# Semrush MCP

Default keyword-research backend per SKILL.md > Data Source Selection.

## Call pattern

The Semrush MCP follows a three-step discovery → schema → execute pattern (see Semrush MCP server instructions):

1. **Discovery** — pick the right toolkit for the task:
   - `mcp__semrush__keyword_research` — keyword overview, related, volume, intent, KD
   - `mcp__semrush__organic_research` — domain/URL organic keywords + competitors
   - `mcp__semrush__overview_research` — domain/URL overview (traffic, ranking dist.)
   - `mcp__semrush__url_research` — single-URL deep dive
2. **`mcp__semrush__get_report_schema(report_id=...)`** — fetch the param spec for the chosen report.
3. **`mcp__semrush__execute_report(report_id=..., params={...})`** — run it.

Default `database="us"` when the user does not specify a market. Use `display_limit=30-50` for exploratory queries.

## Available reports (keyword-research toolkit)

- Keyword overview (volume, CPC, competition, KD, trend)
- Related keywords
- Matching phrases (broad / phrase / exact match)
- Keyword difficulty (single + bulk)
- Search intent
- Keyword historical volume

## Configuration

| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Default database | `us` |
| Korean market database | `kr` |
| Japan market database | `jp` |
| Auth | Semrush API key on the MCP server side (no local config) |

## Examples

**English keyword volume:**
```
mcp__semrush__keyword_research(query="enterprise CRM software", database="us")
→ pick report_id from response
mcp__semrush__get_report_schema(report_id="phrase_this")
mcp__semrush__execute_report(report_id="phrase_this", params={"phrase": "enterprise CRM software", "database": "us"})
```

**Korean expansion:**
```
mcp__semrush__keyword_research(query="신라호텔", database="kr")
mcp__semrush__execute_report(report_id="phrase_related", params={"phrase": "신라호텔", "database": "kr", "display_limit": 50})
```

## When NOT to use Semrush

- Task needs **GSC first-party query data** — use Ahrefs `gsc-keywords` or `our research search-console` instead.
- Task needs **Knowledge Graph entity expansion** — use `mcp__ourseo__search_knowledge_graph`.
- Task needs **bulk cheap calls at Korean scale** — `our keywords *` CLI (DataForSEO) is usually cheaper.
