How to Use Surfer SEO

Getting started with Surfer SEO

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up Surfer SEO and create optimised content that ranks well in search engines. By following these steps, you’ll be able to analyse top-ranking pages and receive real-time writing guidelines to enhance your SEO efforts.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Surfer SEO website.
2. Click on the Get Started button at the top right corner.
3. Choose a plan that suits your needs—note that there’s no free tier, but you can opt for a trial if available.
4. Fill in your details and complete the payment process.
5. Once signed up, log in to your account.

Step 2: Your first optimisation

1. On the dashboard, click on Create New Document.
2. Enter your target keyword in the search bar and click Create.
3. Surfer will generate a content editor with real-time guidelines based on the top-ranking pages for your keyword.
4. Write your content in the editor; pay attention to the suggestions on the right panel, which includes word count, headings, and keyword usage.
5. Once you've finished, click on the Analyse button to see how well your content aligns with SEO best practices.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the Content Planner feature to see what topics and keywords you should cover for better optimisation.
2. Incorporate the suggested keywords and phrases into your content to improve relevance.
3. Adjust your headings and subheadings according to the recommendations to enhance readability and SEO.
4. Regularly check the Audit tab to get insights on how your content can be improved after writing.

Pro tip

Use the Keyword Research tool within Surfer SEO to identify additional keywords and related terms that can boost your content’s visibility. This saves you time by providing a comprehensive list of keywords in one place.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid ignoring the real-time suggestions provided by Surfer SEO while writing. Many beginners overlook these recommendations, which can result in content that is not fully optimised for search engines. Always refer to the right panel for guidance as you write.