Create a Lead Magnet: Semrush Setup Checklist for New SEO Campaigns

By Azon Vault On May 5, 2026

Why a Lead Magnet Checklist Is Essential for New SEO Campaigns

Starting an SEO campaign can feel overwhelming. Between keyword research, technical audits, and content planning, it’s easy to miss a critical step. A well‑crafted lead magnet—like a Semrush setup checklist—keeps you organized, demonstrates expertise, and captures qualified leads who are ready to invest in SEO services.

What You’ll Get From This Checklist

Our downloadable PDF walks you through every core Semrush feature you need to configure before you launch. It’s designed for beginners and intermediate marketers who want a repeatable, proven workflow.

Clear, actionable tasks for each Semrush module
Tips for interpreting data and avoiding common pitfalls
Space to record your own findings and next steps

Step‑by‑Step Semrush Setup Checklist

1. Account Basics

Verify your email and set up two‑factor authentication.
Configure your default project settings (time zone, language).
Invite team members and assign appropriate user roles.

2. Project Creation

Enter the domain you’ll be optimizing.
Add the target location(s) for geo‑specific tracking.
Connect Google Search Console and Google Analytics for unified reporting.

3. Technical SEO Audit

Run a Site Audit and set the crawl source to “Entire Site”.
Adjust the crawl settings: include sub‑domains, set a reasonable crawl speed, and enable JavaScript rendering.
Review the top 10 critical issues (e.g., broken links, duplicate content) and assign them to team members.

4. Keyword Research

Open the Keyword Overview tool and enter seed keywords.
Use the Keyword Magic Tool to expand to long‑tail variations with search volume > 100 and KD < 30.
Export the top 50 keywords to a spreadsheet and tag them by intent (informational, navigational, transactional).

5. Competitive Analysis

Enter up to three competitors in the Domain Overview.
Copy their top organic keywords and identify gaps where you can rank.
Save the “Backlink Gap” report to discover high‑quality linking opportunities.

6. Content Gap & Topic Ideation

Run the Content Gap tool using your domain and competitors.
Identify at least five topics with low competition and high relevance.
Map each topic to a target keyword from your research.

7. On‑Page Optimization

Use the SEO Writing Assistant for each draft page.
Check readability, keyword usage, and outbound linking recommendations.
Create a meta title (< 60 characters) and meta description (< 160 characters) that include the primary keyword.

8. Link Building Strategy

Generate a list of prospective link targets with the Link Building Tool.
Prioritize domains with a high Trust Score and relevance to your niche.
Set up outreach email templates and schedule follow‑up reminders.

9. Position Tracking Setup

Add your target keywords to the Position Tracking dashboard.
Choose “Desktop” and “Mobile” devices for a holistic view.
Set up daily email alerts for ranking changes above a 5‑position shift.

10. Reporting & Insights

Build a custom PDF report template that pulls data from Site Audit, Position Tracking, and Backlink Analytics.
Schedule a weekly automated email to stakeholders.
Include clear action items based on the latest data.

How to Use This Checklist as a Lead Magnet

1. Offer it for free in exchange for an email address on a dedicated landing page.

2. Follow up with a nurture sequence that expands on each checklist step, positioning your agency as the go‑to expert.

3. Use the data you collect (e.g., industries, campaign sizes) to segment leads and tailor future offers.

FAQ

Do I need a paid Semrush subscription? The checklist works best with a Pro plan, but many steps can be adapted to the free trial.
How often should I run the Site Audit? At least once a month for active sites, and after any major website changes.
Can I customize the checklist? Absolutely—add or remove sections to match your workflow or agency services.

Ready to Jump‑Start Your SEO?

Download the Semrush Setup Checklist for New SEO Campaigns now, and start delivering measurable results from day one. Get the free checklist and watch your rankings climb.

Suggested External Reference

For deeper insight on keyword difficulty, see the Moz Keyword Explorer guide (authoritative industry source).