Ever found yourself staring at your browser, wondering how to use SEOquake to elevate your site’s visibility? You’re not alone. I’ve been in that seat—scratching my head, trying to make sense of all those metrics and reports. Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about SEOquake, from installing the extension to performing a comprehensive SEO audit, and even using it for YouTube. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to harnessing SEOquake’s power and solving real-life SEO pain points. Let’s dive in!
1. What Is SEOquake and How to Use It?
At its core, SEOquake is a free browser extension that delivers instant SEO metrics for any webpage you visit. Developed by SEMrush, SEOquake lives in your browser toolbar (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera) and displays crucial information—like Google index status, Alexa rank, backlinks count, and on-page SEO details—at a glance. But SEOquake is more than just numbers; it’s a problem-solving tool. Think of it as having a mini SEO consultant right in your browser.
Why I Love It: When I started my SEO journey, I struggled with hopping between tools. SEOquake condensed a lot of that data into one place.
How It Works: Once installed, simply click the SEOquake icon while on any page, and you get a dashboard full of metrics. You can also enable the SERP overlay to see metrics right on Google search results.
Paid tools e.g. SEMrush 7-day trial promise solutions, their costs often deter small businesses and creators.
Key Takeaway: SEOquake is your gateway to quick technical insights and on-page data—no switching between multiple platforms.
2. How to Install SEOquake: Chrome, Edge, and Mobile
Before we dive into usage, let’s cover the basics: installing the SEOquake extension on various platforms.
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2.1 SEOquake – Chrome Web Store
Open Chrome and head to the Chrome Web Store.
Search for “SEOquake” or navigate directly to the SEOquake page:
Chrome Web Store > SEOquake by SEMrush
Click “Add to Chrome”.
Confirm by clicking “Add extension”.
Once installed, you’ll see the SEOquake icon (a small ⚙️) in your toolbar.
Pro Tip: Right-click the icon → “Pin” to keep it visible at all times.
2.2 SEOquake Extension for Edge
Microsoft Edge has moved to Chromium, so you can install Chrome extensions directly. Here’s how:
Open Edge, and click the three dots (⋯) in the top-right corner.
Go to “Extensions”.
Toggle “Allow extensions from other stores”, then click “Allow”.
Visit the SEOquake page on Chrome Web Store.
Click “Add to Chrome” (it still says “Chrome,” but it will work on Edge).
Confirm by clicking “Add Extension”.
Note: Some users report being unable to install SEOquake extension for all new Chromium Edge versions. If you run into this, see the troubleshooting section below.
2.3 SEOquake Extension for Mobile
SEOquake is primarily designed for desktop browsers. Officially, there’s no standalone SEOquake mobile app or extension for iOS/Android mobile browsers like Safari or Chrome on phones. However:
Workaround: Use desktop mode in your mobile browser to access the desktop version of a site and view on-page source/HTML (though you won’t get the toolbar metrics).
Alternative: Consider using third-party SEO apps on mobile (e.g., SEMrush’s mobile app or Ahrefs’ app) if you need mobile-specific analysis.
Bottom Line: If mobile SEO auditing is critical for you, pair SEOquake on desktop with a dedicated mobile SEO app.
2.4 Troubleshooting: Unable to Install SEOquake on New Chromium Edge
If you’re stuck trying to add SEOquake to Edge, try these steps:
Update Edge: Make sure you’re on the latest version. Go to Edge menu (⋯) > Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
Enable “Allow extensions from other stores” (as shown above).
Clear Cache/Cookies: Sometimes old data prevents installations.
Try Incognito Mode: Open an incognito window, enable extensions, and attempt installation.
Check Security Settings: Some enterprise or school versions of Edge restrict third-party extensions. You may need to contact your administrator.
If none of these work, you can switch temporarily to Chrome or Firefox, since SEOquake is freely available there without any extra steps.
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3. Is SEOquake Free? Exploring the Pricing and Value
One of my favorite questions when someone asks “Is SEOquake free?” is: “What’s the catch?” Spoiler: there really isn’t one.
Free Forever: SEOquake is a completely free extension by SEMrush. You don’t need a paid SEMrush account to use it.
Optional SEMrush Integration: If you do have a SEMrush subscription, you can link it to SEOquake for additional data (e.g., deeper keyword analytics, full backlink data). But for everyday SEO tasks—on-page audits, basic backlink checks, SERP overlay—SEOquake’s free features are more than sufficient.
