Ahrefs + Claude: Backlink Intelligence for Local Link Building

Ahrefs Tool Integration: Deep Backlink Intelligence

Local SEO Data’s backlink_gap and backlink_summary endpoints give a useful competitive backlink snapshot. Ahrefs adds depth when the task requires:

• Full referring domain quality analysis (anchor text, lost links, DR distribution)
• The specific local link types competitors have built
• Identifying unlinked brand mentions for reclamation

What This Integration Unlocks

Complete backlink profiles — Referring domains with quality scores.

Anchor text distribution — What anchor text competitors use, patterns to follow.

Lost link history — Links that dropped, potential reclamation opportunities.

Link type categorization — Press, chambers, sponsors, directories — categorized for local link building.

Dispatch Routing

Routes to ahrefs-tool when:

• Prompt requests deep backlink analysis
• Local link building campaign planning needed
• Lost link reclamation is the task
• Practitioner explicitly requests Ahrefs

Works alongside local-link-building skill for interpretation.

Three Workflows

Workflow 1 — Deep Competitive Backlink Analysis:

Prompt: "Using Ahrefs, pull the full backlink profile for the top 3 competitors
in the local pack for 'physical therapist Denver'. Categorize by link type."

Output:
Competitive Backlink Analysis — Denver Physical Therapy

Competitor A: Denver PT Specialists (DR 34, 89 referring domains)
Local press: Denver Post (DR 91), 5280 Magazine (DR 68)
Chambers: Denver Metro Chamber (DR 52)
Sponsors: Denver Marathon (DR 45), Cherry Creek Athletic Club (DR 38)
Directories: Healthgrades (DR 84), Zocdoc (DR 78)

Competitor B: Peak Performance PT (DR 28, 67 referring domains)
Local press: Westword (DR 72)
Chambers: Aurora Chamber (DR 41)
Sponsors: Colorado PT Association (DR 44)
[continues...]

Gap opportunities for your client:
- Denver Metro Chamber (all competitors have, you don't)
- Denver Post expert source pitch
- Colorado PT Association membership

Workflow 2 — Lost Link Reclamation:

Prompt: "Find lost backlinks for smithlaw.com from the last 6 months using Ahrefs.
Which are worth reclaiming?"

Output:
Lost Backlinks — smithlaw.com (Last 6 Months)

Worth reclaiming:
1. Chicago Tribune mention (DR 91) — lost 45 days ago
   Reason: Page restructure on their end
   Action: Email editor, provide updated URL

2. IL State Bar directory (DR 67) — lost 30 days ago
   Reason: Membership lapsed
   Action: Renew membership

3. Chicago Business Journal (DR 58) — lost 60 days ago
   Reason: Article archived
   Action: Request restoration or new mention

Not worth pursuing:
- Low-DR directories that shut down
- Spam sites that were disavowed

Workflow 3 — Local Link Prospect Discovery:

Prompt: "Find all local link sources joneslaw.com has that smithlaw.com doesn't.
Prioritize by impact and generate outreach for the top 5."

Output:
Local Link Gap: smithlaw.com vs. joneslaw.com

Top 5 Opportunities:

1. Chicago Bar Association Member Directory (DR 62)
   jones: Linked member profile
   Action: Apply for membership, create profile
   [outreach template]

2. Chicago Business Journal (DR 58)
   jones: Expert quote in 2 articles
   Action: Pitch as expert source
   [outreach template]

[continues for top 5]

Setup

1. Ahrefs subscription with API access
2. API token from Ahrefs account settings
3. In Claude Code: Settings → MCP Servers → Add Server
   • Name: Ahrefs
   • API Token: [Your token]
4. Verify connection

First Prompt After Setup

"Confirm Ahrefs is connected — pull a backlink summary for [test domain]."

Skill Documentation

For technical details on how this skill works, what data it pulls, and complete prompt reference, see the full skill documentation.