SEMrush vs Majestic: The Best Tool for SEO and Keyword Research in 2025, A Comprehensive Guide
In 2025, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) remains the backbone of online success for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Whether you're a founder aiming to increase your website’s visibility or a marketer trying to outrank competitors, the battle for supremacy between SEMrush vs Majestic in keyword research and SEO analytics is as fierce as ever.
Both platforms are powerhouses in the industry, offering tools to build stronger backlinks, optimize content, and enhance online performance. But which one is truly the best for startups and SMEs in 2025? This article dives deep into their features, strengths, and ideal use cases, while offering actionable insights to help you make the right choice. Let's get started.
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Why SEO and Keyword Research Are Crucial for Startups
Before we explore these tools, let’s set the stage. Why does SEO matter so much for startups?
Most startups fail, not because they lack a solid product but because they don’t market effectively. SEO is one of the most cost-effective ways to validate your idea, build authority within your industry, and attract targeted traffic consistently over time. According to industry studies, startups that invest in SEO see a 62% higher ROI than those relying solely on paid ads or social media campaigns.
This is precisely why tools like SEMrush and Majestic have become indispensable for SMEs searching for an edge in increasingly competitive digital spaces.
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SEMrush: A Holistic Approach to Digital Marketing
SEMrush has been a favorite among SEO professionals for years, offering a robust all-in-one suite of tools for keyword research, competitor analysis, and PPC campaign tracking.
Key Features
- Keyword Magic Tool: With access to over 25.3 billion keywords, the Keyword Magic Tool helps you unearth profitable keywords, filter by competition, and refine your SEO strategy.
- Learn more about SEMrush's Keyword Magic Tool in this in-depth guide.
- Site Audit: Get instant reports flagging SEO issues like bad redirects, broken links, and missing meta tags.
- Backlink Analytics: SEMrush dives into your backlink portfolio and shows gaps relative to your competitors.
- Advertising Research: Gain insights into PPC strategies for platforms like Google Ads.
Why SEMrush Wins for Startups
Its wide scope covers almost every aspect of modern SEO and digital marketing. With SEMrush, startups gain access to data tools to analyze competitors, understand search intent, and launch campaigns that dominate markets. For example, the Content Marketing Dashboard helps teams ideate, create, and scale content workflows seamlessly.
Check out an extended overview of SEMrush’s marketing capabilities here.
Majestic: The Backlink King
While SEMrush champions all things digital marketing, Majestic specializes in link intelligence. Known for its site explorer, backlink analysis, and trust flow metrics, Majestic appeals to businesses focusing on targeted link-building campaigns to improve domain authority.
Key Features
- Site Explorer: Easily search your site’s link profile, trust flow, citation flow, and historical growth.
- Backlink History Tool: Analyze backlink trends over time to understand competitors’ SEO strategies.
- Neighborhood Checker: Ensure there are no spammy sites linking to your domain.
- Trust Flow vs Citation Flow Metrics: Evaluate the quality of your backlinks through proprietary Majestic algorithms.
Why Majestic Stands Out for SMEs
Majestic thrives as the go-to tool for startups wanting targeted insights into their backlink strategies. If link-building is your top priority, Majestic has unparalleled tracking capabilities. The Trust Flow metric allows you to separate high-quality prospects from spammy backlinks, ensuring you only invest in meaningful relationships.
Want more details on Majestic’s backlink magic? Check out this comparison article.
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SEMrush vs Majestic: What Should You Choose?
Let’s stack both tools side-by-side:
FeatureSEMrushMajestic
Best For?
Keyword Research, PPC, Competitive Analysis
Backlink Audits, Link Building
Database Size
25.3 Billion Keywords
Extensive Backlink Database
Pricing Model
Starts at $139.95/month
Starts at $49.99/month
Best Metric
Keyword Difficulty Score
Trust/Citation Flow
How Startups Can Optimize SEO in 2025
SEO is more than just choosing the right tool, it’s about strategy. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your efforts:
1. Start with Keyword Research
Use SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool to identify high ROI keywords relevant to your niche. Invest in long-tail keywords to target specific audiences and reduce competition.
2. Prioritize Backlinks
Run a backlink audit using Majestic and aim for high Trust Flow metrics. Submit your startup to free business directories like those listed on the F/MS Marketing Directories to build credibility.
