Exporting Select Keywords in Semrush: A Quick How-To Guide

Why Export Select Keywords from Semrush?

Before diving into the how, let’s establish the why. Exporting select keywords from Semrush isn’t just about getting data out of the platform; it’s about making that data work harder for your specific marketing needs.

• Create custom reports for clients or stakeholders
• Import targeted keywords into other marketing tools
• Develop content calendars around specific keyword groups
• Track performance for select keyword segments
• Share relevant keyword data with team members

When you export only the keywords that matter for your specific campaign, you eliminate distractions and focus your strategy on what will actually move the needle.

Need help identifying which keywords will drive the best results for your specific industry? Let’s discuss your keyword strategy in a personalized consultation.

Before You Export: Organizing Your Keyword Selection

The most efficient Semrush keyword export begins with proper organization. Many marketers make the mistake of exporting everything and sorting later, but this approach wastes valuable time.

Here’s how to prepare your keyword list for a smooth export:

Filter Your Keyword List

Semrush offers powerful filtering capabilities that help you narrow down your keyword selection before export. Consider filtering by:

• Search volume (focus on keywords with sufficient traffic)
• Keyword difficulty (balance opportunity with competition)
• Intent markers (commercial, informational, navigational)
• CPC values (especially important for paid campaigns)
• SERP features (identify keywords triggering specific features)

Leverage Semrush Tags and Lists

Semrush allows you to create custom tags and lists to organize keywords. This step saves tremendous time when exporting:

• Create descriptive tags for different keyword categories
• Group similar keywords into dedicated lists
• Use naming conventions that make sense for your workflow

This preparation work might seem tedious, but it saves hours when exporting and working with your keyword data later. A well-organized keyword selection process means you’ll only export exactly what you need.

Complete Guide to Semrush Keyword Export Methods

Now that you’ve properly organized your keywords, let’s explore the various methods for exporting select keywords from Semrush. The platform offers several approaches, each suited to different needs.

Method 1: Direct Export from Keyword Overview

The most straightforward method works well for smaller keyword sets:

1. Navigate to the Keyword Overview tool
2. Enter your seed keyword and review the results
3. Apply filters to refine the keyword list
4. Select the checkboxes next to keywords you want to export
5. Click the Export button and choose your preferred format

Method 2: Exporting from Keyword Manager

For more organized, larger-scale exports:

1. Go to the Keyword Manager tool
2. Select the list containing your target keywords
3. Use filters to further refine if needed
4. Select all or specific keywords using checkboxes
5. Click Export and select your desired format (CSV, Excel, etc.)

Method 3: Exporting from Position Tracking

Particularly useful for tracking campaigns:

1. Access your Position Tracking campaign
2. Navigate to the Keywords tab
3. Filter or sort keywords based on performance metrics
4. Select target keywords using checkboxes
5. Click Export and choose your format preference

Each method has its advantages depending on your workflow and what you’re trying to accomplish with your keyword data.

Struggling to effectively organize and export your keywords? Let’s set up a consultation to streamline your keyword management process.

Managing Your Exported Keyword Lists

Once you’ve successfully exported your selected keywords from Semrush, proper management is crucial to maintain their value. Here are strategies to organize and leverage your exported keyword data effectively.

Creating a Sustainable Keyword Library

Think of your exported keywords as a growing library that requires structure:

• Develop a consistent file naming convention (Client_Project_KeywordType_Date)
• Create a centralized storage location accessible to relevant team members
• Document metadata about each export (source, filters used, purpose)
• Set a regular review schedule to update keyword data

Integrating Exported Keywords with Other Marketing Tools

Your keyword exports become truly powerful when connected to your broader marketing ecosystem:

• Import targeted keywords into Google Ads for PPC campaigns
• Use keyword lists to create content briefs for writers
• Upload keywords to rank tracking tools for ongoing monitoring
• Share relevant keyword sets with social media teams for hashtag strategies

Regular maintenance of your keyword library ensures that your marketing efforts remain aligned with current search trends and performance data.

