Surfer SEO has long been a top content optimization tool trusted by bloggers, marketers and website owners across the web. With its user-friendly interface, customizable editor and wealth of features to help boost rankings, it‘s easy to see the appeal.
However, with so many great alternatives emerging in recent years, it pays to keep your options open – especially if you‘re working with a tight budget.
To help you find the best fit for your needs, I‘ve analyzed the top 7 Surfer SEO alternatives for 2024 based on features, pricing, support and more. Read on for all the details!
How I Selected the Best Surfer SEO Alternatives
Choosing a content optimization platform is an important decision that can make or break your online success. With that in mind, I used a rigorous process to select the very best Surfer SEO contenders:
Industry Research: I poured over recent software reviews, blog posts from 2023 and product update announcements to capture an accurate view of the latest features and vendor landscape.
Feature Comparisons: I thoroughly inspected the tools to compare core optimization functionality, writing aids, analysis tools, integration options and ease of use.
Cost Considerations: I compared pricing structures across all solutions, including free plans and discounts for annual commitments.
Ideal User Analysis: With an eye toward distinct use cases, I noted tools best suited for freelance writers vs. agencies and small businesses vs. enterprises.
Combined, this multi-layered approach yielded the top-tier content optimization platforms and Surfer SEO alternatives worth your consideration in 2024.
Best Surfer SEO Alternatives: Summarized
Before we dig into detailed reviews, here‘s a high-level overview of our top picks:
| Platform | Best For | Strengths | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frase | Content teams needing writing aids | AI writing generation, great analytics | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scalenut | Small agencies and freelancers | Broad feature set, excellent support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭆ |
| SE Ranking | Tight budgets needing SEO essentials | Very affordable, all-in-one SEO suite | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭆ |
| Outranking | Collaborative writing workflows | Real-time collaboration, document sharing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭆ |
| Dashword | Monitoring published content | Post-publish tracking and alerts | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭆ |
| Content Harmony | Understanding keyword difficulty | Unique keyword metrics and scoring | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PageOptimizer | DIYers optimizing their own sites | Chrome plugin for direct editing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Next let‘s explore the capabilities, value and ideal use cases of each platform in more detail.
1. Frase – Best Overall Surfer Alternative
For most users, Frase represents the complete package when it comes to Surfer SEO alternatives. It combines exceptional content optimization with AI writing capabilities for enhanced productivity.
Key Features
Frase equips you with every tool needed to optimize, analyze and create high-ranking content:
- Content Editor: Visually optimize pages by comparing keyword usage, images, headers against top-ranking competitors. Receive actionable SEO advice.
- Focus Mode: Eliminates on-screen distractions so you can write distraction-free.
- AI Writing: Generate draft blog posts, marketing copy, FAQs, emails and more with the power of AI. Fully customizable.
- Outline Builder: Instantly develop optimized content outlines using AI algorithms.
- Rewriter: Rewrite and enhance paragraphs by tapping into GPT-3 intelligence.
- Analytics: Review important metrics like rankings, clicks and more to inform content efforts.
Pros
- One of the most robust SEO and writing workflow tools available
- Helps drive high search visibility through excellent optimization
- Save time using AI content generation
- Ongoing major improvements with regular new feature releases
Cons
- Higher learning curve than some alternatives
- Can take time to customize AI writing to brand voice needs
Pricing
- Starter: $25/month (billed annually)
- Team: $66/month (billed annually)
- Business: $124/month (billed annually)
- All plans include a free 7-day trial
Verdict: With best-in-class optimization plus writing aids, Frase is our top Surfer SEO alternative for 2024. Perfect for teams.
2. Scalenut – Excellent for Freelancers
Scalenut stands out for offering robust SEO capabilities coupled with AI content writing aimed at freelancers and small teams.
Key Features
Scalenut comes equipped to handle content research, creation and optimization from A to Z:
- SEO Editor: Optimize pages by evaluating focus keywords, outlines, media and more.
- Content Score: Real-time grading of readability, structure, engagement and more.
- AI Writing: Generate drafts or enhanced paragraphs using the power of AI.
- Keyword Research: Identify profitable, low competition keywords that align with buyer intent.
- Templates: Access lists of proven SEO content templates, structures and frameworks.
Pros
- Excellent package for freelance writers
- Very intuitive user interface
- Quality 24/7 live chat support
- Generous free trial period
Cons
- Not as many keywords research sources as some tools
- Editing process takes slightly more clicks than desired
Pricing
- Starter: $55/month (billed annually)
- Business: $95/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Quote-based custom pricing
Verdict: Scalenut is ideal for solopreneurs and boutique teams wanting SEO and writing firepower.
3. SE Ranking – Most Affordable All-in-One Suite
SE Ranking has earned a reputation for packing tremendous SEO value into its budget-friendly platform.
Key Features
As an expansive all-in-one SEO suite, SE Ranking offers a vast feature set:
- Content Editor: Optimize pages for target keywords usage, length, images, headings and more.
- On-Page Grader: Evaluate page SEO across 100+ checkpoints to optimize further.
- Rank Tracker: Monitor website ranking globally or locally across keywords.
- Site Auditor: Run 70+ site health checks for performance, speed and security.
- Backlink Analysis: Assess link profile strengths and weaknesses.
