How to Monitor Backlink Profile on SE Ranking

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-24
Quick Answer

SE Ranking's Backlink Monitor tracks backlinks added manually, from GSC, or Backlink Checker via automated crawls for status like found/nofollow/noindex/lost/toxic. Review overview graphs, sub-tabs for domains/anchors/pages, and set email notifications. Setup takes 15-30 minutes with beginner-friendly UI and weekly reviews.

Prerequisites

  • Active SE Ranking account with Backlink Monitoring access
  • List of backlinks including referring URLs and anchors
  • Optional: Verified site in Google Search Console
  • Basic SEO knowledge for metrics like Domain Trust
  • SE Ranking Backlink Checker audit for imports

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Access Backlink Monitoring Module

Log into your SE Ranking dashboard and navigate to the left sidebar to select Backlink Monitoring. This is distinct from the one-time Backlink Checker tool used for audits.
2

Add Backlinks to Monitor

Use manual input by clicking Add backlink and entering referring URL, target URL, anchor text, and notes like price or contacts. Alternatively, import from Google Search Console via Settings > Integrations (select property and 3-12 month range), or from Backlink Checker by exporting high Domain Trust links as CSV/XLS and using the Import button. All added backlinks trigger automatic analysis without terminal commands.
Prioritize dofollow links from high Domain Trust domains for best results.
3

Wait for Initial Analysis

SE Ranking crawlers automatically check parameters like status (Found/Not found), Google indexation (Indexed/Noindex), backlink type (Dofollow/Nofollow), anchor text, target URL, referring IP, and social shares. Progress shows in the Backlinks tab; initial checks take minutes to hours, with regular rechecks daily/weekly based on plan.
4

Review Overview in Backlinks Tab

Examine summary graphs for total backlinks, growth dynamics, new/lost over 3/6/12 months, dofollow/nofollow ratio (aim >50% dofollow), and homepage vs. other pages ratio. Filter the table by status, type, date, or metrics like excluding nofollow.
Use default views for quick insights on profile health.
5

Analyze Referring Domains

In the Domains sub-tab, view referring domains with Domain Trust scores, first spotted date, and backlink counts. Filter for new/lost domains and export to CSV/XLS for further analysis.
Focus on high Domain Trust domains for outreach opportunities.
6

Check Anchor Texts

The Anchors sub-tab shows anchor texts, dofollow status, and word count filters. Verify natural distribution like branded vs. exact-match anchors to avoid over-optimization.
Filter by 1-5 word anchors for relevance.
7

Review Target Pages and IPs

Use Pages tab to see target pages with referring domains/backlinks (click counts to drill down). IPs/Subnets breaks down by country and totals for geographic insights.
8

Identify Toxic Links in Disavow Tab

Flag low-quality or toxic links in the Disavow tab for Google Disavow file export. Filter to exclude from nofollow tables and monitor for risks.
Cross-check toxicity scores before disavowing.
9

Set Up Notifications

In Settings, configure email alerts for changes like lost backlinks, noindex status, or referring URL drops. Enable ongoing monitoring for automated check-ups.
Test notifications with a sample backlink.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Backlinks not appearing after import

Verify URLs are full referring page links in valid format; check GSC export matches and wait for processing. Re-import if empty list shows 'No backlinks found'.

Analysis delays or pending status

Allow minutes to hours for initial crawls; crawlers recheck daily/weekly. Refresh dashboard or check plan limits.

Import failures from GSC or Checker

Ensure GSC integration via Settings > Integrations and verified property; export CSV/XLS correctly from Backlink Checker audits.

Status errors like noindex or not found

Use filters to review Google indexation and backlink type; cross-check manually or wait for next crawl cycle.

No notifications for changes

Confirm email settings in Backlink Monitoring Settings; test with manual status change.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official SE Ranking website before purchasing.
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