19 Best Surfer SEO Alternatives in 2024 for Bloggers

Looking for the best Surfer SEO alternative? I’ve got you covered!

Optimizing your blog posts perfectly can be a real chore. From word count to “must” words, there’s a lot to think about and do to get it just right.

If you’ve read my SEO expert guides, then you know that there’s A LOT that goes into creating the perfect piece of content. It’s not enough to simply get Jasper to write you a 2,000+ word post and call it a day. Before you even start, you need content outlines full of keywords. Once that post has been written, you need to optimize it.

That means:

• Analyzing what’s currently ranking in SERP (the top 10 search results)
• Finding the best primary, secondary, tertiary – honestly, the list goes on – keywords to add into the post
• Combing through other posts and identifying “must words” which aren’t technically keywords but do need to be added
• Figuring out what questions people are asking Google about your topic (then answering them)

You can do all of this manually for free using Google… if you want. It’ll probably tack a few hours into your blog post research process just to find the right elements for the recipe, and another two or so to optimize your finished content… and that doesn’t include the actual research and writing part.

Or, you can get a tool like Surfer SEO.

I’ve been able to speed up my optimization process and cut down on the work I need to do by using a Surfer SEO alternative (specifically, RankIQ) and I think you’d benefit from one too.

Whether you’re a beginner blogger just getting started or someone experienced trying to publish more content, there’s a tool on this list for you.

19 Best Surfer SEO Alternatives in 2023

1. RankIQ

I’ve tested out A LOT of tools that will upgrade your overall content creation process, but RankIQ is one of the ones I rely on the most to create content briefs and find the best target keyword for a post. 

While there are both pros and cons of all the SEO tools I’ve tried, RankIQ is one of the best – especially when it comes to finding the right content brief builder. 

Not only does it help me ensure my content it optimized, but it does so in a budget friendly way. Their “lite”’ plan gives you access to eight reports for only $29 per month, while the $49 package offers you 16.

The content score helps me ensure I’ve used enough LSI keywords in my long-form content and that my related keywords are properly optimized. Many experienced content marketers use RankIQ in their business plan to speed up their competitor analysis.

It’s a content optimization tool that I rely on. It also has a content monitoring feature that can help you check in on your rankings and see what content you need to improve.

It’s one of the best popular Surfer SEO alternatives. 

Learn more about RankIQ here!

2. Frase

Frase aims to help you optimize your content for maximum visibility (not unlike most of the tools on our list). It helps you do the same thing as Surfer SEO by allowing you to optimize with the guidance of AI (artificial intelligence).

This optimization tool is built to provide guidance through the entire writing process. You can design an optimized brief in minutes, then start your work from there. As you write content, Frase checks off suggested words, helping you optimize your content so it stacks up against the competition.

You simply need to enter your chosen keyword and Frase’s AI does its work. Just like Surfer SEO, it generates a SERP overview, recommends the content length, and tells you what words you should be including (based on what’s already ranking).

Frase’s AI can also suggest content topics based on content you’ve already created to help your content planning. There is a keyword search function — but it’s not as good as Keysearch and it costs extra money to tack onto your basic plan.

While Frase is a great program, it’s not my favorite pick. It’s a little higher priced than some of the other Surfer alternatives.

It’s also primarily for working with longer form content, so it might not be the right program for everyone.

Try Frase here!

3. WriterZen

WriterZen is ideal for beginners because of their comprehensive internal education program. They teach you exactly what you need to do to take your content from idea to finished — and you can do it all from inside their platform.

With their $39 per month for their beginner option, you get:

• 50 content briefs per month
• 50 keyword lookups per day
• 25,000 keyword credits per month
• 5,000 AI writing words per month
• 50 topic lookups per day
• 25,000 words checked via the plagiarism checker

Not only that, but you get access to all the program’s capabilities.

Within a single program, you can do everything from finding the best keywords to optimizing content and to making sure it’s original. There’s also the option to cluster keywords, which can help you create more comprehensive content overall.

These unique features really make it stand out in the content optimization software world.

While WriterZen can create you an AI-driven brief, there’s the option to do things manually. With that in mind, it works for all levels of bloggers.

If you need more customization, there’s the option — but if you want everything done for you, you can do that too.

Try Writerzen here!

4. MarketMuse 

MarketMuse utilizes AI-driven technology to help optimize your content for Google search and maximize its visibility.

The program claims that it saves users up to eight hours of time per post. The catch is, it’s built for enterprises with considerable budgets.

If this is the program for you, you’ll need to be prepared to shell out the investment.

Before we get too far into the finer details, there is a freemium plan (aka a free plan but with limited access to the main features).

It allows a single user to use five queries per month; however, there is limited application data output.

If you need a ton of content, their unlimited briefs are locked in their premium custom plan.

Considering their middle-of-the-road plan is $150 per month, which still has considerable limitations, that’s a hefty price for their tool.