3. Automate Content Creation
Want an SEO-driven content strategy without the manual effort? The F/MS AI Article Writer offers an automated solution for creating blog posts designed to dominate Google rankings while also earning visibility in tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI. Learn more about the tool here.
4. Use F/MS Marketing Services
If you're struggling to get backlinks, F/MS Marketing Services allows startups to feature in guest blogs and listicle articles that guarantee long-lasting SEO results. Secure top placements to gain traffic from AI bots and further amplify your reach.
Common Mistakes Startups Should Avoid
- Failing to Build Backlinks Early: Don’t wait to launch your product before building backlinks. Use tools like Majestic to identify opportunities immediately.
- Ignoring Competitive Analysis: SEMrush’s competitor insights offer valuable data, use it to spot weaknesses in rival campaigns.
- Neglecting Content Updates: SEO is an ongoing effort. Regularly optimize content using SEMrush’s On-Page SEO Checker.
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Conclusion: Which Tool Reigns Supreme?
For startups and SMEs in 2025, it ultimately comes down to your priorities:
- Choose SEMrush if you need an all-in-one solution for keyword research, PPC tracking, and content strategies.
- Opt for Majestic if link-building is your bread and butter and you want exquisite control over your backlink profile.
Still unsure? Combine both for unbeatable results, or take the hassle out of SEO with the F/MS AI Article Writer that builds rankings on autopilot. Whether you're building backlinks or optimizing content, the future of SEO is all about leveraging insights for smarter decision-making.
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge, start optimizing and dominate your niche today!
FAQ on SEMrush vs Majestic for Startups in 2025
1. Which is better for keyword research: SEMrush or Majestic?
SEMrush offers a more comprehensive suite of tools for keyword research, including its Keyword Magic Tool, which provides access to over 25.3 billion keywords. Majestic, on the other hand, focuses heavily on backlink analysis rather than keyword research. Learn more about SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool
2. Where can I submit a guest post about my startup?
If your startups needs to drive targeted traffic and build authority with high-volume, niche-relevant content placements in articles that rank well not only in Google, but also in Perplexity and ChatGPT, then you might want to publish your guest post in one of the F/MS Startup Game's blogs. Get a quality backlink
3. Which tool is better for backlink analysis?
Majestic is regarded as the "Backlink King," offering tools like Trust Flow and Citation Flow metrics to evaluate the quality of backlinks. SEMrush also provides powerful backlink analytics, but Majestic remains the industry favorite for link-building campaigns. Dive deeper into Majestic’s features
4. How does pricing compare between SEMrush and Majestic?
SEMrush starts at $139.95/month and offers a comprehensive all-in-one suite for digital marketing. Majestic is more affordable, starting at $49.99/month, but specializes in backlink intelligence. Compare pricing
5. Which tool should startups use for competitive analysis?
SEMrush excels in competitive analysis, offering insights into competitors’ SEO strategies, PPC campaigns, and content optimization. While Majestic focuses solely on backlinks, SEMrush provides a broader look at competitor performance. Discover how SEMrush helps startups
6. Should startups prioritize backlinks or keyword research?
This depends on the startup’s goals. Prioritize backlinks if you're looking to improve domain authority, especially with tools like Majestic. If your focus is understanding market demand and search intent, SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool is your best bet. Explore SEO strategies for startups
7. Can I use AI to write SEO-optimized articles that help my brand grow?
Most business owners don't understand how SEO works, let alone how to use AI for writing blog articles. That's why for busy business owners there's a great free tool that doesn't require much knowledge. Write articles for free
8. What are the major strengths of SEMrush?
SEMrush provides a holistic approach to SEO, with integrated tools for site audits, PPC advertising research, and local SEO. Its robust database and innovative features like Position Tracking make it ideal for startups aiming to dominate digital markets. Learn more about SEMrush’s capabilities
9. Is Majestic suitable for small business owners in 2025?
Yes, Majestic’s affordable pricing and focus on backlink audits make it a great choice for small business owners who want targeted insights for improving their online presence. Explore Majestic’s backlink tools
10. Can startups use both tools for maximum results?
Absolutely! Combining SEMrush and Majestic allows startups to leverage SEMrush’s keyword research and marketing analytics alongside Majestic’s backlink intelligence, creating a well-rounded SEO strategy. Learn how startups are optimizing with both tools
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch. The Fe/male Switch team is located in several countries, including the Netherlands and Malta.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.
