutorial walks you through every feature step by step, from initial setup to advanced tips that will make you a power user. Whether you’re an SEO pro working on competitive research or managing client campaigns, this guide covers effective strategies for digital marketing success.

SE Ranking
Monitor keyword positions with accurate search engine data across all locations and devices. SE Ranking helps SEO pros build effective strategies with a platform that maximizes ROI. Start your free trial today — no credit card required.
Getting Started with SE Ranking
Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.
It takes about 3 minutes.
SE Ranking provides a tutorial course that walks users through the entire platform.
The SE Ranking academy includes 32 lessons and 22 test questions.
Now let’s walk through each step.
Step 1: Create Your Account
Go to SE Ranking’s website at seranking.com.
Click “Sign Up” or “Start Free Trial.”
Enter your email and create a password.
✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Step 2: Set Up Your First SEO Project
To set up your first SEO project in SE Ranking, you need to add your website.
Enter your domain URL in the project creation field.
Start tracking target keywords by adding them to your project.
Here’s what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with your project visible.
Step 3: Complete Initial Setup
Connect your Google Analytics and Google Search Console accounts.
This gives you accurate traffic data and search metrics.
Choose your target search engines and locations.
✅ Done: You’re ready to use any feature below.
How to Use SE Ranking Keyword Researcher
Keyword Researcher lets you find high-value keywords with strong ranking potential and search demand.
SE Ranking helps users discover the keywords driving traffic to competitor sites.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Keyword Researcher in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Enter Your Seed Keyword
Navigate to Keyword Research in the left menu.
Type your main topic or seed keyword in the search bar.
Select your target country and language.
Step 2: Analyze Keyword Metrics
Review the search volume, keyword difficulty, and CPC data.
Use filters to narrow results by difficulty or volume.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a list of related keywords with metrics displayed.
Step 3: Export Your Keywords
Select the keywords you want to target.
Click “Add to Project” or export as CSV.
This creates a foundation for your content creation strategy.
✅ Result: You’ve identified keywords that match search demand and have strong ranking potential.
💡 Pro Tip: Hover over any keyword to see SERP features like featured snippets and ads. This tells you what type of content Google shows in results for that query.
How to Use SE Ranking Backlink Checker
Backlink Checker lets you analyze any website’s link profile and discover off-page SEO opportunities.
This tool helps you explore links pointing to your site or competitors.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Backlink Checker in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Enter the Target Domain
Go to Backlink Checker in the main menu.
Type the domain you want to analyze.
Click “Check Backlinks” to start the analysis.
Step 2: Review Link Metrics
Check the domain trust score and referring domains.
Use filters to see dofollow vs nofollow links.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a summary with total backlinks and referring domains.
Step 3: Identify Link Opportunities
Sort by Domain Trust to find high-authority links.
Export the list to plan your outreach campaign.
Compare with competitor link profiles for gap analysis.
✅ Result: You have a clear picture of link building opportunities to improve your site’s visibility.
💡 Pro Tip: Set up backlink monitoring to get alerts when you gain or lose links. This keeps your off-page SEO strategy proactive.
How to Use SE Ranking Website Audit
Website Audit lets you discover the issues that prevent you from reaching top positions.
The platform provides fixes for technical SEO problems.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Website Audit in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Start Your Site Audit
Navigate to Website Audit from your project dashboard.
Click “Start Audit” and select crawl settings.
Choose how many pages to crawl based on your site size.
Step 2: Review Audit Results
Check the health score and issue breakdown.
Tap on each category to see specific problems.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see issues categorized by severity (errors, warnings, notices).
Step 3: Fix Priority Issues
Start with critical errors first.
Click any issue to see affected pages and concise responses with fixes.
Re-run the audit after fixes to verify improvements.
✅ Result: Your site’s technical foundation is stronger, improving your chances to boost search results.
💡 Pro Tip: Schedule weekly audits to catch new issues early. This is essential for large sites where pages are added frequently.
How to Use SE Ranking Content Idea Finder
Content Idea Finder lets you generate topic clusters for content creation that drives traffic.
This feature helps you develop effective strategies for your content calendar.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Content Idea Finder in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Enter Your Topic
Go to Content Marketing in the menu.
Select Content Idea Finder from the dropdown.
Type your main topic to explore related ideas.
Step 2: Analyze Content Opportunities
Review the content ideas with search volume data.
Check which topics are cited by competitors.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a cluster of related topics with search metrics.
