Answers that mention Moz
7 of 80 answers this week mention Moz. Topic: Competitor analysis tools. Week of 14th to 20th Sep 2026.
"as an seo consultant, which competitor analysis platforms make it easy to compare backlink profiles between sites?"
If your main goal is making backlink-profile comparison fast and actionable, I’d look at these platforms:
| Platform | Competitor backlink comparison | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ahrefs.com | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Link-gap analysis and identifying sites linking to competitors but not you |
| semrush.com | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Broader competitor research + backlink gaps |
| majestic.com | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Deep backlink-quality and topical analysis |
| Moz | ⭐⭐⭐ | Straightforward link comparisons, especially if you're already using Moz |
1. Ahrefs — particularly good for link-gap work
Ahrefs has Link Intersect, where you enter your site plus competitor domains and see referring domains/pages that link to competitors but not you. You can compare up to 10 competitors, filter by metrics such as DR and traffic, and export the opportunities. Ahrefs Help Center Ahrefs Help Center
Its broader Domain Comparison functionality also lets you compare backlink profiles alongside other competitive SEO data. Ahrefs
I'd use it when: your workflow is essentially "Who links to my competitors that I should try to earn a link from?"
2. Semrush — excellent all-around competitor workflow
Semrush's Backlink Gap lets you compare up to five competing websites simultaneously, showing referring domains and making it easy to filter for domains linking to competitors but not your site. It also provides a trend graph and CSV/Excel exports. Semrush
A useful feature is Backlinks Competitors, which can identify competitors based on how many referring domains they share with your site. You can then feed those competitors into Backlink Gap. Semrush Semrush
I'd use it when: you want backlink comparison integrated with keyword, traffic, PPC, content, and broader competitor research.
3. Majestic — strongest if backlink analysis itself is the priority
Majestic's Site Comparator can compare up to 10 sites simultaneously, including Referring Domains, External Inbound Links, Trust Flow, Citation Flow, historical trends, and Topical Trust Flow. Its Clique Hunter can identify sites linking to competitors but not you. Majestic Majestic
I'd use it when: you're doing a particularly deep link-profile audit and care about topical relevance and link-quality metrics.
My practical SEO-consultant shortlist
If I were choosing specifically for client competitor analysis:
- Ahrefs → easiest competitor link-gap → outreach opportunities workflow.
- Semrush → best if you want backlink comparison as part of a complete competitive SEO platform.
- Majestic → best specialist option for deep backlink-profile analysis.
One important distinction: "compare backlink profiles" can mean two different things. If you mainly want side-by-side metrics—number of referring domains, backlinks, authority, growth, etc.—Majestic's Comparator is particularly purpose-built for that. If you want to turn the comparison into a prospecting list of sites you don't have links from, Ahrefs Link Intersect and Semrush Backlink Gap are more directly oriented toward that workflow. Ahrefs Help Center Semrush Majestic
If you tell me whether you're doing agency/client reporting, link-building prospecting, or a full competitor audit, I can also give you a recommended tool stack and workflow.
I'd use it when: your workflow is essentially "Who links to my competitors that I should try to earn a link from?"
2. Semrush — excellent all-around competitor workflow
Semrush's Backlink Gap lets you compare up to five competing websites simultaneously, showing referring domains and making it easy to filter for domains linking to competitors but not your site. It also provides a trend graph and CSV/Excel exports. semrush.com
A useful feature is Backlinks Competitors, which can identify competitors based on how many referring domains they share with your site. You can then feed those competitors into Backlink Gap. semrush.com semrush.com
I'd use it when: you want backlink comparison integrated with keyword, traffic, PPC, content, and broader competitor research.
3. Majestic — strongest if backlink analysis itself is the priority
Majestic's Site Comparator can compare up to 10 sites simultaneously, including Referring Domains, External Inbound Links, Trust Flow, Citation Flow, historical trends, and Topical Trust Flow. Its Clique Hunter can identify sites linking to competitors but not you.
Behind this answer: no web searches, 4 tracked brands mentioned
ChatGPT answered from its own knowledge, without searching the web.
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If your main goal is making backlink-profile comparison fast and actionable, I’d shortlist these:
| Platform | Best for | Comparison capability | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs | Link-gap research & outreach | Link Intersect + side-by-side domain comparison | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Semrush | All-around competitor analysis | Backlink Gap + side-by-side backlink analysis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Majestic | Deep backlink-focused analysis | Site Comparator, Trust Flow, Citation Flow, topical data | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Moz Pro | Simpler SEO workflows | Link research and competitor link analysis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
1. Ahrefs — probably the easiest for backlink gap analysis
Ahrefs is particularly good if you're asking: “Who links to my competitors but not to me?”