- Keyword Research: Discover new opportunities leveraging numerous 3rd party sources.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing for what‘s included
- Tons of educational resources
- Nice collection of rank and site tracking tools
- Free version available
Cons
- Interface shows its budget nature
- SEO editor less robust than some alternatives
- Numerous feature advertisements
Pricing
- Starter: $49/month (billed annually)
- Business: $79/month (billed annually)
- Professional: $119/month (billed annually)
Verdict: SE Ranking packs tremendous SEO value into a very affordable package.
4. Outranking – Best for Content Collaboration
Outranking makes it incredibly simple for teams to create, optimize and publish SEO content together.
Key Features
Outranking focuses deeply on simplifying collaboration:
- Content Editor: Visually optimize pages alongside teammates or clients in real-time.
- Competitor Research: Analyze high-ranking competitor content side-by-side.
- AI Outlining: Instantly develop SEO-optimized outlines incorporating target keywords.
- In-Document Comments: Provide feedback directly within the content editor.
- External Sharing: Smoothly share drafts and briefs outside the platform via Google Docs, Word and more.
Pros
- Excellent real-time co-editing capabilities
- Handy Chrome extension to access editor from browser
- Brainstorming features like polls and outlines
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Light on post-publish analytics
- Email support response times slower than chat
Pricing
- Creator: $59/month (billed annually)
- Team: $149/month (billed annually)
- Business: $249/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom quote
Verdict: Outranking stands out as a top-tier collaborative content editor and optimization workflow.
5. Dashword – Specialized in Post-Publish Tracking
While not a fully fledged SEO platform, Dashword excels in an area many tools overlook: monitoring published content performance.
Key Features
Dashword focuses deeply on helping you track and act on released content:
- Post-Publish Dashboard: Centralized reporting on published content with metrics for clicks, shares, conversions and more.
- Alerts: Proactively warns you when page metrics fall below desired thresholds.
- Weekly Reporting: Get automatic email digests of key content stats and trends.
- Google Docs Add-On: Easily access recommendations right within your Google Doc editor.
Pros
- One of the only solutions providing robust post-publish tracking
- Very reasonably priced
- Generous affiliate program
Cons
- Light on content creation features
- Chrome extension only available in beta
Pricing
- Team: $99/month (billed annually)
- Agency: $199/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom quote
- Free version provides basic analytics
Verdict: Dashword is a specialist uniquely focused on helping you optimize already released content.
6. Content Harmony – Best Keyword Metrics
While a bit lighter in overall capabilities, Content Harmony stands out by providing excellent visibility into keyword difficulty metrics.
Key Features
Content Harmony offers robust analytics around keyword competition:
- Keyword Difficulty: Clearly segments difficulty into Content, Link and Domain sub-scores with explanations around improving each.
- Keyword Groupings: Automatically groups related keywords together by topic for easy access.
- Content Grading: Provides letter grades evaluating optimization status across key areas like readability, word count and more.
- Google Docs Integration: Easily access key metrics and recommendations without leaving your document.
Pros
- Unique keyword difficulty visibility
- Simple and intuitive user interface
- Unlimited sharing of content briefs
- Free team training
Cons
- Lighter in actual writing and publishing integrations
- Chrome extension in beta
Pricing
- Personal: $12/month (billed annually)
- Teams: Starts at $99/month (billed annually)
- Quote-based custom enterprise pricing
Verdict: Content Harmony stands out for making keyword difficulty analysis a breeze.
7. Page Optimizer Pro – Best DIY On-Page Grader
Page Optimizer Pro empowers website owners to manually improve on-page SEO step-by-step.
Key Features
Page Optimizer Pro focuses deeply on clear optimization recommendations:
- On-Page Grader: Instantly score pages across 100+ SEO checkpoints like titles, headers, media and more.
- Chrome Extension: Smoothly access scoring and tips without leaving your live editor.
- Optimizing Steps: Get specific advice to boost page grade across all best practice areas.
- Show Impact: Grades update in real-time as you make improvements.
- Content Briefs: Consolidates optimization recommendations and notes in shareable documents.
Pros
- Enables hands-on fine-tuning of SEO elements
- Nice integration with many site builders and CMS platforms
- Very affordable pricing
Cons
- Lacks automation of other tools
- Requires diligence acting on all recommendations
Pricing
- Basic: $27/month (billed annually)
- Pro: $67/month (billed annually)
- Power: $207/month (billed annually)
Verdict: Page Optimizer Pro perfectly meets the needs of DIYers willing to put in optimization elbow grease.
Find the Best Surfer SEO Alternative for You
While Surfer SEO still holds up as a reliable choice, there are now numerous alternatives matching (or even exceeding) its capabilities – many at lower price points.
I recommend:
- Frase for larger teams needing integrated writing tools
- Scalenut for solopreneurs and boutique teams
- SE Ranking for catching robust SEO fundamentals on a budget
- Outranking for simplified collaboration and co-editing
- Dashword for honing in specifically on post-publish analytics
No matter which direction you choose to go in 2024 and beyond, dedicating attention to regularly optimizing website content remains one of the highest return-on-investment SEO activities out there.
Now armed with this complete guide to the top Surfer SEO alternatives, you have an ideal starting point to select the best solution fitting your specific use case. Best of luck with your 2024 SEO content efforts!