Step 3: Plan Your Content Calendar
Select topics that align with your expertise and audience needs.
Export the list to your content planning tool.
Prioritize topics with high search volume and low competition.
✅ Result: You have a data-driven content plan that targets real search demand.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for questions in the content ideas. These make great FAQ sections and can help you rank for AI search responses.
How to Use SE Ranking Local Marketing
Local Marketing lets you dominate local SEO and improve visibility in your target areas.
This feature is perfect for businesses serving specific geographic locations.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Local Marketing in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Add Your Business Locations
Navigate to Local Marketing in your dashboard.
Click “Add Location” and enter your business details.
Connect your Google Business Profile for better data sync.
Step 2: Track Local Rankings
Add keywords you want to track for local search.
Set up tracking for specific cities or zip codes.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see your local rankings displayed on a map grid.
Step 3: Manage Citations and Reviews
Check your business listings across directories.
Fix inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) data.
Monitor and respond to customer reviews from one place.
✅ Result: Your local SEO presence is consistent and visible to nearby customers.
💡 Pro Tip: Use the local heatmap feature to see exactly where you rank in different parts of your service area. This helps you target underperforming zones.
How to Use SE Ranking On-Page SEO Checker
On-Page SEO Checker lets you get actionable insights for improving individual page rankings.
This tool analyzes your page against top-ranking competitors.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch On-Page SEO Checker in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Enter Your Page URL
Go to On-Page SEO Checker from your project.
Enter the URL you want to analyze.
Add the target keyword for that page.
Step 2: Review Optimization Score
Check your overall SEO score and individual metrics.
Review content length, keyword usage, and meta tags.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a detailed breakdown of on-page factors with recommendations.
Step 3: Apply Recommendations
Follow the prioritized list of improvements.
Update your content based on the suggestions.
Re-check the page to see your improved score.
✅ Result: Your page is better optimized and more likely to rank for your target keyword.
💡 Pro Tip: Compare your page directly with the top 10 results to see exactly what they’re doing differently. This gives you a clear roadmap for improvement.
How to Use SE Ranking SERP Competitor Analysis
SERP Competitor Analysis lets you discover the keywords and strategies driving traffic to competitor sites.
Conducting competitive research with SE Ranking helps you outrank the competition.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch SERP Competitor Analysis in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Enter Competitor URL
Navigate to Competitive Research in the menu.
Enter your competitor’s domain to analyze.
Select organic or paid traffic analysis.
Step 2: Analyze Traffic and Keywords
Review their estimated traffic and top keywords.
Check which pages drive the most organic visitors.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see their keyword rankings, traffic history, and top pages.
Step 3: Find Keyword Gaps
Compare your domain against competitors.
Identify keywords they rank for that you don’t.
Export these gaps to build your targeting list.
✅ Result: You have a clear picture of competitor strategies and opportunities to capture their traffic.
💡 Pro Tip: Track competitor ranking changes over time. When they drop, it’s your opportunity to capture that share of traffic.
How to Use SE Ranking SEO Report Generator
SEO Report Generator lets you generate reports to keep colleagues and clients updated with SEO performance insights.
This feature helps agency teams and in-house teams with client management.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch SEO Report Generator in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Create a New Report
Go to Reports in your project dashboard.
Click “Create Report” and choose a template.
Select which data modules to include.
Step 2: Customize Report Content
Add your agency branding and logo.
Set the date range and metrics to display.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see a preview of your branded report with selected data.
Step 3: Share or Schedule Reports
Download as PDF or share via link.
Schedule automatic report delivery weekly or monthly.
Add extra user seats for team collaboration on reports.
✅ Result: You have professional reports that demonstrate SEO value to stakeholders.
💡 Pro Tip: Create template reports for different client types. This saves hours on report generation and keeps your agency workflow efficient.
How to Use SE Ranking Lead Generator
Lead Generator lets you convert website visitors into potential clients.
This tool embeds an SEO audit widget on your website to capture leads.
Here’s how to use it step by step.
Watch Lead Generator in action:

Now let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Configure Your Widget
Navigate to Lead Generator in the menu.
Customize the widget appearance to match your branding.
Set which audit data to show in the results.
Step 2: Embed on Your Website
Copy the embed code provided.
Add it to your website’s HTML where you want the widget.
Here’s what this looks like:
✓ Checkpoint: You should see the widget live on your site, ready to capture leads.
Step 3: Manage Incoming Leads
Check your Lead Generator dashboard for new submissions.
Review the audit data collected for each lead.
