Is SEMrush Only for Google? Not Quite—Here’s What Most Marketers Get Wrong

If you’ve ever assumed that SEMrush is just a fancy Google keyword tracker, you’re not alone. Plenty of marketers (especially those newer to the game) think it’s a one-trick pony for ranking in Google. But here’s the real kicker: SEMrush is more of a digital intelligence toolkit than a single-channel SEO tool. Google’s a big part of it, sure—but limiting your view to just that? You’re leaving insight (and opportunity) on the table.

Let’s unpack what SEMrush can actually do—beyond Google.

So, is SEMrush only for Google?

Short answer: No. SEMrush is built around Google search data—but it’s not only for Google.

Yes, it excels at tracking keywords, backlinks, and SERP features across Google domains globally. But SEMrush also supports:

• Bing SEO tracking

• YouTube keyword research

• Amazon product search insights

• Social media analytics (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.)

• Content marketing platforms

• PPC (Google Ads and beyond)

So while Google data is its bread and butter, SEMrush casts a wider net. And that matters—because consumer attention doesn’t live on just one platform.

Does SEMrush help with non-Google platforms like YouTube or Amazon?

Absolutely—and this is where it gets interesting.

YouTube Keyword Tool

YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, and SEMrush treats it with due respect. Its YouTube Keyword Tool helps users:

• Find high-volume search terms on YouTube

• Analyse video trends

• Explore competitor video tags

• Optimise titles, descriptions, and hashtags

Useful if you’re serious about video SEO, which many brands now treat as essential, not optional.

Amazon Data Support

With eCommerce booming, SEMrush offers limited yet valuable Amazon keyword insights. It’s not as deep as tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout, but for quick competitive snapshots or identifying cross-platform opportunities? It’s solid.

And honestly, that’s what savvy marketers do—they look for overlap. Products that trend on Amazon often trigger Google searches too, so bridging both platforms can be a strategic edge.

Can SEMrush be used for Bing or other search engines?

Kind of—but don’t expect miracles.

SEMrush is still very Google-centric. It offers Bing Ads data integration for PPC campaigns and will show some Bing SEO overlap, but its primary SERP data comes from Google’s index.

That said, Microsoft Bing accounts for about 7–9% of Australian search share. If you’re targeting older demographics or B2B (where Edge is the default browser), Bing data becomes more relevant. Just don’t expect SEMrush to go as deep there as it does for Google.

If Bing is central to your strategy, tools like Screaming Frog or Serpstat may fill the gap better.

How does SEMrush handle social media platforms?

Social isn’t just fluff anymore—it shapes brand perception and buying behaviour. SEMrush includes:

• Social media poster & tracker: Automates and analyses posts across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

• Engagement metrics: See how your content performs in real time.

• Competitor benchmarking: Compare engagement rates, audience growth, and hashtags.

While not a Hootsuite-level solution, SEMrush gives enough social data to inform your broader content and SEO strategy.

For example, if a post explodes on Instagram, SEMrush can help identify what keywords or topics from that post are trending on Google. That’s smart synergy.

Is SEMrush worth it if you’re not focused on Google?

This is where behavioural economics kicks in.

Loss aversion—the idea that we hate losing more than we like winning—often causes marketers to stick with tools “everyone else uses.” So even if you’re doing content, PR, or social-led growth, you might still think you “need” SEMrush just because it’s industry standard.

But here’s the reframe: SEMrush becomes exponentially more valuable when your marketing spans platforms.

For example:

• Running Facebook Ads? Use SEMrush’s domain analytics to check competitors’ landing pages.

• Launching on Amazon? Use topic research to build Google-optimised content that supports product pages.

• Publishing videos? Reverse-engineer your script using YouTube SEO data.

So, it’s not just about Google—it’s about omnichannel visibility.

What are the limitations of SEMrush beyond Google?

It’s not all roses. If you go in expecting SEMrush to do everything perfectly outside of Google, you’ll likely hit a wall.

Here’s where it falls short:

• No in-depth Amazon product analysis

• Limited TikTok and Reddit data

• Bing and Yahoo support is minimal

• No direct podcast SEO insights

• Social tools aren’t a replacement for specialist platforms

But—and it’s a big but—SEMrush does a good job of connecting the dots. It’s less about mastering every platform, and more about offering a single lens to view performance holistically.

Real-world example: Using SEMrush for a campaign beyond Google

Let’s say you’re a Melbourne-based activewear brand launching a new eco-friendly line.

You’re running:

• Google Ads for search intent

• Instagram reels for awareness

• Amazon listings for direct sales

• A Shopify blog for SEO traffic

Here’s how SEMrush fits in:

• Use topic research to shape blog content that bridges eco-fashion and performance.

• Monitor social engagement on Instagram to identify sticky content themes.

• Track Amazon keyword trends to tweak product titles.

• Spy on competitor backlinks to find PR opportunities or affiliate link placements.

In other words, you’re not relying on SEMrush for one channel—you’re using it as a strategy compass across the campaign.

How does SEMrush compare to Ahrefs for non-Google work?

This is the age-old comparison, and the answer lies in fit, not features.

Ahrefs has stronger backlink data and some edge in link profile quality. But when it comes to cross-channel integration and campaign planning tools, SEMrush often wins for:

• Content marketing frameworks

• Social media scheduling

• Advertising support

• Market research visuals

Choosing between the two? It often depends on your role:

You can read more about why that nuance matters in this breakdown of the Ahrefs vs. SEMrush debate.

Final thoughts: It’s not about the tool—it’s about how you use it

Too often we pick tools based on reputation, not relevance. SEMrush isn’t “only for Google,” but it also isn’t a one-size-fits-all magic wand.

It’s best viewed as a Swiss army knife for marketers who think in terms of ecosystems, not silos. If your strategy spans content, search, social, and sales funnels, SEMrush lets you zoom out and dig deep—without needing five separate logins.

The trick? Don’t treat it like a hammer if you’re building furniture. Use the right tool, for the right job, in the right context—and understand how it fits into your broader decision-making bias.

FAQ

Can SEMrush track YouTube rankings?

Not directly, but it offers keyword research and trend tracking tailored for YouTube search intent.

Does SEMrush work for TikTok or Reddit?

Currently, no. These platforms aren’t integrated into its data ecosystem—yet.

Is SEMrush good for small businesses?

Yes—especially if your business does content, search, and social marketing together. The learning curve is manageable, and the ROI shows quickly if used consistently.

Final anchor placement (natural, partial match):

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons, this deeper dive into the Ahrefs vs. SEMrush debate highlights the key difference: it’s not about features—it’s about fit.

And if you want an expert take on platform capability, Search Engine Journal’s overview is worth a read.