- Surfer SEO is a data-driven content optimization tool: It analyzes top-ranking pages and over 500 ranking factors to help you create content that ranks higher.
- Keyword research and search intent are crucial: Choose the right keywords and align your content with informational, commercial, transactional, or navigational intent.
- Content Editor and real-time optimization boost performance: Use Surfer SEO’s Content Editor to structure your headings, include relevant keywords, and optimize word count.
- Audits and tracking improve existing content: Conduct content audits and monitor rankings with the SERP Analyzer to identify gaps and optimize for better results.
- Collaboration and integrations streamline workflow: Work with your team in Surfer SEO, and integrate with tools like Google Docs, WordPress, Ahrefs, or SEMrush for efficiency.
- Repurposing and advanced strategies maximize SEO impact: Refresh old content, target featured snippets, use semantic keywords, and follow NLP recommendations for higher rankings.
If you’re a beginner in SEO or content marketing, you’ve probably heard of Surfer SEO. It’s one of the most popular tools that helps content creators, bloggers, and marketers optimize their articles to rank higher on Google. But if you’ve never used it before, it can feel a little overwhelming. This guide will walk you through exactly how to use Surfer SEO, step by step, so you can start creating content that performs better in search engines.
What Is Surfer SEO and Why Should You Use It?
Before diving into the tool, it’s important to understand what Surfer SEO is and why it matters.
Surfer SEO is a cloud-based SEO tool designed to analyze and improve your content based on data from Google’s top-ranking pages. It looks at over 500 ranking factors including:
- Word count
- Keyword usage
- Backlinks
- Page structure
- Semantic keywords
Using Surfer SEO can help you:
- Identify content gaps in your niche
- Optimize articles to match search intent
- Increase organic traffic without guesswork
- Save time on manual keyword research
In short, it’s like having a roadmap to create content Google loves.
How Does Surfer SEO Work?
Surfer SEO uses AI and big data to compare your content against competitors. When you enter a keyword, it pulls data from the top-ranking pages for that keyword. You get insights on:
- The ideal word count for your article
- How often keywords and related terms appear
- How headings are structured
- The number of images and multimedia used
- Internal and external linking patterns
This data-driven approach lets you write smarter, not harder.
Step 1: Sign Up and Set Up Your Account
Getting started with Surfer SEO is straightforward.
- Go to the Surfer SEO website.
- Choose a subscription plan (there’s usually a free trial).
- Create your account with an email and password.
- Log in and familiarize yourself with the dashboard.
The dashboard is where you’ll manage your projects, audit content, and generate new articles. Spend a few minutes exploring it—it’s user-friendly and intuitive.
Step 2: Keyword Research with Surfer SEO
One of the first steps in any SEO strategy is choosing the right keywords. Surfer SEO makes it simple.
How to Find Keywords
- Click on the “Keyword Research” tab.
- Enter your main topic or keyword.
- Surfer SEO will generate a list of related keywords, search volumes, and difficulty scores.
- Look for keywords with moderate competition and decent search volume—they’re easier to rank for as a beginner.
Understanding Search Intent
Not all keywords are equal. Search intent is the reason someone is searching. It usually falls into three categories:
- Informational: Looking for answers (e.g., “how to use Surfer SEO”)
- Transactional: Ready to buy (e.g., “Surfer SEO pricing”)
- Navigational: Looking for a specific website (e.g., “Surfer SEO login”)
Make sure your content aligns with the intent of the keywords you target.
Step 3: Create a New Content Editor Project
Once you’ve chosen your keyword, it’s time to create a content outline.
- Click on the “Content Editor” tab.
- Enter your target keyword.
- Select your preferred location and language for the analysis.
- Surfer SEO will analyze the top 10–50 pages ranking for that keyword.
This analysis forms the basis for your content optimization.
What Surfer SEO Tells You in Content Editor
- Recommended word count
- Suggested keywords and their frequency
- Ideal headings (H1, H2, H3)
- LSI keywords to include
- Page structure tips
By following these recommendations, you increase your chances of ranking higher in Google search results.
Step 4: Optimize Your Content Using Surfer SEO
Now that your project is set up, you can start writing. Surfer SEO provides real-time feedback as you type.
Tips for Optimizing Your Content
- Use the recommended keywords naturally. Avoid stuffing them.
- Follow the suggested word count but prioritize quality over quantity.
- Structure your headings logically (H2 for main sections, H3 for subsections).
- Include multimedia like images, videos, or infographics to improve engagement.
- Add internal links to other relevant pages on your website.
Using the Keyword Surfer Bar
Surfer SEO also has a Chrome extension called Keyword Surfer. It shows keyword data directly in Google search results. Use it to:
- Check monthly search volumes
- Discover related keywords
- Track competitors’ top-performing pages
Step 5: Conduct a Content Audit
If you already have content, you don’t need to start from scratch. Surfer SEO can audit existing pages to find opportunities for improvement.
How to Audit Your Content
- Go to the “Audit” tab.
- Enter the URL of the page you want to analyze.
- Enter your target keyword.