Export leads to your CRM or follow up directly.
✅ Result: You have a passive lead generation system that attracts potential clients.
💡 Pro Tip: Place the widget on high-traffic pages and your homepage. The free audit offer converts well because visitors get immediate value.
SE Ranking Pro Tips and Shortcuts
After testing SE Ranking for over 18 months, here are my best tips for professionals and in-house teams looking to scale their SEO efforts efficiently.
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open search | Ctrl + K / Cmd + K |
| Switch projects | Ctrl + Shift + P |
| Export data | Ctrl + E / Cmd + E |
| Refresh rankings | Ctrl + R / Cmd + R |
Hidden Features Most People Miss
- AI Visibility Tracker: Access this under the main ranking section to see where your content appears in AI search responses and AI Overview results in Google.
- SERP Feature History: Click on any keyword ranking to see the history of SERP features over time. This shows trends in how Google displays results.
- Bulk Keyword Import: Upload thousands of keywords via CSV instead of adding them one by one. Find this under project settings.
- White-Label Dashboard: Give clients their own login with your branding. This is essential for agency client management at scale.
SE Ranking Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Tracking Too Few Keywords
❌ Wrong: Only tracking your brand name and a handful of main keywords.
✅ Right: Track long-tail variations and competitor brand terms too. SE Ranking’s pricing allows generous keyword limits — use them to get accurate data.
Mistake #2: Ignoring AI Visibility Data
❌ Wrong: Only looking at traditional ranking positions without checking AI search appearances.
✅ Right: Monitor the AI Visibility feature to see if your content gets cited in AI answers. This is becoming a major traffic source.
Mistake #3: Not Using Competitive Research
❌ Wrong: Focusing only on your own site metrics without analyzing competitors.
✅ Right: Run monthly competitor analyses to spot new opportunities. Their traffic drops are your chances to gain share.
SE Ranking Troubleshooting
Problem: Rankings Not Updating
Cause: Daily ranking checks may not have run yet or your project settings limit update frequency.
Fix: Click the refresh button manually or check your project’s ranking schedule. Make sure your plan includes daily updates.
Problem: Website Audit Shows Errors After Fix
Cause: The crawler hasn’t re-crawled your site since you made changes.
Fix: Run a new audit manually. Click “Start New Audit” instead of viewing old results.
Problem: Can’t Connect Google Search Console
Cause: Permission issues with your Google account or expired authentication.
Fix: Disconnect and reconnect your Google account. Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account with Search Console access.
📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact SE Ranking support. They offer free onboarding support and the SE Ranking academy has videos and courses covering common issues.
What is SE Ranking?
SE Ranking is a powerful SEO platform designed for agencies and in-house teams that combines unique datasets with tools for ranking, research, and reporting.
Think of it like having a digital marketing command center that shows you exactly where you rank, what competitors are doing, and how to improve your site’s visibility.
SE Ranking helps users automate workflows and scale their SEO efforts efficiently while providing accurate data insights.
The platform is suitable for digital marketing agencies, small and medium-sized businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to simplify their SEO analysis and reporting.
Watch this quick overview:
It includes these key features:
- Keyword Researcher: Find high-value keywords with strong ranking potential and search demand using a database of billions of keywords.
- Backlink Checker: Analyze link profiles with access to trillions of indexed backlinks across millions of domains.
- Website Audit: Discover issues preventing top positions and get fixes with unlimited site audits.
- Content Idea Finder: Generate topic clusters for content creation that drives traffic and matches search intent.
- Local Marketing: Track local rankings, manage citations, and monitor reviews for local SEO success.
- On-Page SEO Checker: Get actionable insights for individual pages based on competitor analysis.
- SERP Competitor Analysis: Discover keywords and strategies driving traffic to competitors.
- SEO Report Generator: Create white-labeled reports for client management and team collaboration.
- Lead Generator: Embed SEO audit widgets to convert web visitors into clients.
For a full review, see our SE Ranking review.

SE Ranking Pricing
Here’s what SE Ranking costs in 2026:
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Core | $103.20/month | Freelancers, solo consultants, and small site owners |
| Growth | $223.20/month | Growing agencies and in-house teams with multiple clients |
Free trial: Yes — 14-day free trial with no credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: Pro-rated refunds available for annual plans.
Annual billing: Save 20% when you pay annually instead of month-to-month.

💰 Best Value: Core plan at $103.20/month (annual billing) — this gives you 2,000 keyword tracking slots, 10 projects, and all core features most SEO pros need.