Its Link Intersect lets you compare your site against up to 10 competitors and identify referring domains or individual pages that link to competitors but not your site. You can filter the results by metrics such as DR and traffic and export the opportunities. Ahrefs Help Center Ahrefs Help Center
I’d use it for: competitor link-gap audits, prospecting, and building outreach lists.
2. Semrush — best if you want backlink comparison alongside broader competitor research
Semrush's Backlink Gap lets you compare up to five competing websites and identify referring domains that link to competitors but not you. It also provides filters, trend visualization, and CSV/Excel exports. Semrush
Its regular Backlinks tool also supports side-by-side comparisons, anchor-text analysis, referring IPs, top link-acquiring pages, and bulk backlink analysis. Semrush
I’d use it for: agencies that want backlink analysis integrated with keyword, traffic, PPC, content, and broader competitor research.
3. Majestic — strongest if backlinks are the primary thing you care about
Majestic's Site Comparator can compare up to 10 sites, including Trust Flow, Citation Flow, referring domains, external inbound links, historical growth, and Topical Trust Flow. It also has Clique Hunter for finding sites linking to competitors but not you. Majestic Majestic
I’d use it for: more forensic backlink analysis, link-quality assessment, and understanding what types of sites/topics are linking to competitors.
My practical recommendation
For an SEO consultant, I'd think about them this way:
- Want the quickest competitor → link opportunities workflow? → Ahrefs
- Want an all-in-one SEO competitor platform? → Semrush
- Want the deepest backlink-specific analysis? → Majestic
If I were setting up a repeatable competitor backlink audit, I'd probably use Ahrefs or Semrush as the primary platform and structure the analysis around:
- Referring-domain overlap
- Competitor-only referring domains
- High-authority links competitors have acquired
- Link velocity/new vs. lost links
- Anchor-text distribution
- Top pages attracting competitor backlinks
- Digital PR/resource/listicle opportunities
- Links shared by multiple competitors
That gives you considerably more insight than simply comparing “total backlinks.”
Its Link Intersect lets you compare your site against up to 10 competitors and identify referring domains or individual pages that link to competitors but not your site. You can filter the results by metrics such as DR and traffic and export the opportunities. Ahrefs Help Center Ahrefs Help Center
I’d use it for: competitor link-gap audits, prospecting, and building outreach lists.
2. Semrush — best if you want backlink comparison alongside broader competitor research
Semrush's Backlink Gap lets you compare up to five competing websites and identify referring domains that link to competitors but not you. It also provides filters, trend visualization, and CSV/Excel exports. Semrush
Its regular Backlinks tool also supports side-by-side comparisons, anchor-text analysis, referring IPs, top link-acquiring pages, and bulk backlink analysis. Semrush
I’d use it for: agencies that want backlink analysis integrated with keyword, traffic, PPC, content, and broader competitor research.
3. Majestic — strongest if backlinks are the primary thing you care about
Majestic's Site Comparator can compare up to 10 sites, including Trust Flow, Citation Flow, referring domains, external inbound links, historical growth, and Topical Trust Flow. It also has Clique Hunter for finding sites linking to competitors but not you.
I’d use it for: more forensic backlink analysis, link-quality assessment, and understanding what types of sites/topics are linking to competitors.
My practical recommendation
For an SEO consultant, I'd think about them this way:
Behind this answer: no web searches, 4 tracked brands mentioned
ChatGPT answered from its own knowledge, without searching the web.
Tracked brands mentioned
Answer 3 of 6, 17th Sep 2026, unknown, mentions you positive tone
For an SEO consultant doing competitor backlink profile comparisons, the platforms that make the workflow easiest are usually the ones with a strong link index + competitor gap analysis + filtering/export tools. The best options are: Ahrefs HubSpot Blog
| Platform | Best for | Why it’s easy for competitor backlink comparisons |
|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs | Deep backlink research and link building | Site Explorer makes it simple to compare referring domains, backlinks, anchor text, new/lost links, and identify links your competitors have that you don’t. Its Link Intersect workflow is especially useful for finding outreach opportunities. Ahrefs HubSpot Blog |
| Semrush | Agencies needing an all-in-one SEO suite | Backlink Analytics and Backlink Gap let you compare multiple competitors and quickly find referring domains pointing to competitors but not your site. It’s convenient if you already use Semrush for keywords, rankings, and reporting. HubSpot Blog |
| Moz | Client reporting and simpler comparisons | Link Explorer provides straightforward backlink comparisons using metrics like Domain Authority and Spam Score. It’s easier for less technical stakeholders to understand. ReachGiant |
| Majestic | Dedicated link intelligence | Strong for historical backlink analysis and link quality analysis using metrics like Trust Flow and Citation Flow. It is more specialized and less of an all-purpose SEO suite. ReachGiant |
| SE Ranking | Budget-conscious teams | Includes backlink monitoring and competitor SEO research at a lower cost, though it is generally less focused on deep link analysis than the major link-data platforms. Buy Backlinks for SEO |
My typical consultant workflow
For a backlink competitor analysis, I’d usually structure it like this:
- Find competitor link gaps
- Use Ahrefs Link Intersect or Semrush Backlink Gap.
