10 Best AI SEO Tools in 2023 (Reviewed & Free Trial)

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a critical component of any successful digital marketing strategy.

It's the secret sauce that helps websites climb the ranks of Google's search results, driving organic traffic and boosting online visibility.

But with the ever-evolving algorithms and ranking factors, mastering SEO can be a daunting task. That's where these AI tools come into play.

AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data at lightning speed, provide insightful recommendations, predict trends, and automate tedious tasks, making the job of professionals significantly easier and more efficient.

>> Check out the Best AI Writing Tools

What are AI SEO tools?

These tools leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize a website's visibility on search engines.

They work by analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, predicting trends, and providing actionable insights to improve SEO strategy.

Below are what these powerful tools are designed for:

1. Keyword Analysis: These tools can suggest profitable keywords based on your niche, helping you target the right audience.
2. Content Optimization: AI SEO tools can analyze your content and provide recommendations for improvement, such as adding relevant keywords or improving readability.
3. Backlink Analysis: They can identify high-quality backlink opportunities to enhance your website's authority and ranking.
4. Competitor Analysis: Most tools can also analyze your competitors' strategies, giving you a better understanding of what you're up against and how you can outperform them.
5. SEO Auditing: These AI-powered softwares can conduct a comprehensive audit of your website, identifying any technical issues that might be hurting your SEO performance.
6. Performance Tracking: AI SEO tools can track your website's performance over time, providing you with valuable metrics and insights about your SEO efforts' effectiveness.

10 of the Best AI SEO Tools in 2023 (Reviewed + Compared)

1. Surfer

SurferSEO is a robust tool designed to help users research, audit, write, optimize, and generate SEO-optimized articles.

It offers a comprehensive content creation solution that can help users significantly increase their organic traffic.

The tool is particularly known for its ability to provide data-driven insights, which users can leverage to improve search engine rankings. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of Surfer

• SERP Analyzer: Surfer's SERP Analyzer provides a detailed breakdown of the key on-page elements across the top-ranking pages for a particular keyword. This feature allows you to understand what type of content and optimization strategies are working well in your niche.

• Content Editor: The Content Editor guides you in creating highly-optimized content. It provides real-time suggestions on keyword usage, content structure, and other important factors that can influence your ranking.

• Keyword Research: Surfer's Keyword Research tool helps you identify profitable keywords in your niche. It provides important data like search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords, etc.

Our favorite feature has got to be the SERP Analyzer.

We find that this is a powerful feature that provides a comprehensive analysis of the top-ranking pages for a specific keyword, giving users a clear understanding of the on-page elements that are driving success in their niche.

This includes factors like keyword usage, content structure, and more.

The SERP Analyzer essentially provides a roadmap for creating SEO-optimized content that has a higher chance of ranking well on search engines.

We believe this is a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their website's organic traffic and visibility.

But don't just take our words for it, let's check out what the internet has to say…

Is Surfer Worth It According to the Internet?

It's often recognized as one of the top optimization tools available, aiding in improving search result rankings (Quora, Dalton Luka).

However, some users have questioned whether the AI content service is worth $29 per article (Philip Stemann).

Despite this, many users find value in its comprehensive features for planning and optimizing content, and it's considered a valuable tool for SEO professionals (Content Ellect, Medium).

Surfer Pricing Plan

• Hobby Plan: $29 per month
• Basic Plan: $59 per month
• Essential Plan: $89 per month
• Pro Plan: $119 per month
• Advanced Plan: $149 per month
• Business Plan: $239 per month
• Business+ Plan: $650 per month, this plan provides additional features and benefits suitable for larger businesses
• Enterprise Plan: The pricing for this plan is custom and can be tailored according to the needs of the enterprise

>> Click here to Get Surfer

2. Clearscope

Clearscope is a premier content optimization platform that utilizes advanced tools to simplify the writing process, helping create high-quality, relevant content that can effectively drive more search traffic.

Its standout feature, “Optimize,” is particularly praised as it assists in keyword research and content optimization (Backlinko).

Clearscope makes use of Natural Language Processing (NLP) to provide optimal keyword suggestions, making it a valuable tool for content creation and updates.