- Surfer SEO will give you a score and list actionable suggestions, such as:
- Add missing keywords
- Improve heading structure
- Adjust word count
- Add internal links
Content audits are a fast way to boost rankings without rewriting your entire article.
Step 6: Track Your Rankings
Optimizing content is just the start. You need to see if your efforts are paying off. Surfer SEO lets you track your rankings over time.
How to Use the SERP Analyzer
- Enter your keyword in the SERP Analyzer tool.
- See which pages rank at the top and why.
- Track your own page’s ranking improvements.
Regular tracking helps you refine your strategy and spot new opportunities.
Step 7: Integrate Surfer SEO with Other Tools
Surfer SEO works best when combined with other SEO and content tools.
Useful Integrations
- Google Docs: Write and optimize content directly in Google Docs using the Surfer plugin.
- WordPress: Use the Surfer plugin to optimize posts in real-time before publishing.
- Ahrefs or SEMrush: Use these tools for backlink analysis, then optimize content in Surfer SEO.
These integrations save time and streamline the content creation process.
Step 8: Collaborate with Your Team Using Surfer SEO
If you’re working with a team of writers, editors, or SEO specialists, Surfer SEO has features that make collaboration much easier.
How to Collaborate Effectively
- Share Projects: You can invite team members to your Content Editor projects so they can see recommendations in real-time.
- Assign Tasks: Give each writer or editor specific sections to optimize, based on keyword or heading suggestions.
- Comment and Review: Use Surfer SEO’s built-in commenting system to provide feedback directly in the content editor.
- Track Progress: Monitor who has completed edits and which sections still need attention.
Collaborating within Surfer SEO ensures everyone is aligned on SEO goals and reduces the back-and-forth between multiple tools or emails.
Step 9: Repurpose Existing Content for SEO Wins
Another powerful way to use Surfer SEO is to repurpose old content to improve rankings and save time.
How to Repurpose Content
- Update Keywords: Use Surfer SEO to find new high-volume or low-competition keywords to incorporate into existing posts.
- Expand Sections: Identify underdeveloped headings and add depth or new subtopics suggested by Surfer SEO.
- Optimize for Featured Snippets: Reformat bullet points, tables, and headings to target “People Also Ask” or snippet positions.
- Refresh Multimedia: Add images, charts, or videos to make content more engaging.
- Internal Linking: Use Surfer SEO suggestions to link to newer pages on your site for better SEO juice.
Repurposing content with Surfer SEO can give older posts a second life, boost traffic, and help you rank faster without starting from scratch.
Step 10: Follow Advanced Tips for Using Surfer SEO
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, here are some advanced strategies:
- Focus on Semantic Keywords: Use LSI keywords to signal relevance to Google.
- Analyze Competitor Content Structure: Look at how top pages organize their headings, lists, and multimedia.
- Optimize for Featured Snippets: Surfer SEO can help you identify questions your audience is asking and structure content to capture snippet positions.
- Use NLP Recommendations: Surfer SEO now includes natural language processing suggestions to make your content more contextually relevant.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Even with a tool like Surfer SEO, beginners often stumble. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overstuffing Keywords: Focus on readability and user experience first.
- Ignoring User Intent: Writing content that doesn’t match the search intent won’t rank well.
- Neglecting On-Page SEO: Meta titles, descriptions, and internal linking matter too.
- Copying Competitors Blindly: Use competitor analysis as a guide, not a blueprint.
Surfer SEO vs Other SEO Tools
You might be wondering how Surfer SEO compares to other popular SEO tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz.
- Surfer SEO: Best for content optimization and structure analysis.
- Ahrefs: Strong in backlink analysis, keyword research, and competitive research.
- SEMrush: Comprehensive all-in-one SEO tool with technical audits, keyword tracking, and advertising insights.
- Moz: Good for beginner-friendly keyword research and site audits.
For beginners focused on content creation, Surfer SEO is often the most practical starting point.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
SEO isn’t instant. With Surfer SEO:
- Minor content adjustments may show results in 2–4 weeks.
- Significant optimizations or new articles can take 3–6 months to rank.
- Tracking and continuous updates are key for long-term success.
Patience and consistent use of Surfer SEO will pay off.
Surfer SEO Pricing Overview
Surfer SEO offers several plans depending on your needs:
- Basic: Ideal for beginners managing a few projects.
- Pro: For small agencies or content teams.
- Business: For larger teams needing multiple accounts and advanced features.
Prices vary, and there’s usually a free trial for testing the tool.
Final Verdict: Is Surfer SEO Worth It?
If your goal is to write content that ranks higher in Google, Surfer SEO is worth considering. It’s beginner-friendly, data-driven, and integrates with the tools you already use. The key is to combine it with good writing practices, consistent posting, and regular audits.
Using Surfer SEO can help you:
- Save time on keyword research and content optimization
- Understand what Google prefers for your topic
- Improve your content’s performance and user engagement
- Build a long-term SEO strategy without guesswork
With this guide, you now know exactly how to use Surfer SEO from start to finish. The next step is to dive in, create your first project, and see your rankings improve.
