How to Use Moz: Complete Feature Guide (2026)

by Fahim Joharder | Last updated Jun 29, 2026

Quick Start

This guide covers every Moz feature:

Getting Started — Create your account and learn how search engines work
How to Use SERP Analysis — See who ranks and why on every results page
How to Use Free Research Tool — Run quick keyword research without a paid plan
How to Use Keyword Explorer — Find ranking keywords with volume and difficulty scores
How to Use On-Page Grader — Grade any page and fix on-page SEO issues
How to Use Domain Authority Checker — Check Domain Authority and Page Authority instantly
How to Use Extension & Toolbar — See SEO metrics on any page with MozBar
How to Use Custom Data Solutions — Pull raw SEO data through custom feeds and APIs
How to Use Backlink Checker — Audit backlinks and linking domains with Link Explorer
How to Use Local Citation Checker — Manage local listings and your AI search footprint

Time needed: 5 minutes per feature

Also in this guide: Pro Tips | Common Mistakes | Troubleshooting | Pricing | Alternatives

Why Trust This Guide

I have used Moz for over three years and tested every feature covered here.

This tutorial comes from real hands-on work, not marketing fluff or vendor screenshots.

Moz is one of the most trusted SEO tools available today.

But most users only scratch the surface of what Moz tools can do.

This article shows you how to use every major feature, step by step, with screenshots and pro tips.

Moz Tutorial

This complete How to Use Moz tutorial walks you through every feature, from setup to advanced tips that turn you into a power user.

Moz

Moz is an all-in-one SEO platform that grows your organic traffic. Track rankings, run keyword research, and audit technical SEO from one dashboard. Start your free trial today.

TRY MOZ NOW →

READ FULL REVIEW →

MOZ ALTERNATIVES →

Getting Started with Moz

Before using any feature, complete this one-time setup.

It takes about three minutes.

Watch this quick overview first:

Moz Review | Is It the Right SEO Tool for You? (2026)

Now let us walk through each step.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Go to the Moz website and click “Start My Free Trial.”

Enter your email and create a password.

✓ Checkpoint: Check your inbox for a confirmation email.

Step 2: Open Your Dashboard

Here is what the dashboard looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the main dashboard with your tools.

Step 3: Add Your First Campaign

Add your website and the keywords you want to track rankings for.

Moz allows users to create and manage keyword lists easily from here.

✅ Done: You are ready to use any feature below.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz SERP Analysis

SERP Analysis lets you study the top results for any query and spot ranking patterns.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open SERP Analysis

Enter a target query in the Keyword Explorer search bar.

Step 2: Review the results

Scan the top results, link metrics, and search intent signals.

Note the Domain Authority and Page Authority of each ranking page.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the full SERP with metrics for each result.

Step 3: Find your angle

Spot gaps where weaker pages rank so you can outrank them.

✅ Result: You know what it takes to win search rankings for that query.

💡 Pro Tip: Sort by Page Authority to surface actionable competitive intel fast.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz Free Research Tool

Free Research Tool lets you test keyword ideas and search volume before you commit to a plan.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Open the free tool

Visit the Moz keyword research page and enter a seed term.

Step 2: Read the data

Check search volume, difficulty, and keyword suggestions for the term.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see free metrics for your seed keyword.

Step 3: Save your picks

Copy the right keywords into a list for later use.

✅ Result: You have a starter set of ranking keywords at no cost.

💡 Pro Tip: Free queries are capped monthly, so research in focused batches.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz Keyword Explorer

Keyword Explorer lets you discover the right keywords with search volume, difficulty, and intent.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enter a keyword

Type a term to see search volume and Keyword Difficulty.

Step 2: Add suggestions

Browse keyword suggestions to broaden your keyword range quickly.

Long-tail keywords are specific phrases with lower difficulty and higher search intent.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see volume, difficulty, and organic CTR for each keyword.

Step 3: Build a list

Create and manage keyword lists, then sort by Priority score.

✅ Result: You have a prioritized list of keywords ready for your strategy.