The reviews for this product are stellar, but the functionalities aren’t clearly laid out on their site. Instead, they want you to contact them for a demonstration.

If you have the budget, it might be worth looking into — but this tool is probably too much for the average blogger.

5. Clearscope

Clearscope is another SEO alternative that can help you optimize your long form content. Not only does it offer keyword suggestions to include in your content, but it weighs them by importance. The higher the score, the better the chance of optimization and organic traffic from rankings.

What I like most about this choice is that it has a great content editor that can be integrated with both Google Docs and WordPress — it’s a tool that can work where you do.

This can be a serious benefit, especially stacked against tools that require you to work inside them.

The catch is, it’s another expensive choice. Clearscope’s “Essentials” plan starts at $170 per month and gives you access to:

• 10 content reports
• 20 content inventory pages
• WordPress and Google Docs integration

If you need more than that, you’re looking at a “Business” or “Enterprise” plan. But both those plans have “custom” pricing that’s only available upon request.

The other thing that’s important to note, is that Clearscope only supports five languages, which might be a limitation for you.

6. PageOptimizer Pro

PageOptimizer Pro is another popular optimization tool. The real bonus you get here is that you can take this tool for a 7-day spin and see if it’s the right tool for you.

It’s a popular SEO tool built to help marketers optimize on-page SEO content (similar to everything else on our list). If you love the idea of a Chrome extension, this might just be the best pick because it comes with one!

Another big benefit is that PageOptimizer Pro works in all languages and alphabets (according to their website), so it’s really built for everyone.

What most love about PageOptimizer Pro is that it offers you flexible workflows that help make your job easier. You get full control over the set up, which can include picking your own competitors and importing the best terms — this way you know the content you’re working on is built for your audience.

Its feature set includes the:

• Content Brief — where you can grade your content to see how much its optimized
• Chrome Extension — so you can work where you need to
• Content Editor — which tells you how changes will effect your page as you make them
• Advanced Mode — so you can customize what you need to

It’s a great tool that you can access for as little as $27 for 12 reports — making it not only competitive with functionality but pricing too. Whether you want to optimize existing content or create something new it could be worth it.

7. RankMath Content AI

RankMath is my top pick for WordPress SEO optimization. The free version of this plugin gives you more than enough information to help make sure that your content is set up to rank for the right keywords.

There is also a Pro version of RankMath that lets you take things a step further, helping you track rankings and find additional optimization opportunities right from your WordPress dashboard. However, their AI credits are what really bring it up to Surfer SEO’s level.

RankMath’s content AI provides you suggestions on how to better optimize right in your WordPress dashboard (where you’re already working).

It tells you what keywords to add, questions you should be answering, how many words to write, headings to use, and links to insert, and can even help you find credible sources to link to that Google will like.

The big downside to RankMath Content AI is that only 5 credits are included in the Pro subscription (and none in free). If you want to take full advantage of this, you’ll need to opt for an AI-specific plan that starts at $19 annually for 50 credits.

Try Rankmath AI here!

8. Keysearch Content Assistant

I recommend Keysearch a lot because it’s a genuinely great tool for both new and experienced bloggers. It does the same job that that major players like Ahrefs and SEMrush do, but for considerably less.

Don’t get me wrong, there are some advantages of sticking with the bigger programs — but this one truly pays for itself. I got into Mediavine with only Keysearch in my SEO tool belt.

While I most often talk about using Keysearch to find great keywords and content ideas, it also has a Content Assistant built right in. That means if you legitimately only have a small budget for one tool, this is the one for you.

The Keysearch content assistant helps you break down what type of content Google wants. While this is NOT a replacement for solid keyword research, it does give you a better chance to create content that search engines like.

The best part is that after you’ve found the right keyword and created some solid content with the assistant, you can then track your rankings… all from right inside Keysearch!

This is truly the most budget friendly all-in-one SEO tool for beginner bloggers.

👉 Get Keysearch – my favourite keyword research tool – for 30% off with code “sheknowsseo”!

How to Use Keysearch for Your Blog’s SEO

9. SEMrush Writing Assistant

SEMrush is a full-fledged keyword and rank tracking tool that happens to have a writing assistant attached to it.

Before we get into it, we need to make it clear that this program was not designed FOR optimizing your content. That functionality was more recently added on. That said, just because it wasn’t the intended purpose, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t do a good job.

One of my favorite capabilities of their writing assistant is that it has a Google Docs add-on, so it works where you write! This is a great tool for anyone who wants an all-in-one suite. You can research competitors and keywords, plan your content, and make sure its fully optimized all within one single tool.

This is one of the best keyword research tools you can get your hands on — and the pricing really does show it. The biggest downside to this is that the starting price for an SEMrush plan that includes the content assistant (the Guru plan) is $229.95 per month. If you’re just starting out, this probably won’t be the best option.

Try SEMrush here!