SE Ranking vs Alternatives
How does SE Ranking compare? Here’s the competitive landscape:
| Tool | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE Ranking | All-in-one SEO at value pricing | $103/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| Surfer SEO | Content optimization and NLP | $79/mo | ⭐ 4.5 |
| NeuronWriter | Budget-friendly content tools | $19/mo | ⭐ 4.2 |
| MarketMuse | Enterprise content strategy | Contact | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Frase | AI-powered content briefs | $49/mo | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Scalenut | AI writing with SEO focus | $30/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Page Optimizer Pro | On-page SEO analysis | $40/mo | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Dashword | Content optimization for teams | $99/mo | ⭐ 3.9 |
Quick picks:
- Best overall: SE Ranking — Most features for the price with accurate ranking data
- Best budget: NeuronWriter — Powerful content tools starting at just $19/month
- Best for beginners: Scalenut — Intuitive interface with guided workflows
- Best for content focus: Surfer SEO — Industry-leading content optimization
🎯 SE Ranking Alternatives
Looking for SE Ranking alternatives? Here are the top options:
- 🚀 Surfer SEO: Best for content creation with NLP-powered optimization that helps you match search intent and boost on-page scores.
- 💰 NeuronWriter: Budget-friendly alternative with strong content scoring and competitor analysis at a fraction of the cost.
- 🏢 MarketMuse: Enterprise-grade content strategy platform with deep topic modeling for large content teams.
- ⚡ Frase: Fast content briefs with AI assistance that speeds up research and outlining significantly.
- 🧠 Scalenut: AI-first SEO tool with Cruise Mode that automates content creation from keyword to publish.
- 🔧 Page Optimizer Pro: Focused on-page SEO with detailed recommendations based on SERP analysis.
- 📊 Dashword: Team-focused content platform with collaboration features and content monitoring.
- 🎨 Outranking: AI content writer with SEO built in, great for scaling content production.
- ✍️ WriterZen: Keyword research plus content tools in one platform with lifetime deal options.
- 🎯 Content Harmony: Content briefs with detailed SERP data and clear writing guidelines.
- 💼 Rytr: Budget AI writer that works for simple content needs at minimal cost.
- 🌟 GetGenie: WordPress plugin with AI writing and SEO analysis built into your editor.
- ⭐ Rankwell: All-in-one SEO platform focused on simplicity for small business owners.
For the full list, see our SE Ranking alternatives guide.
⚔️ SE Ranking Compared
Here’s how SE Ranking stacks up against each competitor:
- SE Ranking vs Surfer SEO: SE Ranking wins on all-in-one features and rank tracking; Surfer wins on content optimization depth.
- SE Ranking vs NeuronWriter: SE Ranking offers more features; NeuronWriter is better value for content-only needs.
- SE Ranking vs MarketMuse: SE Ranking is more affordable; MarketMuse suits enterprise content teams.
- SE Ranking vs Frase: SE Ranking has better rank tracking; Frase excels at fast content research.
- SE Ranking vs Scalenut: SE Ranking has stronger competitive research; Scalenut’s AI writing is more advanced.
- SE Ranking vs Page Optimizer Pro: SE Ranking is more complete; POP focuses purely on on-page factors.
- SE Ranking vs Dashword: SE Ranking has better data; Dashword offers better team workflows.
- SE Ranking vs Outranking: SE Ranking has more tools; Outranking automates content creation better.
- SE Ranking vs WriterZen: SE Ranking updates data more often; WriterZen has attractive lifetime pricing.
- SE Ranking vs Content Harmony: SE Ranking is broader; Content Harmony creates better briefs.
- SE Ranking vs Rytr: SE Ranking is an SEO platform; Rytr is just an AI writer.
- SE Ranking vs GetGenie: SE Ranking works standalone; GetGenie integrates directly into WordPress.
- SE Ranking vs Rankwell: SE Ranking has more advanced features; Rankwell is simpler for beginners.
Start Using SE Ranking Now
You learned how to use every major SE Ranking feature:
- ✅ Keyword Researcher
- ✅ Backlink Checker
- ✅ Website Audit
- ✅ Content Idea Finder
- ✅ Local Marketing
- ✅ On-Page SEO Checker
- ✅ SERP Competitor Analysis
- ✅ SEO Report Generator
- ✅ Lead Generator
Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.
Most people start with Keyword Researcher.
It takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of SE Ranking?
