We’ve all been there… stuck at the crossroads of SEO choices, wondering if something like SurferSEO is the real deal or just more overhyped noise.
These questions are questions I feel you might have… I know I had them, do you might find them useful…
Before dropping a chunk of your budget, you should know what’s really going on under the hood.
Now, I’m not here to sugarcoat anything or throw around empty promises. I’ve dug up the questions you likely have about SurferSEO, you know… the ones you won’t find in those fluffy, overly polite SurferSEO reviews (which the one via thsi link is not).
No BS, just practical, no-nonsense answers to help you figure out if SurferSEO is your secret weapon or just another shiny distraction.
Alright, let’s get right into this SurferSEO FAQ and break down those questions to get you some real answers. Sound good?
Oh… btw – this is an FAQ… so as much as I have tried to make it user friendly… sometimes it is text heavy… so, if you find this, shoot me a clarification question below in the comments.
SO let’s get into this SurferSEO FAQ
Contents
About Features and Functionality
- Is the Auto-Optimize feature customizable? Can users adjust specific optimizations to match their preferences or target audience?
- Yes, SurferSEO’s Auto-Optimize feature is customizable. Before running Auto-Optimize, you can simply adjust content structure using the Surfer Content Editor, such as selecting competitors, modifying content structure, and choosing specific terms to include or exclude. This allows you to tailor optimizations to what your preferences are and also your target audience.
- How does the Humanizer feature compare to other AI tools for natural writing? Are there limitations or specific scenarios where it doesn’t perform well?
- SurferSEO’s Humanizer changes AI-generated text (even from the Surfer AI writer)into more human-like content by adjusting patterns typical of AI writing. While it’s OK…honestly, it does need an edit… always, and when it comes to highly technical or creative content… it can well, let’s just say… fall short.
- Does the Internal Linking tool require manual verification? How reliable is it at choosing the best anchor texts and link placements?
- SurferSEO’s Internal Linking tool automates the process by suggesting anchor texts and link placements based on your content. But, manual verification is 100% recommended. It isn’t the best… To be honest… feed ChatGPT your sitemap file and get it to contextually link.
Setup and Integration
- Can SurferSEO be integrated with platforms beyond WordPress and Google Docs? Are there any planned updates for more integrations?
- Yes, SurferSEO goes further than WordPress and Google Docs. It offers a Chrome extension that integrates with ChatGPT, allowing you to create and optimize content directly within the ChatGPT interface. Also… The Surfer SEO Integrations include Contentful, to manage your content creation process within this CMS platform.
- I’d imagine so… nothing is said in public, but honestly, a company like Surfer is smart… they adapt, grow, and well, you know what I mean.
- How seamless is the experience of using SurferSEO on a mobile device? Does the interface maintain usability on smartphones or tablets?
- SurferSEO is for desktop use… it’s just easier. You can do it on mobile, but honestly… with the nature of the tools and the amount of data displayed… it’s not easy, or user friendly.
Practical Usage
- What are the typical scenarios where SurferSEO’s recommendations might need to be overridden? Are there cases where following its guidelines can be counterproductive?
- SurferSEO provides data-driven recommendations… but you do need to check ya sh!t!
- Unique Brand Voice: If your brand has a distinctive tone, change it up… human edit it.. come on, you know this. Also, get stuck into their tone changer (I think that’s the name – feed it real you)… this helps.
- Niche Topics: For specialized subjects with limited data… think new, or even sometimes academic content, Surfer will have issues capturing the nuances of the niche… this is where you come in to fill the gaps.
- User Experience: Over-optimizing for SEO can sometimes compromise readability or user engagement. Always prioritize your audience’s experience over algorithmic perfection…. basically… don’t keyword stuff.
- Look SurferSEO is awesome, and gives great insights, but… balance what you get with your judgment and the specific needs of your content.
- How frequently does the platform experience downtime? If it happens monthly, is there any compensation or explanation from SurferSEO?
- SurferSEO is reliable, with minimal downtime… in the near year I’ve been using it, it’s been down twice, for about 5-15 minutes. Nothing worth having a conniption fit over… grab a coffee, relax, and let the team get their work going on.
Comparisons and Alternatives
- What are the main drawbacks when comparing SurferSEO to Clearscope or Frase? Are there any specific use cases where those tools would be preferable?
