# seo-dataforseo > Live SEO data via DataForSEO MCP server covering SERP analysis, keyword research, backlink profiles, on-page analysis, competitor intelligence, AI visibility checking, and LLM mention tracking across 79-plus MCP tools. **Use case**: Query live SERP and keyword data inside Claude Code **Canonical URL**: https://agentcookbooks.com/skills/seo-dataforseo/ **Topics**: claude-code, skills, marketing, seo **Trigger phrases**: "dataforseo", "live SERP", "keyword volume", "AI visibility check", "LLM mentions" **Source**: [AgriciDaniel](https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-seo/tree/main/skills/seo-dataforseo) **License**: MIT --- ## What it does `seo-dataforseo` is an extension skill in AgriciDaniel's [claude-seo repo](https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-seo). It connects Claude Code to the DataForSEO MCP server to provide real-time search data across 10 API modules: SERP results (Google, Bing, Yahoo, YouTube, Google Images), keyword research (volume, difficulty, intent, trends), backlink profiles, on-page analysis via Lighthouse, competitor domain intelligence, content analysis, business listings, and AI visibility — including a live ChatGPT web search scraper and LLM mention tracking across AI platforms. The standout capability is the AI visibility module: `/seo dataforseo ai-scrape ` shows exactly which sources ChatGPT cites for a query, and `/seo dataforseo ai-mentions ` tracks how LLMs mention your brand across platforms. The skill includes hard cost guardrails — a cost estimation script runs before every API call and blocks calls that would exceed daily budget limits. ## When to use it Reach for it when: - You need real search volume, keyword difficulty, or intent data rather than estimates - You want to know which sources ChatGPT or other AI platforms are citing for your target queries - You need live backlink data or competitor keyword rankings for a domain When *not* to reach for it: - DataForSEO extension is not installed (`./extensions/dataforseo/install.sh` is the setup command) — the skill will tell you this and exit cleanly - You are on a tight budget and the cost check returns `needs_approval`; the skill requires explicit confirmation before any paid API call ## Install This is an extension skill requiring the DataForSEO MCP server. Install via: ```bash ./extensions/dataforseo/install.sh ``` Then copy the [`seo-dataforseo` SKILL.md](https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-seo/tree/main/skills/seo-dataforseo) into `.claude/skills/seo-dataforseo/`. Trigger phrases: "dataforseo", "live SERP", "keyword volume", "backlink data", "competitor data", "AI visibility check", "LLM mentions", "image SERP", "real search data". ## What a session looks like A typical session has three phases: 1. **Cost check and confirmation.** Before any DataForSEO MCP call, the skill runs `python scripts/dataforseo_costs.py check `. If the result is `approved` it proceeds; if `needs_approval` it shows the cost estimate and waits for confirmation; if `blocked` it stops and reports the daily budget limit. 2. **Data retrieval.** The relevant MCP tools are called with sensible defaults (US, English, desktop unless the user specifies otherwise). Bulk endpoints are preferred over multiple single calls to minimize API cost. 3. **Analysis and output.** Results are formatted as tables with source labeled as "DataForSEO (live)" to distinguish from static analysis. After completing, the skill logs the actual cost and offers to generate a PDF report via `/seo google report`. ## Receipts **Works well:** The AI visibility commands (`ai-scrape`, `ai-mentions`) are genuinely novel — seeing exactly which URLs ChatGPT cites for a target query is not something any traditional SEO tool offers. For competitive intelligence, `dataforseo competitors ` gives keyword overlap percentage and traffic estimates in seconds. **Backfires:** YouTube SERP data is expensive relative to its signal value for most sites. The skill defaults to web SERP, which is the right call — but if you reflexively run YouTube searches too you can burn through daily budget quickly. **Pattern that works:** Set the cost mode to `threshold` with a low daily limit (`/seo dataforseo costs config --mode threshold --threshold 0.50`) when exploring, then raise it for planned research sessions. The cost guardrails are only useful if you configure them before you need them. ## Source and attribution Originally written by [AgriciDaniel](https://github.com/AgriciDaniel). The canonical SKILL.md and supporting files live in the [`seo-dataforseo` folder](https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-seo/tree/main/skills/seo-dataforseo) of the [claude-seo repository](https://github.com/AgriciDaniel/claude-seo). License: MIT. Install, adapt, and redistribute with attribution preserved. This page documents the skill from a practitioner's perspective. For the formal spec and updates, defer to the source repo.