Trusted by thousands of customers including Adobe, Intuit, HubSpot, Condé Nast, & Expedia, Clearscope has established itself as a leader in the industry. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of Clearscope

• Content Optimization: Sses advanced NLP machine learning algorithms to find semantic keywords that improve on-page SEO. It provides content reports and grades, as well as suggestions for content length optimization.

• Keyword and Search Intent Discovery: Allows users to discover relevant keywords. It also helps in understanding search intent, which is essential for creating content that meets user needs.

• Competitor Analysis: A detailed reporting feature that includes competitor analysis. This enables users to understand how their content stacks up against competitors and identify areas for improvement.

Clearscope Pricing Plan

Essentials Plan – Priced at $170 per month.

• Supports one user.
• Includes 10 content report credits.
• Provides 100 keyword discovery credits.
• Offers Google Docs and WordPress integrations.
• Supports five languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian

Business & Enterprise Plan – Custom pricing

>> Click here for the most up to date pricing plan

3. MarketMuse

MarketMuse is an AI-powered content planning and optimization software, co-founded by Aki Balogh and Jeff Coyle in 2013.

The platform uses artificial intelligence to automate content audits and provide insights into what content is working or missing, helping content creators prioritize effectively.

MarketMuse sets the standard for content quality, aiding in building effective content strategies that enhance ranking potential. It's a tool that provides the foundation and support for a content creation strategy with its AI and machine learning capabilities. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of MarketMuse

• Content Planning and Optimization: MarketMuse uses AI to analyze millions of articles, uncovering gaps and opportunities for content creation and optimization. It provides insights into what content is working or missing, helping users prioritize their content strategy effectively.

• Automated Content Inventory and Audit: The MarketMuse Inventory feature tracks all the content on your website and conducts an automated audit. This helps users to do deep research on their site's pages and topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of their existing content.

• SEO Tools and Analysis: MarketMuse offers a range of tools, including SEO auditing, link building, custom reports, and keyword research. It also grades content quality and performs content analysis, helping to enhance ranking potential.

MarketMuse Pricing

• Free Plan: Best for users with low content volume, it offers a 7-day free Standard Trial. No credit card required.
• Standard Plan: Priced at $149 per month, this plan is best suited for individuals. Additional users can be added for $99/month. It includes all core applications such as Optimize, Research, Compete, and Questions.
• Premium Plan: This plan costs $999 per month. More comprehensive and advanced features are included in this plan compared to the Standard Plan.
• Custom Pricing: For more extensive needs, MarketMuse offers custom plans that start at $6,000 per year. These include 100 queries per month, unlimited projects, and full data export among other features.

Please note that prices may vary and it's always best to check the official website or contact MarketMuse directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Use coupon code: SAVE15 to enjoy 15% off on all subscriptions.

>> Click here to try out MarketMuse for Free

4. Frase

Founded in 2018 by Tomas Ratia and Nicholas Carlisle, Frase uses artificial intelligence to analyze top-ranking web content and provides actionable insights for creating high-performing content.

It offers features like content briefs, topic research, and optimization. Frase aims to assist content creators, marketers, and professionals in crafting content that resonates with their target audience and performs well on search engines. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of Frase

• AI Content Briefs: Frase uses AI to generate content briefs, summarizing the top-ranking content on a specific topic. This helps in identifying key points and trends to include in your content.
  
• Content Optimization: Frase's AI analyzes your content against top-performing content for the same topic, providing suggestions to improve SEO performance and relevance.
  
• Answer Engine Optimization: Frase AI can create a knowledge base from your content, which is used to answer customer queries directly, improving customer service and engagement.

Frase Pricing

• Solo Plan: This plan costs $14.99 per month, or $12.66 per month if billed annually. It includes 1 user seat.
• Basic Plan: Priced at $44.99 per month, or $38.25 per month if billed annually. This plan also includes 1 user seat.
• Team Plan: This plan is available for $114.99 per month with the capacity for multiple users. Extra users can be added for an additional cost.
• Custom Plan (Enterprise): Frase offers a custom plan based on the customer's request.