Why This Matters: As a small business owner or beginner blogger, you might not have the budget for premium SEO tools. SEOquake gives you a powerful set of metrics at zero cost, making it easy to start learning and solving SEO problems without financial barriers.
4. SEOquake Usage: Navigating the User Interface
Once SEOquake is installed, you’ll find it in your browser toolbar. Let’s explore the main components:
4.1 Toolbar Metrics
Click the SEOquake icon on any page, and you’ll see a dropdown with these key metrics:
Page Rank Metrics
Google Index: Shows how many pages of the site are indexed by Google.
Alexa Rank: Gives you an idea of the site’s global popularity (lower number = more popular).
Domain Age: When the domain was registered (older domains often carry more authority).
On-Page Metrics
Meta Tags: Title length, description length, keywords presence.
H1 and H2 Count: Number of main heading tags.
Number of Images: And whether they have alt text.
Internal/External Links: Counts of both.
Traffic and Backlinks
Backlinks: Number of backlinks according to SEMrush database.
Traffic Estimate: SEMrush’s estimate of monthly visitors (note: this may vary from Google Analytics data).
Social Metrics
Counts of Facebook likes, Google+ shares, and Twitter tweets (if available).
Note: Social metrics can be limited these days, but they provide a quick pulse on social engagement.
Mobile Compatibility Check
Indicates whether the page is mobile-friendly (Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test).
Tip: Hover over any metric to see additional details or click for deeper insights. You can customize which metrics appear by going to SEOquake Settings > Toolbar.
4.2 SEOquake Toolbar vs. SERP Overlay
4.2.1 SEOquake Toolbar
Where You Find It: Clicking the icon on any page brings up the toolbar.
Purpose: Use it for immediate on-page audits and quick checks while browsing.
4.2.2 SERP Overlay
What It Does: When enabled, SEOquake adds a small dropdown to each search result in Google. You get an instant look at metrics—like domain age, Alexa rank, backlinks, and on-page SEO score—without leaving the search page.
How to Enable:
Click the SEOquake icon → “SERP Overlay” → toggle “Enable”.
Perform a Google search. You’ll see metrics next to each result.
Why It’s Useful:
Compare Competitors: Instantly gauge which domains have stronger SEO factors.
Save Time: No need to click every result to check metrics.
Prioritize: Identify which SERP positions are winnable vs. which ones have high-authority sites.
My Experience: When I’m doing keyword research, the SERP overlay helps me spot low-hanging fruit—keywords where the top-ranking domains have weaker metrics.
4.3 Page Diagnosis and SEO Audit
Under the “Diagnosis” tab in the SEOquake toolbar, you get a systematic breakdown of a page’s SEO health. Here’s how to interpret it:
Meta Information
Title Tag: Is it too long (>70 characters) or missing?
Meta Description: Is it concise (under 160 characters)?
Meta Keywords: Even though keywords meta tag isn’t crucial nowadays, SEOquake still checks if it’s present or missing.
Heading Structure
H1, H2, H3 Tags: Highlights if you have multiple H1s (not recommended) or missing H tags, which can confuse search engines.
Content Quality
Text/HTML Ratio: Shows the percentage of visible text vs. HTML code. A low text ratio (e.g., 5%) may indicate thin content.
Word Count: Helps gauge if the page is too short (thin content) or unnecessarily long.
Link Analysis
Internal Links: Are you linking to other pages on your site effectively?
External Links: Do you have outbound links to authoritative sources?
Nofollow Links: Detects if there are nofollow attributes present.
Image Optimization
Alt Attributes: Checks if images have alt tags. Missing alt tags are a missed SEO + accessibility opportunity.
Technical Factors
Robots.txt: Detects if a robots.txt file is blocking access.
Sitemap.xml: Determines if a sitemap exists.
Canonical Tags: Checks for proper canonicalization to avoid duplicate content issues.
Redirects: Identifies any redirects that may slow down crawling.
How I Use It: For every new blog post, I run a quick SEOquake diagnosis to ensure my basic on-page SEO is solid. It’s like having a pre-flight checklist before publishing.
4.4 Exporting Reports
One of SEOquake’s standout features is the ability to export SEO audit reports as a CSV. Here’s the process:
Click SEOquake icon → “Diagnosis”.
Scroll down to the bottom of the diagnosis overview.
Click “Export CSV”.
Choose where to save the file.