💡 Pro Tip: Priority score blends volume, difficulty, and organic CTR to set usage order.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz On-Page Grader

On-Page Grader lets you score a page against a target keyword and fix technical errors.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enter a URL

Add the page URL and the keyword you want to rank for.

Step 2: Read the grade

Review the score and the list of on-page recommendations.

Checks cover titles, headings, HTML tags, and mobile friendly design.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see a letter grade and a fix list for the page.

Step 3: Apply fixes

Update the page to fix technical errors and on-page gaps.

✅ Result: Your page is tuned for the target keyword and search engines.

💡 Pro Tip: Optimize each page for one primary keyword, then re-grade to confirm fixes.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz Domain Authority Checker

Domain Authority Checker lets you measure Domain Authority and Page Authority for any site or page.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enter a domain

Type any website URL into the authority checker.

Step 2: Read the scores

View Domain Authority, Page Authority, and Spam Score on a 0 to 100 scale.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see DA, PA, and Spam Score for the domain.

Step 3: Compare sites

Check competitor domains to benchmark your search rankings.

✅ Result: You know how a site’s authority predicts its overall ranking ability.

💡 Pro Tip: Domain Authority is relative, so track it against competitors, not alone.

Try Moz for free

Extension & Toolbar lets you view Domain Authority and link metrics on any page you browse.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Install MozBar

Add the MozBar extension to Chrome from the web store.

Step 2: Browse any site

Open any page to see its metrics overlaid on Google results.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see the MozBar overlay on search results.

Step 3: Read the bar

Check Domain Authority, Page Authority, and link counts on the fly.

MozBar displays Domain Authority on a scale of 0 to 100.

✅ Result: You can size up any site’s authority while you browse the web.

💡 Pro Tip: Toggle the SERP overlay to compare link profiles across ranking pages.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz Custom Data Solutions

Custom Data Solutions lets you access raw link and ranking data for large-scale SEO needs.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Choose your data

Pick the link, keyword, or ranking data your team needs.

Step 2: Connect the feed

Set up the Moz API or data feed inside your own tools.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see Moz data flowing into your own dashboards.

Step 3: Pull the metrics

Query link metrics, Domain Authority, and Spam Score at scale.

✅ Result: Your team has flexible data with flexible pricing for big projects.

💡 Pro Tip: Batch large pulls overnight to stay within your data plan limits.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz Backlink Checker

Backlink Checker lets you check inbound links and linking domains for any site.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Enter a site

Add any domain to Link Explorer to scan its backlinks.

Step 2: Review the links

See inbound links, linking domains, and recent links gained or lost.

Link Explorer shows recent links a site has gained or lost over time.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see backlinks and linking domains for the site.

Step 3: Find opportunities

Use the Link Intersect tool to find shared linking domains.

✅ Result: You can compare link profiles of several sites side by side.

💡 Pro Tip: Chase linking domains that point to rivals but not yet to you.

Try Moz for free

How to Use Moz Local Citation Checker

Local Citation Checker lets you manage business listings across local search engines and directories.

Here is how to use it step by step.

Step 1: Add your business

Enter your business details to sync listings across directories.

Step 2: Sync the data

Push consistent details to local search engines and citation sites.

Moz Local supports businesses with one to 10,000 locations.

Here is what this looks like:

✓ Checkpoint: You should see your listings synced across local directories.

Step 3: Track results

Monitor reviews, sentiment, and your footprint in AI search.

✅ Result: Let your business shine with Listings AI and consistent citations.

💡 Pro Tip: Track your brand’s footprint in AI search to win newer search engines.

Try Moz for free

Moz Pro Tips and Shortcuts

After testing Moz tools for years, here are my best tips.

Watch the top benefits in action:

MOZ SEO Review: Best All-in-One SEO Tool for Beginners & Small Businesses?