>> Click here to try out Frase.io for $1

5. NeuronWriter

NeuronWriter uses advanced natural language processing (NLP) techniques to analyze your content, provide a content score, and offer suggestions for improvement.

The software can help research articles in your niche quickly, providing a competitive edge with fresh content ideas.

It also offers features like showing NLP optimization recommendations in your favorite editor/CMS, including Google Docs, Wordpress, and Shopify products.

The tool is praised for its ability to improve semantic keyword coverage, helping articles rank well on Google. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of NeuronWriter

• AI-Powered Content Optimization: Uses advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to analyze and optimize your content, improving its visibility on search engines.
  
• Competitive Analysis: Analyzes top-performing articles in your niche, providing a competitive edge with fresh and relevant content ideas.
  
• Integration with Popular CMS: Allows you to optimize and enhance your content directly in your favorite editor or content management system, including Google Docs, WordPress, and Shopify products.

NeuronWriter Pricing

• Bronze Plan: 9 EUR per month.
• Silver Plan: 37 EUR per month.
• Gold Plan: 57 EUR per month
• Platinum Plan: 77 EUR per month.
• Diamond Plan: 97 EUR per month
• Free Trial: NeuronWriter also offers a free trial plan which allows for 15 queries per month

>> Click here to access NeuronWriter Free Trial

6. Alli AI

Alli AI offers on-page and content optimizations, technical improvements, outreach, and backlink building capabilities.

The software also provides keyword research, ranking tracking, and automatically optimizes websites.

Besides, it helps with strategy formulation, link indexing, and provides guidance on content and code optimization.

The tool is recognized for its ability to automate tasks using advanced AI technology, aiming to provide a cost-effective, efficient, and low-stress solution for SEO needs. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of Alli AI

• Automated SEO Optimization: Alli AI uses advanced artificial intelligence to automatically optimize your website's SEO, including on-page content and technical aspects.
  
• Backlink Building: Helps in identifying high-quality backlink opportunities and automates outreach for link building, improving your site's authority and ranking.
  
• Keyword Research and Tracking: Provides comprehensive keyword research tools and tracks your website's ranking for targeted keywords, offering insights into your performance.

Alli AI Pricing

Consultant:

• $249 per month
• 10 sites
• 10 Team Members 
• 1,000 Keywords 
• 2,500 Pages 

Agency:

• $499 per month
• 25 Sites
• 25 Team Members
• 2,500 Keywords 
• 7,500 Pages 

Enterprise:

• $999 per month
• Unlimited Sites
• Unlimited Team Members
• 10,000 Keywords 
• 25,000 Pages 

>> Click here to try out Alli AI for free

7. Outranking

Outranking aims to understand what type of content performs best for a specific keyword by analyzing the top-ranking content for that keyword.

It provides suggestions to improve the readability and performance of your content. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of Outranking

Sure, here are the three main features of Outranking:

• Content Briefs: Outranking provides detailed briefs that guide content creation, helping to ensure your content is relevant and targeted.
  
• Keyword Optimization: The tool offers recommendations, including keyword usage and placement, to help improve your content's visibility on search engines.
  
• Competitive Analysis: Analyzes top-ranking content for specific keywords, providing insights into what type of content performs best, so you can tailor your own content accordingly.

>> Click here to book a demo

Outranking Pricing

Writer:

• $59 per month (billed yearly)
•  10 SEO Documents
•  Includes AI First Draft
•  AI Writing
•  Audit Existing Pages
•  Plagiarism Checker and Fixer

Strategist:

• $99 per month (billed yearly)
• 15 SEO Documents
•  Includes AI First Draft
•  AI Writing
•  Audit Existing Pages
•  Plagiarism Checker and Fixer
•  Includes 2 Additional Users
•  Content Inventory
•  Content Workflow
•  Domain Project
•  Internal Link Optimization
•  Clustering
•  Integrations

For the most up to date pricing plans, check out Outranking page.

8. BrightEdge

BrightEdge is a premier SEO solution and content performance marketing platform. It assists over 1,700 customers in generating more organic traffic to their websites. The platform offers an all-in-one solution, enabling web marketers to plan and optimize their website content.