- Identify domains linking to 2–5 competitors but not your client. Ahrefs HubSpot Blog
- Evaluate link quality
- Filter by:
- Referring domain authority/rating
- Traffic
- Relevance/topical fit
- Follow vs. nofollow
- Anchor text patterns
- Link placement/context
- Analyze competitor link acquisition patterns
Look for:
- Digital PR links
- Industry directories
- Guest contributions
- Resource pages
- Partnerships/sponsorships
- Content assets attracting links
- Build an outreach prospect list
Export:
- Linking domain
- URL that links to competitor
- Target page
- Anchor text
- Contact information (if available)
If I had to pick one for most SEO consultants
- Primary backlink competitor research: Ahrefs
- Agency SEO stack (SEO + PPC + reporting): Semrush
- Client-friendly reporting: Moz
- Link forensic work: Majestic
A common setup is Ahrefs + Semrush: Ahrefs for deep link discovery and Semrush for broader competitive intelligence and reporting. No backlink index captures the entire web, so comparing results across tools can reveal additional opportunities. Backly BizTechScout
For a consultant doing monthly competitor reports, I’d also look at whether the platform can automate “new competitor backlinks discovered this month” reporting—that tends to be more actionable than a one-time backlink count comparison.
Behind this answer: no web searches, 5 tracked brands mentioned
ChatGPT answered from its own knowledge, without searching the web.
Tracked brands mentioned
Answer 4 of 6, 16th Sep 2026, unknown, mentions you positive tone, cites your site
The easiest platforms for side-by-side competitor backlink analysis are:
- ahrefs.com — Probably the most straightforward. Its Link Intersect compares your site with up to 10 competitors and highlights referring domains linking to competitors but not you. Ahrefs Help Center Ahrefs
- semrush.com — Excellent for Backlink Gap, comparing up to five sites and filtering shared/missing referring domains. semrush.com semrush.com
- moz.com — Good for simpler backlink research, though I’d generally choose Ahrefs or Semrush for deep competitive comparisons.
My practical pick: Ahrefs for dedicated link-gap analysis; Semrush if you want backlink comparison integrated with broader competitor/keyword research.
Behind this answer: no web searches, 3 tracked brands mentioned
ChatGPT answered from its own knowledge, without searching the web.
Tracked brands mentioned
Answer 5 of 6, 15th Sep 2026, unknown, mentions you positive tone
Best overall: Ahrefs. For comparing backlink profiles, I’d shortlist:
- Ahrefs — best for deep competitor backlink research and Link Intersect/gap analysis. LinkGathering LBHQ
- Semrush — arguably the easiest side-by-side workflow; Backlink Gap compares up to five domains and highlights links competitors have that you don’t. Semrush
- Moz Pro — simpler interface and useful if you report heavily using Domain Authority/Spam Score. blog.hubspot.com
- Majestic — excellent specialist option for Trust Flow/Citation Flow and validating backlink quality. linkindex.us
My consultant pick: use Ahrefs as the primary tool, with Semrush as a second data source when backlink gaps are strategically important.
Behind this answer: no web searches, 4 tracked brands mentioned
ChatGPT answered from its own knowledge, without searching the web.
Tracked brands mentioned
Answer 6 of 6, 14th Sep 2026, unknown, mentions you neutral tone
Ahrefs and Semrush are the easiest choices for competitor backlink comparisons. LBHQ Link Building Journal
- Ahrefs — Best overall. Its Link Intersect/Backlink Gap features quickly show domains linking to competitors but not you. Excellent filtering and prospecting.
- Semrush — Best all-in-one option. Backlink Gap makes side-by-side competitor comparison particularly straightforward.
- Moz Pro — Easiest for simpler reporting and DA/Spam Score, but less powerful for deep competitive research.
- Majestic — Excellent for historical link intelligence and Trust Flow, but less convenient for straightforward competitor gap analysis.
