How to export backlink reports for clients

Need to share backlink data with a client? Ahrefs allows you to quickly export detailed backlink reports so you can present link performance clearly and professionally. Follow these steps to generate and download a backlink report for client reporting.

1. Log in to Ahrefs and Open Site Explorer

Go to ahrefs.com and log in to your account.
Click on Site Explorer in the top navigation menu.
Enter your client’s domain (e.g., clientwebsite.com).
Select Domain mode and click Search.

2. Navigate to the Backlinks Report

In the left-hand sidebar, click on Backlinks under the Backlink profile section.
You’ll now see a list of all live backlinks pointing to the domain.

3. Apply Filters to Refine the Report

Before exporting, filter the data to make it relevant for the client:

Use the Link type filter (Dofollow/Nofollow).
Set a minimum Domain Rating (DR) to highlight high-quality links.
Filter by Platform (e.g., blogs, ecommerce, news).
Use the New/Lost filter to show recent link activity if needed.

Tip: Keep the report focused on what matters most to the client’s goals.

4. Customise Columns (Optional but Recommended)

Click on the Columns button.
Select the metrics you want included (e.g., DR, URL Rating, Anchor text, Traffic).
Remove unnecessary columns to keep the report clean and client-friendly.

5. Click Export

Click the Export button in the top-right corner.
Choose your preferred format (CSV or Excel).
Select export settings such as number of rows (e.g., first 1,000 rows or full export).
Click Start Export.

6. Download and Review the File

Once processed, download the file from the notification panel.
Open the file in Excel or Google Sheets.
Tidy formatting if needed before sending it to your client.

7. (Optional) Export Additional Backlink Reports

Depending on reporting needs, you may also export:

Referring domains report.
Anchors report.
New/Lost backlinks report.

What is Ahrefs

Ahrefs is a professional SEO toolset used to analyse websites, monitor backlinks, and improve search engine performance. It provides detailed insights into backlink profiles, keyword rankings, organic traffic, and competitor strategies. One of its core features is Site Explorer, which allows you to review any domain’s backlink data in depth. This includes individual backlinks, referring domains, anchor text, link type (dofollow or nofollow), and key authority metrics such as Domain Rating (DR) and URL Rating (UR). For agencies and consultants, Ahrefs is particularly valuable for client reporting. You can filter backlink data to highlight meaningful metrics and export reports in CSV or Excel format. This makes it easy to present clear, data-driven updates that demonstrate link growth, authority improvements, and overall SEO progress.

Benefits of using Ahrefs to export backlink reports for clients

Exporting backlink reports from Ahrefs helps you present clear SEO progress, demonstrate link-building results, and deliver professional, data-backed reports to clients.

1. Provide transparent, data-driven reporting

Clients want to see measurable results. Ahrefs allows you to export detailed backlink data, including referring domains, anchor text, and authority metrics. This transparency builds trust and makes it easier to explain link-building performance using real numbers rather than vague summaries.

2. Highlight link quality, not just quantity

With metrics like Domain Rating and traffic data, you can show the quality of backlinks acquired. This helps shift the focus from simply “how many links” to the overall authority and relevance of those links, reinforcing the value of your SEO work.

3. Customise reports to match client goals

Ahrefs lets you filter backlinks by type, platform, new or lost links, and more before exporting. This means you can tailor reports to specific campaign goals, whether that’s showcasing high-authority links, recent wins, or overall backlink growth.