Introduction
Ever wondered how to turn raw data from Semrush into real traffic growth? In the next 90 days you can set a baseline, execute a focused plan, and see measurable wins—without hiring an agency. This post walks you through a step‑by‑step experiment you can run on any website.
Step 1: Establish Your Baseline
Why a baseline matters
A baseline gives you a clear point A so you can prove progress. Without it, every change feels like a guess.
- Organic traffic – Pull the last 30 days from the Semrush Traffic Analytics dashboard.
- Keyword rankings – Export the top 100 keywords and note their positions.
- Domain authority metrics – Record Authority Score, backlinks, and referring domains.
How to capture the data
Use Semrush’s Project → Position Tracking report. Save the CSV and keep it in a folder named 90‑Day‑Experiment for later comparison.
Step 2: Define a Limited Set of Goals
Keep the experiment focused. Choose two to three realistic KPIs that align with the baseline data:
- Increase organic traffic by 15 %.
- Boost at least five keyword positions into the top 10.
- Earn 20 new referring domains with a DR > 30.
Write each goal in a single sentence and attach a deadline (30‑day, 60‑day, 90‑day).
Step 3: Conduct a Content Gap Analysis
What a content gap reveals
Semrush’s Keyword Gap tool compares your site to three competitors. The result shows keywords they rank for that you don’t.
Action plan
- Pick 10 high‑search, low‑competition keywords from the gap.
- Create a content brief for each: intent, target word count, internal links, and on‑page SEO checklist.
- Publish one piece every 5 days – that’s six new posts in 30 days.
Step 4: Optimize Existing Pages
Use the On‑Page SEO Checker to find quick wins on the top 20 landing pages (the ones already bringing traffic).
- Update title tags and meta descriptions to include the target keyword.
- Add 1‑2 internal links from newer posts to these pages.
- Improve page load speed using Semrush Site Audit suggestions.
Step 5: Build High‑Quality Backlinks
Backlinks remain a core ranking factor. Follow the three‑pillars approach:
- Outreach – Identify 30 sites with a domain rating (DR) 30‑50 that have linked to similar content.
- Resource pages – Offer your newly published guide as a replacement for broken or outdated links.
- Guest posts – Write one 800‑word article for a relevant blog each month.
Track each outreach attempt in a Google Sheet and log the acquired link in Semrush’s Backlink Audit.
Step 6: Monitor and Adjust (Every 15 Days)
Set two check‑in points:
- Day 15 – Review traffic trends, ranking changes, and new backlinks. If a keyword isn’t moving, tweak the on‑page SEO.
- Day 30 – Compare against the baseline CSV. Celebrate any win and identify the next set of keywords to target.
Use Semrush’s Position Tracking widget to visualize progress.
Results You Can Expect
| Metric | Typical 30‑Day Gain | Typical 90‑Day Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Organic sessions | +8 % | +15 % |
| Top‑10 keyword positions | +2 | +5 |
| New referring domains | +8 | +20 |
Numbers vary by niche, but the experiment proves that systematic, data‑driven actions deliver measurable wins.
FAQ
- Do I need a Semrush paid plan?
- While the free version gives limited data, a Pro or Guru plan unlocks Position Tracking and the Content Gap tool, which are essential for this experiment.
- How many keywords should I focus on?
- Start with 10‑15 low‑competition keywords for new content and 20 existing pages for on‑page optimization.
- Can I run this experiment on a brand‑new site?
- Yes, but set realistic goals—focus first on building a content foundation and gaining at least 5 quality backlinks.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Turning raw Semrush data into actionable steps is the secret sauce behind sustainable SEO growth. Follow the 90‑day experiment, track every metric, and you’ll have concrete proof of improvement. Ready to start?
Download the free 90‑Day SEO Experiment Google Sheet template and begin your journey to measurable wins today.
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