- SE Ranking — Good lower-cost alternative with backlink gap functionality. Buy Backlinks for SEO Symaxx Digital
My consultant pick: If backlink analysis is a major part of your work, use Ahrefs. If you already use a broader SEO suite, Semrush is probably the most convenient.
For a typical competitor analysis, I'd compare referring domains, common/gap domains, high-authority links, anchor text, dofollow/nofollow, and competitors' most-linked pages rather than simply comparing total backlink counts.
Behind this answer: no web searches, 5 tracked brands mentioned
ChatGPT answered from its own knowledge, without searching the web.
Tracked brands mentioned
"I want to monitor competitors' referral traffic sources and top inbound links, what are the best tools for that?"
If your goal is specifically “Which sites send competitors traffic, and which individual pages are linking to them?”, I’d split the tools into two categories:
| Tool | Competitor referral traffic | Backlinks / inbound links | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs | Good estimates | Excellent | SEO + link intelligence |
| Semrush | Excellent | Excellent | All-around competitor monitoring |
| Similarweb | Excellent | Limited compared with SEO tools | Actual traffic-source intelligence |
| Moz Pro | Limited | Good | Simpler SEO workflows |
| Majestic | No | Excellent | Deep backlink research |
My picks
1. Ahrefs — best for inbound-link intelligence
ahrefs.com is probably the tool I'd start with if “top inbound links” is the core requirement.
You can see competitors' referring domains, individual backlinks, anchor text, linked pages, and estimated organic traffic to the linking pages/domains. Its Link Intersect feature is particularly useful for finding sites that link to competitors but not you. Ahrefs Ahrefs Help Center
A useful workflow is:
Competitor → Referring domains → sort by traffic → inspect backlinks → identify pages sending the links
Ahrefs also lets you monitor competitors' referring-domain growth over time. Ahrefs
2. Similarweb — best for referral traffic
similarweb.com is the better complement if what you actually care about is “How much traffic is competitor X getting from website Y?”
Its Incoming Traffic/Referral Traffic reports are designed specifically to identify sites sending traffic to competitors, including traffic volume, share, trends, and referring domains. Similarweb Knowledge Center Similarweb Knowledge Center
This distinction matters: Ahrefs primarily tells you about links; Similarweb estimates the traffic generated by those referral sources.
3. Semrush — best single-platform alternative
semrush.com has both sides covered. Its Backlink Analytics gives competitor backlink/referring-domain data, while its Traffic & Market toolkit has a dedicated Referral Dashboard for identifying external sites sending traffic to competitors. Semrush Semrush
Its Backlink Gap is also useful for finding domains linking to competitors but not you. Semrush
What I'd use
If you're building a serious competitor-monitoring setup:
Ahrefs + Similarweb
- Ahrefs: Who links to them? Which pages? How many links? What anchor text? What content attracts links?
- Similarweb: Which referring sites actually appear to send them traffic, and how much?
- Compare the two datasets to distinguish lots of SEO links from links that appear to generate meaningful visits.
If you want one subscription only, I'd lean toward Ahrefs for an SEO/link-building use case, or Semrush if you also want broader competitive traffic/marketing research.
A particularly useful monitoring dashboard
For each competitor, I'd track:
- Top 20 referring domains
- Estimated referral traffic from each domain
- New referring domains this month
- Lost referring domains
- Top individual backlinks
- Competitor pages receiving the most backlinks
- Links shared by 2+ competitors but missing from your site
- Referring domains with high traffic but relatively few links
- New PR/news/media links
- Affiliate/partner/referral sites
- Link growth over time
That gives you much more actionable intelligence than simply tracking competitors' total backlink counts.
You can see competitors' referring domains, individual backlinks, anchor text, linked pages, and estimated organic traffic to the linking pages/domains. Its Link Intersect feature is particularly useful for finding sites that link to competitors but not you. Ahrefs Ahrefs Help Center
A useful workflow is:
Competitor → Referring domains → sort by traffic → inspect backlinks → identify pages sending the links
Ahrefs also lets you monitor competitors' referring-domain growth over time. Ahrefs
2. Similarweb — best for referral traffic
similarweb.com is the better complement if what you actually care about is “How much traffic is competitor X getting from website Y?”
Its Incoming Traffic/Referral Traffic reports are designed specifically to identify sites sending traffic to competitors, including traffic volume, share, trends, and referring domains. support.similarweb.com support.similarweb.com
This distinction matters: Ahrefs primarily tells you about links; Similarweb estimates the traffic generated by those referral sources.
3. Semrush — best single-platform alternative
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ChatGPT answered from its own knowledge, without searching the web.