# SEO Data Source

First, you need to know that, SEO Utils is just a desktop application that provides you with a set of SEO tools including Backlinks Analytics and traffic Analytics. SEO Utils doesn't have a backlinks or keyword database.

The main database is from DataForSEO.

## What is DataForSEO

[DatForSEO](https://dataforseo.com/?aff=134458) is a solution that provides comprehensive SEO and digital marketing data via API. Currently, DataForSEO database has over 9 billion keywords (Google + Bing) and over 2.81 trillion backlinks

<figure><img src="https://1176579443-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2DwV6sJBiKjUHMDggb4d%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-493b98d5aa53d1efa3643cc5cb46ab55dc607608%2FXnapper-2023-11-18-13.49.50.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>Source: <a href="https://dataforseo.com/our-data/?aff=134458">https://dataforseo.com/our-data</a></p></figcaption></figure>

Ahrefs boasts the most extensive backlink database in the market, while SEMrush leads with the largest collection of keywords. DataForSEO stands out for its highly competitive pricing, complemented by a database that is equally formidable.

You **don't need a subscription**. With DataForSEO, you pay only for the individual services you consume. The **pay-as-you-go** pricing model is designed to help you minimize costs, increase resource efficiency, and build operational resilience.

If you're seeking a budget-friendly alternative to Ahrefs or SEMrush, this option is ideal. Even for those already using Ahrefs or SEMrush, adding an additional data source can significantly enhance your SEO insights. A rich keyword database helps in identifying trending topics, enabling you to create content that better resonates with your audience and aligns with their interests.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Read more:** [Backlink APIs: An In-Depth Comparison of DataForSEO, Ahrefs, and Semrush](https://dataforseo.com/blog/backlink-api-comparison-dataforseo-ahrefs-semrush/?aff=134458)
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### What Are the Roles of SEO Utils?

You might wonder why you need SEO Utils when you can directly access data from DataForSEO. The key difference is that DataForSEO only offers data through an API, without the user-friendly interface (UI) you see in tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. So, if you don't have coding skills or are not familiar with using APIs, SEO Utils steps in to fill this gap.

Understanding the importance of data presentation, SEO Utils provides a smart and clean UI to help you interact with the data effectively.

<figure><img src="https://1176579443-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2DwV6sJBiKjUHMDggb4d%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-6cd80149e1fccb2585a03fdb01230425ffe98fc4%2FCleanShot%202023-11-18%20at%2014.37.24%402x.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption><p>SEO Utils</p></figcaption></figure>

Also, SEO Utils adds a cache layer to help you save costs when pulling data from DataForSEO.

For example, when you check a website's backlinks, SEO Utils saves the first page's data in the cache. If you go to the second page and then come back to the first, it uses the saved data instead of making another API request. This way, you don't end up pulling the same data twice for the same page or filters, saving both time and resources.

Besides Backlinks and Traffic Analytics, SEO Utils offers more handy tools. This includes [Keyword Clustering](https://help.seoutils.app/guide/semantic-keyword-clustering) for grouping a million keywords, a Sitemap Extractor to easily understand website structure, and an AI Content Writer to help you create great content quickly and easily.

### How to Connect Your DataForSEO Account to SEO Utils?

1. First, you need to register a DataForSEO account at: [https://app.dataforseo.com/register](https://app.dataforseo.com/register/?aff=134458)

{% hint style="success" %}
If you don't have a **business email**, please use this form for registration [https://dataforseo.com/registration-request](https://dataforseo.com/registration-request/?aff=134458)
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2. Visit <https://app.dataforseo.com/api-access> to grab your API login & API password

<figure><img src="https://1176579443-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2DwV6sJBiKjUHMDggb4d%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-bf73f152c9e9f08c72911e1948dd28b6100cba1d%2FXnapper-2023-11-18-14.31.30.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
API login and API password are **NOT** the username and password you use to log in to the DataForSEO dashboard.
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3. Open SEO Utils on your computer, and click on the App dropdown in the top-left of the app.

<figure><img src="https://1176579443-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2DwV6sJBiKjUHMDggb4d%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-95dadf2d06463d59075fcc2c5723e462bcb1d1b5%2FXnapper-2023-11-18-14.33.14.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Scroll down to the DatForSEO section, and enter your login + password.

<figure><img src="https://1176579443-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F2DwV6sJBiKjUHMDggb4d%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4640b62ac7e670170b908692382fdc1f5640ff3e%2FXnapper-2023-11-18-14.34.19.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Start using SEO Utils to pull backlinks, traffic, and keyword data.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Your API credentials will be saved locally, nothing leaves your computer.**
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