In this blog, I’ll walk you through the automation I created to generate scalable backlink and site metric reports using Make.com, DataForSEO, and Google Sheets. This step-by-step guide will simplify the process of collecting and organizing your SEO data, making it accessible and efficient.
I created an automation that simplifies the process of generating backlink and site metric reports. This tool leverages Make.com, DataForSEO, and Google Sheets to streamline data collection and organization. By entering URLs into a Google Sheet, the automation retrieves essential site metrics for each URL, including backlinks, broken pages, and referring domains. This means I can generate comprehensive reports quickly without manual effort.
How It Works
The automation operates by connecting to the DataForSEO API, which provides valuable insights into each URL. After setting up the Google Sheet with the URLs, the automation takes over. It calls the DataForSEO API to fetch the necessary data and then organizes that data into a structured format within Google Sheets. This process is efficient and cost-effective, especially when using batch processing to handle multiple URLs at once.
Setting Up Your Google Sheet
Setting up the Google Sheet is straightforward. Begin by creating a new spreadsheet and labeling the columns appropriately. I usually include columns for the URL, backlinks, spam score, and any other metrics I want to track. Each row will represent a different URL, allowing the automation to process them individually.
Essential Columns
- URL: The website address you want to analyze.
- Backlinks: The number of backlinks associated with the URL.
- Spam Score: A metric indicating the potential spam level of the site.
- Additional Metrics: You can add any other metrics you find relevant.
Once the Google Sheet is ready, it’s time to run the automation. This setup allows for easy updates and modifications, ensuring that I can adapt the metrics as needed.
How DataForSEO Integrates
Integrating DataForSEO into the automation is a key step. The DataForSEO app within Make.com allows for seamless communication with its API endpoints. I use the app to request backlinks summaries and individual backlink details for each URL listed in my Google Sheet.
Key API Endpoints
- Backlinks Summary: Provides an overview of site metrics, including total backlinks and referring domains.
- Individual Backlinks: Retrieves detailed information about each backlink, which can be essential for deeper analysis.
Setting the parameters for these API calls is simple. I specify the target URL and any additional options, such as including subdomains and filtering by live backlinks. This level of customization ensures I get the most relevant data for my reports.
Batch Processing with Google Sheets API
Batch processing is a game-changer for handling large amounts of data. Instead of updating each row individually, I utilize the batch mode of the Google Sheets API. This allows the automation to push all the data to Google Sheets in a single operation, significantly reducing processing time.
Advantages of Batch Processing
- Efficiency: Saves time by minimizing the number of API calls needed.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces the potential cost associated with multiple operations.
- Simplicity: Makes the automation easier to manage and less prone to errors.
By leveraging batch processing, I can handle numerous URLs at once without overwhelming the system or incurring excessive costs. This method keeps everything organized and efficient.
Generating Individual Backlink Reports
Generating individual backlink reports is another critical aspect of my automation. For each URL, I call the get backlinks endpoint from DataForSEO. This allows me to gather detailed information about each backlink.
Configuring Backlink Reports
- Limit: I usually limit the number of backlinks to 100 to keep the reports manageable.
- Sorting: Backlinks are sorted by rank, ensuring that the highest quality backlinks appear first.
- Filtering: I include only live backlinks and can opt to include subdomains and indirect links.
This configuration ensures that I receive a comprehensive report that highlights the most valuable backlinks for each URL.
Creating the Backlink Report Spreadsheet
Once the backlink data is collected, I create a new spreadsheet for each URL. This spreadsheet is named using the format “Backlinks – [URL] – [Date]”. This way, I can easily identify and access the reports later.
Finalizing the Reports
After creating the spreadsheet, I move it to a designated folder in Google Drive for organization. This step keeps my files tidy and ensures I can find them quickly when needed. The final touch involves batch updating the spreadsheet with the collected data, making sure all metrics are accurately reflected.
By following this process, I can efficiently generate detailed backlink reports for any number of URLs in my Google Sheet. The automation I’ve built not only saves time but also enables me to access rich insights into my SEO strategy.
Understanding the Batch Mode
Batch mode is a crucial feature for optimizing data processing in my automation. Instead of handling each row of data one at a time, I leverage this mode to send all the data to Google Sheets in one go. This approach saves significant time and reduces the number of API calls, which can be costly.
How Batch Mode Works
When I use batch mode, I prepare all the data I want to send to Google Sheets at once. This means I can gather multiple pieces of information about backlinks and site metrics and push them to the spreadsheet simultaneously. The Google Sheets API efficiently processes this bulk data transfer, ensuring everything is updated quickly and accurately.
Benefits of Using Batch Mode
- Time Efficiency: Reduces the time spent on data entry by processing everything in one operation.
- Cost Savings: Lessens the number of API calls, which helps in minimizing costs associated with data fetching.
- Reduced Complexity: Simplifies the automation process by eliminating the need for multiple iterations.
By employing batch mode, I can ensure that my automation remains efficient, cost-effective, and easy to manage.
Working with BuildShip for Data Transformation
BuildShip plays an essential role in transforming data for my automation. This service allows me to convert the detailed backlink information retrieved from DataForSEO into a format suitable for Google Sheets. This transformation is vital for maintaining the integrity and usability of the data.
Setting Up BuildShip
To get started with BuildShip, I create a new flow that will handle the incoming data from DataForSEO. This flow is designed to take the raw data and format it correctly. I define the method as POST, which allows me to send data directly to Google Sheets.
Creating the Transformation Workflow
- Input Data: I pass the JSON data from DataForSEO into BuildShip.
- Processing: The workflow processes this data and formats it for batch insertion into Google Sheets.
- Output: The final output is a structured JSON string that Google Sheets can easily interpret.
This structured approach ensures that I can pull in all relevant backlink data without overwhelming the system or running into operational limits.
Optimizing API Calls to Save Costs
Cost management is a critical aspect of my automation. By optimizing API calls, I can significantly reduce expenses while still accessing the necessary data. This involves a few strategies that I’ve implemented to ensure efficiency.
Strategies for Cost Optimization
- Batch Processing: As mentioned earlier, using batch processing minimizes the number of calls made to the API.
- Selective Data Retrieval: I only request the data I need, such as live backlinks and relevant metrics, instead of pulling excessive information.
- Using Free Tiers: Leveraging services like BuildShip that offer free tiers allows me to perform transformations without incurring additional costs.
By implementing these strategies, I can maintain a balance between accessing rich data and keeping costs manageable. This approach ensures my automation remains sustainable over time.
Finalizing the Automation Workflow
Once all the data is collected and transformed, the final steps involve organizing and presenting it effectively. This includes creating individual spreadsheets for each URL and updating the main report with the gathered metrics.
Steps to Finalize the Workflow
- Creating Individual Reports: For each URL, I generate a dedicated spreadsheet that contains all relevant backlink information.
- Organizing in Google Drive: I move these spreadsheets into a designated folder for easy access and management.
- Updating the Main Spreadsheet: Finally, I update the main Google Sheet with summary metrics, ensuring everything is current.
This structured approach not only keeps my data organized but also enhances the usability of the reports I generate. It allows me to quickly reference insights and make informed decisions about my SEO strategy.