SE Ranking stands for Search Engine Ranking. It’s named after its core function — tracking where your website ranks in search engine results. The platform monitors keyword positions with accurate search data across Google and other search engines for any location or device you specify.
Where is SE Ranking located?
SE Ranking is headquartered in London, UK, with additional offices in Miami, Wroclaw, and Kyiv. The company employs around 160-215 people and serves customers worldwide. Their support team offers assistance across multiple time zones.
Is SE Ranking accurate?
SE Ranking provides accurate search engine data for keyword positions and site metrics. The platform pulls fresh ranking data daily and maintains a database of billions of keywords. While no tool is 100% perfect due to search personalization, SE Ranking is considered reliable by SEO professionals and agencies worldwide.
What does SE Ranking do?
SE Ranking helps you monitor keyword positions, audit your website for SEO issues, research competitors, analyze backlinks, and generate reports. It’s an all-in-one SEO platform that combines tools for rank tracking, competitive research, local SEO, content creation, and client management into one dashboard.
How big is the SE Ranking database?
SE Ranking maintains a database of over 5.4 billion keywords and indexes approximately 2.9 trillion backlinks across 2.2 billion domain profiles. While smaller than some premium competitors, it provides sufficient data for most small to mid-sized businesses and agencies.
Is SE Ranking better than Ahrefs?
SE Ranking is more affordable than Ahrefs and offers similar core features for rank tracking and site audits. However, Ahrefs has a significantly larger backlink database (35 trillion vs 2.9 trillion). For budget-conscious users, SE Ranking delivers strong value. For deep backlink analysis, Ahrefs may be worth the higher price.
Is SE Ranking good for keyword research?
Yes, SE Ranking is good for keyword research with its Keyword Researcher tool. It shows search volume, keyword difficulty, CPC, and related keywords. The tool helps you find high-value keywords with strong ranking potential. It also suggests related terms and questions people search for.
Is SE Ranking a real company?
Yes, SE Ranking is a legitimate company founded in 2013. They’ve grown to serve over 800,000 users and agencies worldwide. The company is registered in the UK and maintains physical offices in multiple countries. They offer standard billing, support, and enterprise contracts.
What is SE Ranking used for?
SE Ranking is used for tracking keyword positions, conducting website audits, researching competitors, analyzing backlinks, creating SEO reports, and managing local listings. Digital marketing agencies use it for client management, while in-house teams use it to improve their site’s search visibility and traffic.
How to check keyword ranking in SE Ranking?
To check keyword ranking in SE Ranking, add keywords to your project and the tool will track positions daily. Go to your project dashboard and click on Rankings to see current positions. You can filter by search engine, location, and device type to get specific ranking data.
What is the SE Ranking overview?
The SE Ranking overview is your project dashboard showing key metrics at a glance. It displays your overall visibility score, keyword distribution across rankings, traffic estimates, and recent changes. This gives you a quick snapshot of your SEO performance without clicking into detailed reports.
What is an SEO ranking tool?
An SEO ranking tool tracks where your website appears in search results for specific keywords. SE Ranking is one example — it monitors your positions across Google and other search engines. These tools help you measure progress, spot drops quickly, and identify opportunities to improve your search visibility.
What is the SEO ranking data?
SEO ranking data shows where your web pages appear in search results for specific keywords. In SE Ranking, this includes your current position, position history, search volume, estimated traffic, and SERP features. This data helps you understand your site’s visibility and track improvement over time.
How good is SE Ranking?
SE Ranking scores 4.8 out of 5 on G2 across over 1,400 reviews. Users praise its value for money, accurate rank tracking, and all-in-one approach. It’s considered excellent for freelancers, agencies, and in-house teams who need professional SEO tools without paying premium prices like Semrush or Ahrefs.
What is the SE keyword?
In SE Ranking context, a keyword is any search term you want to track or research. The platform lets you add target keywords to your projects, research new keyword opportunities, and monitor how your pages rank for specific search queries. Keywords are the foundation of SEO tracking.
What is the ranking of SEO?
SEO ranking refers to where your website appears in search engine results for specific keywords. Position 1 means you’re the first organic result; position 10 means you’re at the bottom of page one. SE Ranking helps you track these positions daily across multiple search engines and locations.
What is SEO ranking?
SEO ranking is your website’s position in organic search results for specific keywords. Higher rankings (closer to position 1) typically mean more traffic to your site. Tools like SE Ranking track these positions over time, showing you which keywords are improving and which need more work.












