I’ve been saying this for a while. Don’t connect your GSC to Ahrefs. Now they have launched web analytics, and there’s an even bigger reason to avoid it.
The moment you start using their web analytics, Ahrefs gains direct access to your real traffic numbers. They won’t need to estimate anymore. They will know exactly how many visitors you get, where they come from, and how your site is doing.
Do you really want to give away this kind of data to a tool that also helps your competitors?
I connected to their analytics in December and honestly, I wish they actually used my data. I lost a lot of keywords in HCU, but my main traffic drivers stayed the same. Since Ahrefs relies on keyword data to estimate traffic, they think I only get 3,000 pageviews a month, but I actually get 234,000. I wouldn’t even consider paying them before connecting my GSC.
Houston said:
Has anyone confirmed that they use this data for their reports? I can’t see how people would be okay with that. I need proof.
The gaps in their dataset are still too big to notice. But if they improve the accuracy over time, it’s a sign they’re using real data to adjust their estimates.
@Jerome
Exactly. This isn’t just about privacy. They can use your real traffic data to help your competitors, making it even harder for you to compete.
Cohen said: @Jerome
I get your point. I just don’t think Google Search Console is any safer from this perspective. Maybe I’m wrong.
There’s a big difference. Google already has your site data, but they don’t resell it in a way that lets competitors see your exact numbers. Ahrefs does.
Google’s Keyword Planner gives general trends, but it’s vague and anonymized. Ahrefs makes its money by offering the most accurate data possible.
When you connect your GSC and web analytics to Ahrefs, you’re feeding them precise numbers that they can use to improve their estimates—then sell that data to your competitors.
Beck said: @Jerome
Unless Ahrefs starts using raw GSC data, I don’t see how this matters.
Ahrefs is built on collecting and selling competitive data. They already pull in multiple data sources to refine their estimates, and GSC/web analytics connections give them even better inputs.
They wouldn’t ignore such valuable data when their business depends on accuracy. Even if they claim to anonymize it, your data still helps improve their dataset, making their estimates more useful for your competitors.