Advanced Tips for Semrush Data Export

Ready to take your keyword export skills to the next level? These advanced techniques will help you extract maximum value from the Semrush keyword selection and export process.

Customizing Your Export Fields

Don’t settle for default exports when you can tailor them to your needs:

• Select specific metrics to include in your export (volume, KD, CPC, etc.)
• Exclude unnecessary columns to create cleaner datasets
• Order columns logically for your workflow
• Save your preferred export settings for future use

Leveraging API for Automated Keyword Exports

For teams with technical resources, the Semrush API offers powerful export capabilities:

• Schedule regular keyword exports without manual intervention
• Create custom applications that pull specific keyword data
• Integrate Semrush data directly into proprietary dashboards
• Combine keyword data with other marketing metrics automatically

Comparative Analysis with Multiple Exports

Strategic use of multiple exports can reveal valuable insights:

• Export competitor keywords separately for side-by-side comparison
• Create time-series data by exporting the same keyword set monthly
• Export keywords by different segments to identify patterns

Want to implement advanced keyword export strategies for your business? Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can help you leverage Semrush data more effectively.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Keyword Exporting

Even experienced marketers occasionally encounter challenges when exporting select keywords from Semrush. Here are solutions to common problems to ensure smooth exports every time.

Resolving Export Size Limitations

Semrush has certain limits on export sizes, which can be frustrating when working with large keyword sets:

• Break large exports into smaller, more manageable segments
• Utilize more specific filters to reduce the dataset size
• Consider upgrading your Semrush plan for higher export limits
• Use the API for larger data extractions if available on your plan

Fixing Formatting Issues in Exported Files

Data formatting can sometimes go awry during export:

• Select the appropriate file format for your needs (CSV for most tools, Excel for more complex formatting)
• Check character encoding if special characters appear corrupted
• Fix column formatting issues in spreadsheet software before using the data
• Create templates that automatically format exported data

Managing Duplicate Keywords

Duplicate keywords can sneak into your exports, especially when combining multiple lists:

• Use spreadsheet functions to identify and remove duplicates
• Create filters in Semrush before export to eliminate similar variants
• Implement a post-export process to clean and deduplicate data

Approaching these common issues with systematic solutions ensures that your keyword export process remains efficient and the resulting data is reliable for your marketing strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exporting Select Keywords in Semrush

How many keywords can I export from Semrush at once?

The export limit depends on your Semrush subscription level. Pro users can export up to 10,000 results per report, Guru users can export up to 30,000, and Business users can export up to 50,000. If you need to export more keywords, consider breaking your export into smaller batches or upgrading your subscription.

What file formats does Semrush support for keyword exports?

Semrush allows you to export keywords in several formats, including CSV, Excel (.xlsx), and PDF. CSV is generally best for importing into other tools, Excel is ideal for analysis and manipulation, and PDF works well for sharing reports with clients or team members.

Can I schedule automatic exports of my keyword lists?

Native scheduled exports aren’t available in the Semrush interface. However, users with API access can set up automated exports through third-party tools or custom scripts. Alternatively, you can schedule recurring calendar reminders to export your keywords manually at regular intervals.

How do I export keywords from a competitor’s website?

To export competitors’ keywords, use the Domain Overview tool. Enter the competitor’s domain, navigate to the “Organic Research” or “Paid Research” section, filter the keywords as needed, select the ones you want, and click the export button. The same selection and export process applies.

Are metrics like search volume included in keyword exports?

Yes, when exporting keywords from Semrush, you can include various metrics such as search volume, keyword difficulty, CPC, competition, and more. Before exporting, you can customize which columns you want to include in your export to ensure you get all the data you need.

What’s the difference between exporting from Keyword Manager vs. Keyword Gap?

Exporting from Keyword Manager gives you data on keywords you’ve already saved and organized into lists. Exporting from Keyword Gap provides comparative keyword data showing overlap and opportunities between your domain and competitors. The export process is similar, but the context and data provided differ based on the tool’s purpose.