How to Create Custom Alerts with SEMrush, Zapier, and Make

By Azon Vault On May 5, 2026

Introduction

Ever wish you could get instant notifications when your SEO metrics change? With SEMrush, Zapier, and Make, you can build custom alerts that land directly in your inbox, Slack, or any app you use. This guide walks beginners through the entire setup—no coding required.

Why Combine SEMrush with Zapier or Make?

SEMrush is a powerhouse for keyword rankings, backlink monitoring, and site health. However, its native alerts are limited to a few preset events. Zapier and Make (formerly Integromat) act as the glue that:

Pulls data from SEMrush via its API.
Filters the information based on your own criteria.
Delivers the alert through email, Slack, Teams, or a Google Sheet.

This flexibility means you only get notified about what truly matters to you.

Prerequisites

A SEMrush account with API access (Pro plan or higher).
A free or paid account on Zapier or Make.
Access to the destination app (e.g., Gmail, Slack, Google Sheets).

Step‑by‑Step Setup with Zapier

1. Connect SEMrush to Zapier

Log in to Zapier and click Create Zap.
Search for “Webhooks by Zapier” and select Catch Hook as the trigger.
Zapier will generate a unique webhook URL. Copy it.

2. Configure SEMrush API Call

In SEMrush, go to My Projects > API Settings.

Use the GET /project/monitor/keyword_rank endpoint (or any metric you need). Example URL:

https://api.semrush.com/?type=project&key=YOUR_API_KEY&project_id=12345&export_columns=Keyword,Rx

Append &url=https://hooks.zapier.com/hooks/catch/XXXXX/XXXXX as the callback parameter, or use a simple curl command scheduled via cron.
```
curl "https://api.semrush.com/...&callback={{ZapierWebhookURL}}"
```
Set the request to run daily or hourly, depending on how quickly you need alerts.

3. Filter the Data in Zapier

Add a Filter step: e.g., "Only continue if Rank < 10" or "If organic traffic drop > 15%".
Use Zapier’s built‑in Formatter to parse JSON and isolate the fields you need.

4. Choose Your Destination

Pick an app and map the fields:

Email: Send a formatted message to your inbox.
Slack: Post a channel message with emojis for quick visual cues.
Google Sheets: Append a new row for historical tracking.

5. Test & Activate

Run a test in Zapier, verify the payload, and then turn the Zap on. You’ll now receive real‑time alerts tailored to your SEO goals.

Step‑by‑Step Setup with Make (Integromat)

1. Create a New Scenario

Click Create a new scenario and add the Webhooks module → Custom webhook.
Copy the generated URL.

2. Send Data from SEMrush

Use the same API call as in the Zapier section, but point the callback to the Make webhook URL. You can also schedule a HTTP module inside Make to pull the data on its own.

3. Parse and Filter

Add an JSON > Parse module to convert the response into readable fields.
Insert a Router with conditional paths—e.g., one path for rank drops, another for new backlinks.

4. Send the Alert

Connect any of the following modules:

Gmail: Send a detailed email with a table of changes.
Slack: Use the Send a message module with markdown formatting.
Google Sheets: Add a row for each alert, creating a historical log.

5. Schedule and Activate

Set the scenario to run every hour or daily, then click Run once to ensure everything works. Finally, enable the schedule.

Tips for Effective Alerts

Keep it focused. Too many notifications cause fatigue. Alert only on critical changes (e.g., rank drop > 5, traffic dip > 20%).
Add context. Include a link to the SEMrush project or the exact keyword so you can act immediately.
Combine multiple metrics. Pair rank changes with traffic trends for a fuller picture.
Use visual cues. Emojis or color‑coded tags in Slack make the alert scannable.

FAQ

Do I need a developer to set up these alerts?

No. Both Zapier and Make offer drag‑and‑drop interfaces. Basic knowledge of API URLs is enough.

Can I monitor multiple projects at once?

Yes. Create separate webhooks for each project or add a project_id loop in Make.

What if I exceed my SEMrush API quota?

Schedule the checks less frequently or upgrade to a higher plan. Both platforms let you set precise intervals.

Is there a cost to using Zapier or Make?

Both have free tiers with limited tasks. For frequent alerts, a paid plan is recommended.

Conclusion

Custom SEO alerts empower you to react before a ranking slip becomes a traffic loss. By pairing SEMrush’s data with Zapier or Make, you create a tailored notification system that fits your workflow—whether you prefer email, Slack, or a simple spreadsheet.

Start building your first alert today and stay ahead of the competition.

Call to Action

Ready to automate your SEO monitoring? Sign up for a SEMrush trial, connect it to Zapier or Make, and watch the alerts roll in. Need help? Drop a comment below or reach out for a personalized setup session.