10. Ahrefs

Ahrefs is an incredibly powerful full suite SEO tool that helps you find the best keywords and analyze domains, competitors and backlinks. It even has a content explorer which allows you to see potential ranking factors and get an overall better look into your SEO strategy.

Honestly, it’s my favorite SEO tool IF you have the big budget to support it. To clarify: you don’t NEED it to get the job done — Keysearch can do a mighty fine job if you want to save some coin.

Unlike Keysearch and Semrush (both direct competitors for Ahrefs), this tool does not feature an internal content assistant. At least, not like you’ll find in Surfer SEO where it essentially tells you what to do to optimize your content. However, you can get the same job done.

The Ahrefs database can help you uncover most of the insights that you’ll find with a typical SEO optimization tool, you’ll just have to do it manually. This tool (as a competitor for Surfer SEO) would be best utilized by an experienced SEO who doesn’t require a system to walk them through the steps.

How to Use Ahrefs

More Surfer SEO Alternatives

11. Content Harmony

Content Harmony’s base plan starts at $99, so this isn’t the best budget-friendly option. But it helps you quickly identify search intend, which means you have a better chance of catching the eye of the right reader.

12. Conductor

Conductor’s pricing is NOT disclosed openly on their website, which makes me hesitant to recommend them at all. But their tool functions more like a cross over between something like Ahrefs and an editor like Surfer SEO. They do have a free trial so you can test them out.

13. seoClarity

If you have a BIG budget, seoClarity might be for you. Their pricing plans aren’t disclosed on their site, but start at a whopping $3,000+ per month. However, they do provide a full-suite service that offers you pretty much every tool laid out in this list on a single platform. If you’ve got a lot to manager, it could be a solid option.

14. GrowthBar

GrowthBar is a new Surfer SEO alternative at the market. With plans starting at $29 per month, it helps you find longtail keywords and produce rank-worthy content.

15. Topic

Topic is focused on serving agencies with an affordable $80 monthly starting plan. With an easy-to-use outline builder that helps you quickly create the content you need, it reduces the time it takes to craft content briefs and ensures that all your documents are consistent across projects.

16. Dashword

Dashword is great for anyone looking for an affordable Surfer SEO alternative with pricing starting at $39 per month. Its page optimizer helps you create quality content at scale, and the system is overall easy to use.

17. RankScience

If you’re not an experienced SEO, RankScience can be confusing. It uses AI technology to suggest keywords that will bring you traffic. But their pricing starts at $225 per month, which is considerably higher than most other options.

18. SE Ranking

SE Ranking is another great all-in-one option, with pricing between Keysearch and Semrush. It has built-in features to help you optimize content, like its Content Editor which helps you create a brief and optimize right inside their platform.

19. Neuron Writer

Neuron Writer works just like Surfer SEO, but its €19 price tag makes it a bit more affordable. It functions the same as similar products showing you things like expected word count and search intent per month, but I don’t like its content editor as much. However, they’ve been on AppSumo in the past year, so if you can snag a lifetime deal there you’re in for a treat!

What is SurferSEO? 

If you’ve never used it before, SurferSEO is a tool that’s designed to help you optimize your written content. You enter the keyword you’re targeting, and its AI-based system builds you a brief that tells you everything from how many words you need to write to what you need to cover in the post. It’s a pretty nifty tool that can help you create some stellar content.

Is SurferSEO free?

No, SurferSEO is not free. Plans start at $49/mo. You can get a free trial of the tool for 7 days, and a 7 day package for $1 if you have a Jasper.ai account.

Conclusion: Best SurferSEO Alternative

If you’re looking to improve your content marketing game, you’ll need a tool like Surfer SEO. While there’s no true Surfer SEO free alternative, there are some budget-friendly tools on the list that can seriously up your game.

My favorite tool, and the one I rely on most often, is RankIQ. If you’ve never tried it out, I would highly recommend it (I even did an in-depth review of how I use it and why I love it).

Ultimately, it gives you access to everything you need to beef up your content strategy. But it does so for considerably less money than Surfer SEO.

Looking to learn more about keyword research? Check out this post on how many keywords to use in a blog post.

See More Amazing Blogging Tools And My Honest Reviews

• Ezoic Review: Will it Increase Your Blog Revenue?
• Travelpayouts Review: 6 Figure Travel Blogger Weighs In
• Honest RankIQ Review: Is It Worth It for SEO?
• Try Interact Quiz Review: How I Grow My Email List By 1300+ Monthly!
• Lyrical Host Review: The #1 Host for Bloggers
• Travel Blogging Summit Denver 2022 Review & Key Takeaways
• My Honest Jasper.ai Review: The Best AI for SEO Blog Posts
• 19 Best Surfer SEO Alternatives for Bloggers
• 23 Best Ahrefs Alternatives For Bloggers (Free & Paid)
• 12 Best Ubersuggest Alternatives for Keyword Research
• Essential WordPress SEO Plugins for Bloggers

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