Keyboard Shortcuts

Action	Shortcut
Open Keyword Explorer	G then K
New keyword list	Shift + N
Search any term	/ (slash)
Jump to dashboard	G then D

Hidden Features Most People Miss

Site Crawl: Run it weekly to fix crawl accessibility and technical SEO errors before Google does.
Keyword Difficulty filter: Filter by demand and difficulty to find the right keywords your audience actually searches.
Custom reports: Moz Pro builds custom SEO reports so marketers can prove search results progress.

Publish new and updated content regularly to keep your rankings climbing.

Follow Moz best practices so customers keep finding your business in search.

See the top benefits at a glance below:

Try Moz for free

Moz Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Chasing high-volume keywords only

❌ Wrong: Targeting only big search volume terms with sky-high Keyword Difficulty.

✅ Right: Mix in long-tail keywords with real search intent and lower difficulty to rank faster.

Mistake: Ignoring technical SEO

❌ Wrong: Publishing content while crawl errors quietly block indexing.

✅ Right: Run Site Crawl, fix technical errors, and confirm crawl accessibility before chasing links.

Mistake: Treating Domain Authority as a Google metric

❌ Wrong: Assuming a higher Domain Authority score guarantees better Google rankings.

✅ Right: Use Domain Authority to compare sites; focus real effort on content, links, and search intent.

Try Moz for free

Moz Troubleshooting

Problem: Rankings are not updating

Cause: Rank tracking refreshes on a schedule, not in real time.

Fix: Wait for the weekly update or check your campaign’s tracking frequency settings.

Problem: Domain Authority dropped suddenly

Cause: Moz recalibrates the Domain Authority model as the web and link metrics shift.

Fix: Compare your spam score and linking domains against competitors before you worry.

Problem: Site Crawl missing pages

Cause: Crawl accessibility issues like blocked URLs or noindex tags stop indexing.

Fix: Check robots.txt, fix technical errors, then re-run the crawl to surface every page.

📌 Note: If none of these fix your issue, contact Moz support.

Try Moz for free

What is Moz?

Moz is an all-in-one SEO platform built to grow your organic traffic.

Think of it as your guide to SEO, packing the tools, data, and details marketers need to rank.

It helps you understand how search engines work, from crawling and indexing to ranking.

Moz covers every part of search engine optimization in one place, a tool the SEO industry has trusted for years.

Watch this quick overview:

MOZ Review 2026 | Pros, Cons, & Features!

It includes these key features:

SERP Analysis: Break down any results page to read ranking factors and search intent.
Free Research Tool: Free keyword research with limited monthly queries for new users.
Keyword Explorer: Moz’s Keyword Explorer helps identify ranking keywords and build lists.
On-Page Grader: Grades a page for on-page SEO and flags fixes to lift rankings.
Domain Authority Checker: Shows Domain Authority, Page Authority, and Spam Score for any domain.
Extension & Toolbar: MozBar shows Domain Authority and link metrics right in your browser.
Custom Data Solutions: Delivers raw Moz data and metrics for teams with heavy SEO needs.
Backlink Checker: Moz’s Link Explorer checks inbound links, linking domains, and link profiles.
Local Citation Checker: Moz Local manages listings, reviews, and citations across directories.

For a full review, see our Moz review.

Try Moz for free

Moz Pricing

Here is what Moz Pro costs in 2026:

Plan	Price	Best For
Starter	$39/month	Solo bloggers and freelancers starting with SEO
Standard	$79/month	Small businesses tracking core keywords
Medium	$143/month	Growing teams that need more rank tracking
Large	$239/month	Agencies managing many sites and clients

Free trial: Yes, a 30-day free trial on every Moz Pro plan.

Free tools: Limited keyword research, Domain Authority checks, and MozBar at no cost.

💰 Best Value: Standard at $79/month covers most small business SEO needs with room to grow.

