Surfer SEO is one of the most popular tools for on-page optimization, content strategy, and keyword research. While its full suite (Content Editor, Audit, and Topic Explorer) is paid, you can still leverage How to Use Surfer SEO for Free to improve your SEO without spending a dime.
Free Tools from Surfer SEO
1. Keyword Surfer (Free Chrome Extension)
Keyword Surfer lets you see:
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Search volume for keywords directly in Google search results
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Related keywords and suggestions
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Estimated traffic for top-ranking pages
This extension is completely free and gives valuable data for planning content.
2. Surfer Browser & Google Docs Extensions
Even without a paid plan, Surfer offers extensions for Google Docs that provide optimization hints and suggestions while you draft content. This allows you to integrate SEO best practices into your workflow without opening the full platform.
3. Surfer Blog & Resources
Surfer’s blog shares tutorials, guides, and free SEO tools. You can learn how to structure content, choose the right keywords, and optimize pages manually, effectively replicating parts of Surfer’s methodology for free.
Step-By-Step Guide to Using Surfer for Free
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Install Keyword Surfer Extension – Use it in Google Search to get keyword volumes, related queries, and traffic estimates.
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Write in Google Docs with the Surfer Extension – Draft your content while following the free SEO hints provided.
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Manual SERP Analysis – Check the top 10 ranking pages for your target keyword. Note:
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Common headings (H2/H3)
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Frequently used terms and phrases
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Average word count and structure
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Use Free SEO Tools to Supplement – Combine Google Search Console, Pagespeed Insights, and free backlink checkers with your Surfer data for a well-rounded strategy.
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Optional Risk-Free Trial – If you want the full suite, Surfer sometimes offers a money-back window to test the Content Editor and Audit tools.
Free Alternatives to Surfer SEO
If you want Surfer-like insights without the cost, try:
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Frase – Free tier available for content briefs and keyword research
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WriterZen – Offers a free trial for keyword clustering and content optimization
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NeuronWriter – Helps create content briefs and optimize articles using free features
Final Thoughts
While the full Surfer SEO platform is paid, using Keyword Surfer, Surfer’s Google Docs extension, and free SERP analysis methods lets you get actionable SEO insights without spending money. With a bit of manual effort, you can create optimized, high-ranking content and even replicate much of Surfer’s content editor methodology for free.