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How to set up a site audit on Ahrefs

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13
Quick Answer

Set up Ahrefs Site Audit by creating a new project, importing from Google Search Console, configuring schedule and URL sources, then running the crawl. Verification in Ahrefs Webmaster Tools is required for free users; paid accounts may skip it. Wait for email notification upon completion, which varies by site size.

Prerequisites

  • Ahrefs Webmaster Tools account (free) or paid subscription
  • Website verified in Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
  • Google Search Console account (recommended)
  • Access to website's robots.txt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Create or select a project

Head to Site Audit in Ahrefs and click + New project. If auditing an existing site, select it from your project list. For new sites, enter your website URL and allow Ahrefs to authorize your account when prompted.
Free users must verify their website in Ahrefs Webmaster Tools first.
2

Import from Google Search Console

Click Import from Google Search Console for faster setup. Authorize Ahrefs to access your GSC data, select your site, and click Import—the audit will start automatically. This step is optional but recommended.
3

Access Site Audit settings

From the Dashboard or Site Audit Dashboard, select your project, click the 3 dot menu, then Edit settings and choose Site Audit. Alternatively, from within a crawl, click the settings cogwheel icon in the top right, then Project settings > Site Audit.
Changes only apply to new crawls; completed ones remain unaffected.
4

Configure crawl schedule

In the Schedule section, set the day of the week, crawl time, and timezone. Note that the crawl may start anytime within the selected hour. Toggle off Run scheduled Crawls if you prefer manual runs.
Default settings work well for most users starting out.
5

Select URL sources

In the URL sources section, choose seed URLs. Defaults are Website (project URL) and Auto-detected sitemaps (from robots.txt or default locations like /sitemap.xml). Other options: Specific sitemaps, Custom URL list (upload CSV/TXT up to 16MB), or Backlinks. Only in-scope URLs are crawled.
Stick to defaults for full site coverage.
6

Save settings and run audit

Save your configuration. The first crawl starts automatically after import or manually via the dashboard. Ahrefs emails you upon completion; time depends on site size.
7

Review crawl results

Once complete, check the Site Audit dashboard for issues in categories like indexability, status codes, internal links, on-page SEO, and performance. Use Reports > Overview and Issues tabs.
Prioritize high-impact issues for beginners.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Site not verified or authorization errors

Verify your website in Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (required for free users; paid may skip). Re-authorize if needed.

Crawl won't start after new project

Import from Google Search Console after creating the project and authorize access.

Crawling unexpected or missing pages

Review and adjust URL sources in settings; ensure only desired seeds like website and auto-detected sitemaps are selected.

Settings changes not applying

Note that updates only affect new crawls; run a fresh one after saving.

Long crawl times

Crawl duration depends on site size; schedule during off-peak hours and monitor progress.

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