Why You Need This:
Team Collaboration: Share detailed audits with clients or team members.
Tracking Progress: Compare audits over time to see improvements or new issues.
Bulk Analysis: Run audits on multiple URLs (via batch mode) and export them in one go.
Pro Tip: If you’re working on an SEO campaign with multiple landing pages, use the batch analysis to audit all pages, then export a comprehensive CSV for a macro view of your site’s health.
5. Complete Guide to SEOquake and How to Use It for SEO
Now that you know the basics of installation and navigation, let’s get deeper into using SEOquake effectively for a full-blown SEO strategy. I’ll break it down into actionable steps.
5.1 Analyzing On-Page SEO Factors
Whether you’re a blogger, e-commerce site, or business website, on-page SEO is your foundation. SEOquake helps you spot issues fast:
Title Tags & Meta Descriptions
Check Length: SEOquake flags if your title >70 characters or meta description >160 characters.
Keyword Presence: Ensure your target keyword (“how to use seoquake”) appears naturally.
Header Tags (H1, H2, H3)
Single H1: Only one H1 per page is ideal—SEOquake highlights if you have more.
Subheaders: Make sure H2/H3 tags include secondary keywords or related terms (e.g., “SEOquake toolbar,” “SEO audit with SEOquake”).
Image Alt Text
Missing Alt Tags: SEOquake lists images without alt attributes, so you can optimize them for both SEO and accessibility.
Internal and External Links
Balance: Aim for a healthy mix—SEOquake shows the count of each.
Broken Links: Identifies 404 errors or redirects that could harm user experience.
Word Count & Keyword Density
Minimum Word Count: For a 2000+ word guide, make sure you’re covering all aspects. SEOquake shows total word count.
Natural Density: While SEOquake can show approximate density, don’t overstuff. Aim for 1–2% of your primary keyword, with emphasis on natural usage.
Real-World Example: I once audited a travel blog post and realized the H1 title was missing the primary keyword. Fixing it (and adjusting subheaders) helped that post jump from page 3 to page 1 in just two weeks.
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5.2 Performing an SEO Audit with SEOquake
A thorough SEO audit with SEOquake helps you identify and prioritize fixes. Here’s a step-by-step:
Run Page Diagnosis (as shown in Section 4.3).
Export the CSV for detailed insights.
Analyze Technical Issues First:
Robots.txt & Sitemap: Make sure search bots can crawl your site.
Canonical Tags: Fix duplicates.
Redirect Chains: Minimize unnecessary redirects.
On-Page Content Checks:
Meta tags, headings, broken images, and link counts.
Content quality: Ensure you have at least 300–500 words for blog posts, 1000+ for cornerstone pages.
Backlink & Social Signal Check:
Under the “Links” tab in SEOquake, review the number of backlinks.
Use SEMrush integration (if available) to see top linking domains.
Check social metrics to gauge engagement.
Competitor Comparison:
Use the “Compare Domains” feature (accessible via the SEOquake icon → “Compare Domains”).
Enter your domain and 2–3 competitors. Compare metrics side by side—domain age, backlinks, traffic estimate.
Note: A comprehensive audit uncovers “hidden” issues—like missing alt tags or multiple H1s—that you may overlook. SEOquake brings them to light instantly.
5.3 Checking Backlinks and Social Signals
Backlinks and social signals still matter. Here’s how SEOquake helps:
Backlinks Count: Under the “Links” tab, you see the total number of backlinks (from SEMrush’s database).
Top Referring Domains: Click to view the top domains linking to your page or any competitor page.
Social Metrics: Though limited, SEOquake pulls data like Facebook shares, Twitter tweets, etc.
My Tip: Export your backlink CSV and sort by domain authority (use another tool if needed). Prioritize building relationships with high-domain authority sites for guest posts or collaborations.
5.4 GeoMetrics and Mobile Testing
SEOquake also offers GeoMetrics—metrics broken down by country. This is crucial if you’re targeting international audiences:
Geo Metrics:
In the toolbar, click “Geo Metrics”.
You’ll see domain index, backlinks, and traffic estimates for different countries.
Use this data to tailor content for specific regions (e.g., if 60% of traffic is from India, adjust keyword research accordingly).
Mobile Compatibility Check:
SEOquake flags whether the page is mobile-friendly.
If it’s not, you can immediately send it to your development team. Mobile usability errors can tank your rankings on mobile search.