By optimizing landing page organic content and keywords for search engines, users have been able to improve the return on investment of e-commerce.

BrightEdge also provides integration with Adobe Experience Manager, allowing users to connect using their account credentials.

Based in Foster City, California, BrightEdge delivers an SEO platform that uplifts ROI and enables marketers to increase revenue from organic search. The American company, which has over 500 employees, offers an SEO platform utilized by more than 8,500 major brands. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of BrightEdge

• SEO and Content Performance Management: BrightEdge offers an extensive solution that includes keyword research tools, rank tracking, auditing, and technical SEO. It helps users optimize their website content for search engines, thereby increasing organic traffic.

• Backlink Management: The platform provides a comprehensive set of backlink management tools, including backlink tracking and discovery of high-quality backlinks. This aids in improving website visibility and ranking on search engines.

• Revenue Management and Business Metrics: BrightEdge combines SEO and business metrics into one-click reports. It provides actionable recommendations on the best opportunities to gain share of voice on the web, which assists in professional management of revenue and growth of the business.

9. Market Brew

Market Brew, founded in 2006, leverages advanced search engine models to give users unique insights into SE behaviors.

Market Brew's machine learning technology positions it at the forefront of data-driven SEO analysis, offering a competitive advantage for its users.

The technology is used by some of the largest digital marketing teams globally to build models of search engines, functioning like a Google sandbox. These models can provide predictive analytics about changes in search engine algorithms and their impact on website rankings. Read in-depth review

The 3 Main Features of Market Brew

• Advanced AI Software: Market Brew uses artificial intelligence to provide sophisticated solutions. It helps users gain unique insights into search engine behavior, thereby facilitating better website optimization.

• Conversations: Concise and Calibrated A.I. Reports: This feature offers actionable data and reliable ranking insights. These insights enable users to make informed decisions about their SEO strategies.

• Predictive Analytics for Google Algorithm Updates: The latest version of Market Brew includes features that predict changes in Google's algorithm. This allows professionals to adapt their strategies proactively and maintain their competitive edge.

10. SEMRush

Not known for its AI capabilities, but SEMRush is a leading Software as a Service (SaaS) platform widely used by digital marketing professionals around the world. It specializes in keyword research, competitor analysis, and Google Ad campaign optimization.

The platform is frequently used for its site audits, backlink tracking, and detailed online visibility insights.

Its user base includes over 10 million marketing professionals, and it's trusted by 30% of Fortune 500 companies. SEMRush has also received 21 international awards as the best SEO software suite. The company is based in Boston, Massachusetts. Read in-depth review

SEMRush Pricing Plans

• Pro Plan: Priced at $129.95 per month, this plan is ideal for newbies and small teams. It includes 5 projects and allows tracking of 500 keywords.
• Guru Plan: Available at $249.95 per month, the Guru plan offers more advanced features. However, some sources suggest different prices, such as $199.95 or $229.95 per month.
• Business Plan: The Business plan starts at $499.95 per month. It is designed for larger teams and businesses with extensive web presence.

Is SEO AI reliable?

While AI can be a useful tool in an SEO strategy, its effectiveness and reliability heavily depend on how it's used.

It's not a replacement for high-quality, human-created content and traditional SEO techniques.

• Quality over quantity: AI content does rank, and it's not inherently bad for SEO. However, the quality of the content is crucial. Poorly generated AI content could be detrimental, while well-crafted AI content can be beneficial.
• Overreliance risks: There are risks associated with over-relying on AI for SEO strategy. It's important to balance the use of AI with reliable information, which is a key criterion for search engines.
• AI-generated reviews: Google has declared that AI-generated reviews are considered spam and against their policies.
• Accuracy issues: AI tools are not perfect and can make mistakes, especially when they don't understand the context.
• Google's stance: Google has explicitly stated that whether or not content is generated by AI is not a direct factor in rankings (source).
• Use case dependent: Whether AI-generated content is helpful or spam depends on how, where, and why it's used.

Conclusion

After all, no AI can replace the human touch when it comes to understanding your audience's needs and interests. Keep exploring, experimenting, and leveraging these AI tools to stay ahead in the SEO game.