- SurferSEO, Clearscope, and Frase each have their strengths, but there are scenarios where Clearscope or Frase might be more suitable:
- User Interface and Learning Curve: I think SurferSEO’s interface is awesome… some think it’s less intuitive, more of a learning curve required. Clearscope has a user-friendly design, making it easier for beginners to navigate… not as good in my opinion though.
- Content Creation Focus: SurferSEO is the daddy… what I mean by this, if you value quality analysis, and great content go with SurefrSEO… But, if you just want content creation tools for quick ass content… shoot for Frase…
- Pricing: SurferSEO’s pricing can be a barrier for some, especially freelancers or small businesses. Frase provides more affordable plans, which might be preferable for those on a tight budget. But… and here’s my quip on this… if you don’t use the Surfer tool to its full ability, then you will complain… if you do, you won’t. Start on the smallest plan… learn the ropes, and upgrade.
- For ease of use, advanced content creation features, or budget-friendly options, Clearscope or Frase might be more wat you need… if you want better content… Surfer is the way to go.
- Is SurferSEO effective for e-commerce SEO strategies? How does it handle product-based content and descriptions?
- SurferSEO is ok… but it has some provisos… (love this word… when Robin Williams played the Genie in Alladin)
- Content Editor Limitations: SurferSEO’s Content Editor is primarily designed for blog content and doesn’t natively support e-commerce product descriptions. But it can…
- Keyword Research: SurferSEO has keyword research tools that can help identify relevant terms for product pages, helping you optimize product descriptions.
- But listen… SurferSEO isn’t tailored specifically for e-commerce, with some customization, it can still provide value in optimizing product-based content… but I’m sure there is a better option out there for you.
Subscription and Pricing
- What’s included in the AI-generated articles on the different pricing plans? Are there restrictions or quality limitations on these articles?
- SurferSEO’s AI-generated articles are crafted to be SEO-optimized and ready to rank… ummmm… not really, sure they are solid… but you need to edit them, or you lose your voice. The quality across all plans is solid too… the main difference lies in the number of AI-generated articles you can produce monthly. The Scale AI plan gives you 30 AI writer credits that renew monthly or annually. If you need more articles beyond your plan’s limit, you can purchase additional AI credits as needed. My thoughts… use them on a starter side project site… see how they rank, look at your analytics and search console… then, you’ll know… remember SEO is a singular niche game… what works in one, might not be as useful in another.
- Does SurferSEO have any hidden costs? For instance, are there additional fees for data usage, exporting features, or premium support?
- SurferSEO’s pricing is transparent, with no hidden costs. If you exceed your plan’s credit limits, you can buy additional credits. All these options are clearly outlined, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying for… which is why, when you do… have a plan in place of what you are going to create beforehand.
Real-World Application
- How steep is the learning curve for beginners who are not familiar with SEO? Does the platform offer adequate onboarding and support?
- It’s not much… I made a video for a new writer, took me 10 minutes… he got it… it’s a solid and accessible platform even for those new to SEO. You do have onboarding resources, including tutorials and guides, to help users get started… but best just ask me if you want. They have a Surfer Academy with training videos and live sessions led by experts… but it’s like watching paint dry.
- What results can be expected within the first month of using SurferSEO? Are there examples of success stories beyond your own?
- Yep… I’m on page 2 in Google, page 1 in Bing in the USA for a very highly competitive search term (plus a bunch more for a site that is at the time of writing this, less than 2 months old on a brand new domain)… but honestly… I hammer things… so if you don’t hammer… results can vary, but overtime you will 100% see improvements in search rankings and organic traffic.(.)
SurferSEO Frequently Asked Questions Final thoughts…
Loooooook… let me be Frank (Spencer). I did this SurferSEO FAQ because sometimes you just have some extra questions that need answered.
I know I do… I also did it to show you that FAQs don’t need to be boring… they are content pieces in themselves… use them to help people, but also, have a bit of fun with them.
In any review… KNOW YOUR PRODUCT… the FAQs will follow… because mostly… they will be yours…
If you haven’t gone ahead and checked out my complete SEOSurfer writeup make sure you give it a whirl…
If these questions helped you make up your mind, then please do wham that Get Surfer Now Button… (it’s got my affiliate link, so if you purchase, I will make a commission at no extra cost to you)…
As Borat would say… great success,
Ciaran
P.S: Did I miss any… let me know below…