Real Example: A client targeting European markets realized via GeoMetrics that most backlinks and traffic came from Germany. We then translated core pages into German and saw a 30% boost in local traffic within a month.
6. What Is SEOquake Used For? Real-World Use Cases
SEOquake isn’t just for geeks—it solves actual pain points for various users, from small business owners to digital marketers. Let’s explore some scenarios:
6.1 Competitor Analysis
Situation: You’re launching a new blog post on “How to Use SEOquake.” You want to see how existing top-ranking posts stack up.
Solution with SEOquake:
Search Google for “how to use seoquake”.
Enable the SERP overlay.
Instantly see metrics (domain age, backlinks, social signals) for each top result (e.g., SEMrush’s official guide, Backlinko’s usage post).
Identify which pages have weaker on-page SEO or fewer backlinks—those are opportunities to outrank them by creating a more comprehensive resource.
Outcome: By comparing metadata lengths, backlink counts, and domain authority, you can craft a strategy (e.g., write a 2000+ word guide, build 10 high-authority backlinks, optimize meta tags) that positions you ahead of weaker competitors.
6.2 Keyword Research and SERP Comparison
Situation: You want to target related keywords like “SEOquake extension download,” “SEOquake Chrome ext,” and “SEOquake extension for Edge.”
Solution with SEOquake:
Use SEOquake’s Keyword Density tool on competitor pages to see how they naturally incorporate these phrases.
Check SERP overlay to note which domains are ranking for these keywords and what meta descriptions they use.
Adjust your content to include variations (without keyword stuffing):
Title: How to Use SEOquake: Download, Install & Master the Chrome Extension
H2s:
How to Download SEOquake Chrome Extension
Installing SEOquake on Edge and Firefox
SEOquake Mobile Alternative
Tip: Sprinkle keyword variations in headings, meta description, and within the first 100 words of your content. This signals relevance to search engines.
6.3 YouTube SEO: How to Use SEOquake for YouTube
You might be surprised to learn that SEOquake can help with YouTube SEO too. Here’s how:
Keyword Research for Video Titles and Descriptions
Use SEOquake’s SERP overlay on Google to find how YouTube videos rank for certain queries (e.g., “seoquake tutorial”).
Note the video titles and descriptions that perform well.
Use those insights to craft your own video title (e.g., “How to Use SEOquake for YouTube: Boost Your Channel’s Visibility”).
Backlink Opportunities
If a YouTube video ranks high for a tutorial, check the page linking to it with SEOquake.
Find blogs or websites that embed that video.
Pitch your video as an updated or more comprehensive alternative to webmasters, asking them to embed yours instead (or in addition).
On-Page Signals on Video Pages
Visit your own YouTube channel’s “About” page or individual video pages and run SEOquake (via desktop mode).
You can’t see YouTube’s meta tags, but you can check if your channel description is well-optimized—though limited.
For deeper video SEO, pair SEOquake with tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ.
Remember: YouTube is the second largest search engine. If you optimize your video’s title, description, and tags using insights from SEOquake’s SERP overlay, you stand a better chance of getting eyeballs and subscribers.
7. How to Use SEO Tools Alongside SEOquake
While SEOquake is powerful on its own, pairing it with other tools gives you a holistic SEO strategy.
7.1 Integrating with Google Analytics and Search Console
Why It Matters: SEOquake gives you external estimates (SEMrush data). Your Google Analytics (GA) and Search Console (GSC) provide real user and search data.
Workflow:
Keyword Selection: Use SEOquake to find keyword difficulty (via SERP overlay).
Content Creation: Optimize on-page with SEOquake’s diagnosis.
Publish: Monitor actual organic traffic and clicks in GSC.
Behavior Analysis: Use GA to see bounce rate, time on page, conversion rate.
Example: I once found a keyword with moderate difficulty via SEOquake (low-authority domains on page 1). I optimized my content, and within 30 days, GSC showed my post climbing from position 25 to position 5. GA confirmed a 40% increase in organic traffic and 20% lower bounce rate.
7.2 Pairing with Other Free Extensions
MozBar: Offers domain authority and page authority metrics. Combine with SEOquake’s on-page data for a fuller picture.
Keywords Everywhere (Free Version): Shows approximate search volume and CPC in your browser.
Wappalyzer: Identifies technologies used on competitor sites (e.g., WordPress, Shopify). Useful to understand tech stack and potential performance issues.
