Agency operating stack
Semrush handles paid operating layer; Google Search Console handles search truth; Looker Studio handles reporting layer; Screaming Frog handles technical crawl check. Together, they should cover the buying job before the implementation playbook adds process.
Agencies managing multiple client accounts that need weekly reporting, audit evidence, and one technical escalation path.
$300-$500/monthSemrush plus free proof layers.
Weekly report, GSC checks, and one crawl habit.
Adds Screaming Frog annualized for technical proof.
Usually includes seats, reporting work, and client-review time.
Build one weekly report with keyword, audit, and ranking movement in the same loop.
$179/mo est.Compare optionsStack tool 2Google Search ConsoleSearch truthCheck that the keyword story matches real queries and indexed pages.
$0/moCompare optionsStack tool 3Looker StudioReporting layerTurn the weekly report into a dashboard a stakeholder can read without exports.
$0/moCompare optionsStack tool 4Screaming FrogTechnical crawl checkUse crawl evidence when the backlog is technical, not just content-led.
$0-$129/yrCompare optionsThe report can look healthy while query movement and indexing risk are already moving the wrong way.
Every update becomes an export task and the SEO lead slowly becomes the reporting team.
Technical issues stay invisible until rankings, crawl budget, or indexed pages start to move.
First thing to ignoreEnterprise SEO platforms until weekly reporting and crawl proof work.
Do not add a second paid SEO suite until the first report shows exactly which gap remains.