Ahrefs has introduced a powerful new feature called the "Best links" filter, which allows users to focus on high-quality backlinks and filter out link noise in their analysis. This feature is available in Overview 2.0 and all backlink-related 2.0 reports in Site Explorer.
How the "Best links" Filter Works
The "Best links" filter is based on a predefined set of parameters that aim to identify valuable backlinks. By default, it includes referring domains that meet certain criteria, such as:
- Domain Rating (DR) of at least 30
- Traffic of 500 or more
- Other quality indicators
However, recognizing that the definition of "best" links may vary among SEO professionals, Ahrefs allows users to customize these settings to suit their specific needs.
Key Features and Benefits
Customization: Users can configure their own custom settings for what they consider to be "best" links. This includes the ability to add a manual list of domains to exclude.
Persistent Settings: Site Explorer remembers your preferences after you modify and save your best links settings.
Visual Identification: "Best links" are marked with a badge in reports, making them easy to identify at a glance.
Comprehensive Impact: In Overview 2.0, the filter affects all backlink-related counts and historical charts, allowing users to filter out link noise from all widgets.
Applications and Use Cases
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Cleaner Data Analysis: By filtering out low-quality or spammy links, users can focus on the backlinks that are likely to have the most significant impact on their SEO efforts.
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Competitor Analysis: The filter can be applied when analyzing competitors' backlink profiles, helping to identify their most valuable links.
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Link Building Strategy: By understanding what constitutes a "best" link for your niche, you can tailor your link building efforts to target similar high-quality opportunities.
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Trend Analysis: The filter affects historical charts, allowing users to see trends in high-quality link acquisition over time.
Setting Up the "Best links" Filter
To make the "Best links" filter the default in all reports:
- Go to your Site Explorer settings
- Select "Show best links only"
- Save your preferences
Conclusion
The "Best links" filter in Ahrefs is a valuable tool for SEO professionals looking to cut through the noise in backlink data. By focusing on high-quality links, users can make more informed decisions about their link building strategies and competitor analysis. As with any SEO tool, it's important to use this feature in conjunction with other data points and your own expertise to get the most comprehensive understanding of your backlink profile.