Strategy: Use SEOquake for SEO fundamentals (on-page, backlinks, SERP overlay), MozBar for authority scores, and Keywords Everywhere for keyword volume. This trio gives you a 360° view—all for free.
8. Alternatives to SEOquake: Pros and Cons
While I’m a big fan of SEOquake, it’s good to know your options. Here are a few notable alternatives:
8.1 MozBar
Pros:
Shows Domain Authority (DA) and Page Authority (PA).
On-page element highlights (e.g., title tags, meta descriptions).
Link metrics filtered by followed vs. nofollowed.
Cons:
Requires a free Moz account for basic metrics; full features need a paid subscription.
Less granular in on-page diagnosis compared to SEOquake.
When to Use: If you care deeply about DA/PA for link-building outreach or want Moz’s proprietary metrics, pair MozBar with SEOquake.
8.2 Ahrefs SEO Toolbar
Pros:
Provides Ahrefs Rank, Backlink profiles, and Organic Keywords.
SERP overlay shows Keyword Difficulty (KD) and traffic.
Cons:
Requires an Ahrefs subscription to access more than basic data.
Heavy on resource usage—can slow down older computers.
When to Use: If you already pay for Ahrefs, their toolbar can complement SEOquake by giving you more precise backlink profiles and keyword difficulty scores.
8.3 Ubersuggest Chrome Extension
Pros:
Free version shows search volume, CPC, and paid difficulty right in SERPs.
Offers on-page SEO score, backlinks count, and domain score.
Cons:
Data comes from Neil Patel’s database—sometimes lags behind real-time.
Less comprehensive on-page diagnosis; focuses more on keyword data.
When to Use: Great for quick keyword metrics and traffic estimates, especially if you don’t have access to SEMrush or Ahrefs. Combine with SEOquake’s on-page audit for a fuller toolkit.
8.4 NinjaSEO
Pros:
Compact extension that shows meta tags, schema, Open Graph data, and mobile speed.
Lightweight and fast.
Cons:
Doesn’t provide backlink data or social metrics.
No SERP overlay.
When to Use: If you only need a quick check of meta tags and technical schema, and you already use SEOquake for broader metrics.
9. Wrapping Up: Mastering SEOquake and Beyond
By now, you’ve learned how to use SEOquake from installation to deep-dive audits, and even discovered how it can sharpen your YouTube SEO game. Here’s a quick recap:
What SEOquake Is: A free, powerful browser extension by SEMrush that gives on-page SEO insights, backlink data, and SERP overlays.
How to Install It: Available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge (with Chrome Store enabled), and Opera. Mobile support is limited—use desktop mode or third-party apps for mobile SEO.
Key Features:
Toolbar Metrics (page rank, on-page elements, backlinks, social signals).
SERP Overlay (see metrics directly in Google search results).
Diagnosis Tab (full on-page SEO audit, with CSV export).
GeoMetrics & Mobile Check (regional insights and mobile-friendliness).
Use Cases:
Competitor Analysis: Instantly compare your site’s metrics to top-ranking pages.
Keyword Research: Evaluate SERP difficulty and refine content strategy.
SEO Audit: Identify technical and on-page issues with a few clicks.
YouTube SEO: Leverage SERP data for crafting video titles and descriptions.
Alternatives: MozBar, Ahrefs SEO Toolbar, Ubersuggest, NinjaSEO—each with unique strengths.
Final Advice: SEOquake is the “Swiss Army knife” of free SEO tools. It’s perfect for beginners, bloggers, small business owners, and even seasoned SEOs who need quick insights. But remember, it’s just one piece of your SEO toolkit. Pair it with Google Analytics, Search Console, and maybe one or two other free extensions to cover all bases—technical SEO, keyword research, link building, and user experience.
Action Steps:
Install SEOquake on your preferred browser.
Run an immediate audit on your homepage and a few top blog posts.
Compare your site against your top three competitors with the SERP overlay.
Identify three quick fixes (e.g., missing alt tags, meta descriptions too long, slow mobile speed).
Track your progress: After implementing fixes, re-run SEOquake in two weeks and measure improvements (e.g., better word count, new backlinks, higher organic traffic in GSC).
If you follow these steps and keep an eye on emerging SEO trends—like E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and Core Web Vitals—you’ll be well on your way to outranking existing posts on “how to use SEOquake.” Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay consistent, iterate based on data, and keep learning. Good luck, and happy optimizing!
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