Beginner
How to configure Rank Tracker on Ahrefs
Quick Answer
Configuring Ahrefs Rank Tracker involves selecting or creating a project in the dashboard, navigating to Rank Tracker, adding keywords manually or via suggestions/upload, setting location/device/protocol, and adding to list for instant data loading with position/traffic/SERP graphs. Setup takes 10-20 minutes for beginners. Common issues like no projects or loading delays are fixed by creating projects and starting small within keyword limits.
Prerequisites
- Active Ahrefs subscription with Rank Tracker access
- Existing Ahrefs project or website URL to create one
- List of keywords to track (optional: use Ahrefs suggestions)
- Target Google location, device, and protocol details
1
Access Ahrefs Dashboard
Log in to your Ahrefs account and click the Ahrefs logo in the top-left corner to go to the main Dashboard, which shows your list of projects.
2
Select or Create Project
In the Dashboard under Projects, find an existing project or click the prominent Create button. Enter your website URL, assign a project name, and follow the guided setup—Ahrefs automates the rest.
Tip
If no projects exist, this resolves 'no projects found' errors.
3
Navigate to Rank Tracker
From the project in the Dashboard, click Tracked keywords in the far-right panel or access Rank Tracker from the left sidebar. This opens the Rank Tracker Overview with charts for positions, traffic, SERP features, and more.
4
Configure Tracking Protocol
In the keyword addition interface, set the protocol to http + https (default and recommended) to accurately capture rankings across protocol variations.
Tip
This ensures complete data without missing rankings.
5
Add Keywords to Track
Click Add keywords at the top. Enter keywords manually (type or paste list separated by lines), use the + button for suggestions, or upload a file. Review auto-suggestions below the input (with search volume, intent, position). Select target location (190+ options like country/city/ZIP).
Tip
Use suggestions from your site's ranking data for quick starts.
6
Set Device and Filters
Toggle between Desktop and Mobile tracking (default shows both). Use Tag filter to categorize (e.g., 'blog'), and apply Country filter for regions.
7
Add Keywords to List
Click Add to list. Keywords appear on the right; wait seconds for data to load (positions, graphs, SERP features like Featured Snippet, AI Overview, Local Pack).
Tip
Data loads quickly; avoid adding too many at once if limits apply.
8
Configure Competitors
In Competitors, click Add to competitors dropdown, select Domain, add rivals. Toggle to limit to tracked competitors for graph comparisons.
Tip
Tracks newcomers/fast climbers sneaking up rankings.
9
Set Target URLs and Review
Per keyword, assign target URL for outranking alerts/cannibalization checks. Use Overview filters like You don’t rank + Featured snippets for opportunities. Switch graphs to Traffic or SERP features.
Tip
Monitor 19 SERP features including AI Overviews.
Troubleshooting
"No projects found" or empty dashboard
Click Projects > Create in dashboard, enter site URL/name, then select the project before accessing Rank Tracker.
Keywords not loading ("Loading..." stuck)
Add fewer keywords at once (respect 750–10k/month limits by plan), verify project selection, and wait 1-5 minutes for initial data.
Incomplete rankings or missing data
Set protocol to http + https, confirm correct location/device, and check if keywords exceed monthly limits.
Can't see competitor graphs
Add competitors via Add to competitors dropdown (select Domain), toggle to tracked-only, and refresh.
Slow setup or access issues
Verify active Ahrefs subscription, start with 10-50 keywords, ensure project is created/selected properly.
Ready to get started with Ahrefs?
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