How to use Keywords Explorer on Ahrefs

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-13

Quick Answer

Log into Ahrefs, access Keywords Explorer, enter seed keywords, review metrics like KD and volume, explore idea reports, apply filters, and organize into lists. Target low KD keywords under 30 for easier ranking wins. Use SERP analysis to understand competition.

Prerequisites

Ahrefs account subscription
Basic understanding of SEO concepts
Seed keywords related to your niche
Familiarity with keyword metrics like volume and difficulty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Log in and access Keywords Explorer

Log in to your Ahrefs account and navigate to the main dashboard. Select Keywords Explorer from the left sidebar or top navigation menu. You can also access it directly via the browser extension if installed.

Enter seed keywords

Type 1-3 broad seed keywords such as investment advice into the central search bar at the top. Use the Bulk search keywords option for multiple terms if needed.

Start with broad terms to generate thousands of related ideas.

Search and generate results

Click the search icon or Get metrics button to trigger calculations. This displays core metrics including Search Volume, Keyword Difficulty (KD) on a 0-100 scale (target under 30), Traffic Potential, and volume trends.

Review the Overview page

Examine key metrics like KD score, present and future volume trends, Traffic Potential (traffic if ranking #1), Parent Topic, and SERP overview with top results' backlinks and traffic value. Check AI-powered search intent and historical rankings.

Sort by relevance or volume for quick insights.

Explore Keyword Ideas reports

From the left sidebar, click Matching terms > Phrase match (exact order), Terms match (any order), Questions, Related terms, or Search suggestions. Ideas are clustered by Parent Topic; use AI to brainstorm more.

Questions report is great for informational content ideas.

Refine with filters and presets

Apply filters above the table for Search volume (>100), KD (<30), Word count, Click potential, or CPC. Use presets for quick wins, group by Parent Topics, and sort by volume descending.

Save custom filters for repeated use.

Analyze SERPs and competition

Click any keyword for detailed SERP view with side-by-side comparisons, top pages' backlinks, traffic, ads history, and updates. Integrate with your rankings or use Site Explorer > Content Gap for rivals.

Look for weak competitors ranking high for easy opportunities.

Organize keywords into lists

Select keywords using checkboxes, then click Add to list. Manage lists via Keyword lists in the sidebar for moving, deleting, or bulk edits. Check metrics with one click.

Group by intent or topic for content planning.

Export and map keywords

Export data including metrics and lists for analysis. Assign keywords to specific pages via keyword mapping to optimize site structure and content alignment.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

No or limited keyword ideas generated

Use broader seed keywords or AI brainstorm feature; ensure account has sufficient credits and check location/country settings.

High KD scores on all suggestions

Apply KD filter under 30; target long-tail keywords via Questions or Phrase match reports.

Inaccurate volume or metrics

Verify selected country and device (desktop/mobile); metrics use 12-month averages—check trends for seasonality.

SERP data not loading

Refresh page or clear cache; contact Ahrefs support at support@ahrefs.com if persistent.

Cannot add to lists or export

Check subscription limits; ensure keywords are selected and try bulk options.

Visit Ahrefs View Ahrefs Pricing