Try Moz for free

Moz vs Alternatives

How does Moz compare? Here is the competitive landscape:

Tool	Best For	Price	Rating
Moz	Simple all-in-one SEO with Domain Authority	$39/mo	⭐ 3.5
Semrush	All-in-one SEO suite	$139.95/mo	⭐ 4.6
Surfer SEO	Content-focused tool	$99/mo	⭐ 4.5
Ahrefs	Backlink-heavy platform	$129/mo	⭐ 4.6
Content Raptor	AI content tool	$47/mo	⭐ 4.3
SE Ranking	Budget-friendly all-rounder	$52/mo	⭐ 4.5
Ubersuggest	Cheap, beginner-friendly tool for quick…	$29/mo	⭐ 4.2
Mangools	Clean, affordable suite (KWFinder, SERPC…	$49/mo	⭐ 4.5
Ranktracker	Rank-tracking specialist	$36/mo	⭐ 4.4

Quick picks:

Best overall: Semrush — deepest data for serious marketers
Best budget: Ubersuggest — low cost for new SEO users
Best for beginners: Moz — clean interface and a friendly guide to SEO
Best for backlinks: Ahrefs — largest link index for deep research

🎯 Moz Alternatives

Looking for Moz alternatives? Here are the top options:

🚀 Semrush: All-in-one SEO suite with the deepest keyword and competitor data in the SEO industry.
🧠 Surfer SEO: Content-focused tool that scores your writing against ranking pages in real time.
🔗 Ahrefs: Backlink-heavy platform with a huge link index and strong site audit tools.
✍️ Content Raptor: AI content tool that turns keyword research into ready-to-publish drafts fast.
💰 SE Ranking: Budget-friendly all-rounder with rank tracking, audits, and keyword research.
👶 Ubersuggest: Cheap, beginner-friendly tool for quick keyword ideas and basic site audits.
🎯 Mangools: Clean, affordable suite (KWFinder, SERPChecker) loved by small marketers.
📊 Ranktracker: Rank-tracking specialist with keyword finder, web audit, and SERP checker.

For the full list, see our Moz alternatives guide.

⚔️ Moz Compared

Here is how Moz stacks up against each competitor:

Moz vs Semrush: Semrush packs more data and features; Moz wins on simplicity and Domain Authority.
Moz vs Surfer SEO: Surfer SEO leads on content scoring; Moz covers broader SEO needs end to end.
Moz vs Ahrefs: Ahrefs has a larger link index; Moz is friendlier for beginners and local SEO.
Moz vs Content Raptor: Content Raptor speeds up writing; Moz gives the keyword research and rank tracking.
Moz vs SE Ranking: SE Ranking costs less per month; Moz brings stronger authority metrics and brand trust.
Moz vs Ubersuggest: Ubersuggest is cheaper for starters; Moz offers deeper data and better link analysis.
Moz vs Mangools: Mangools is simpler and cheaper; Moz scales better for bigger SEO needs.
Moz vs Ranktracker: Ranktracker focuses on tracking; Moz is a fuller all-in-one SEO platform.

Try Moz for free

Start Using Moz Now

You learned how to use every major Moz feature:

✅ SERP Analysis
✅ Free Research Tool
✅ Keyword Explorer
✅ On-Page Grader
✅ Domain Authority Checker
✅ Extension & Toolbar
✅ Custom Data Solutions
✅ Backlink Checker
✅ Local Citation Checker

Next step: Pick one feature and try it now.

Most people start with Keyword Explorer to find ranking keywords.

It takes less than five minutes.

Try Moz for free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moz used for?

Moz is an all-in-one SEO platform. People use it for keyword research, rank tracking, link analysis, technical SEO audits, and managing local business listings to grow organic traffic.

How much does Moz cost?

Moz Pro starts at $39/month for Starter, then $79 Standard, $143 Medium, and $239 Large. Plans scale with keyword and tracking limits, and a free trial is available.

Is Moz better than Semrush?

Both are strong. Moz is simpler and known for Domain Authority. Semrush offers more data and features. Beginners often prefer Moz; data-heavy teams lean toward Semrush.

Is Moz free or paid?

Moz Pro is paid, but free tools exist. You can run limited keyword research, check Domain Authority, and use MozBar without a subscription.

What does Moz Pro do?

Moz Pro tracks rankings, runs keyword research, audits technical SEO with Site Crawl, checks backlinks through Link Explorer, and generates custom SEO reports.