The 5 Best AI SEO Tools for a Non-SEO Expert

If you’re not an SEO expert but want to improve your website’s visibility, AI SEO tools can simplify the process. These tools handle keyword research, content optimization, and technical SEO tasks, saving you time and effort. Here’s a quick overview of the best AI SEO tools:

• Surfer SEO: Ideal for beginners with its step-by-step content optimization and user-friendly interface. Pricing starts at $79/month.
• ContentShake AI by Semrush: Combines content creation and SEO, automating tasks like topic generation and optimization. Costs $60/month.
• Ahrefs: Best for in-depth keyword research and competitor analysis, starting at $99/month.
• Jasper: Focuses on creating SEO-friendly content quickly, with plans starting at $39/month.
• Alli AI: Specializes in automating technical SEO changes directly on your site. Pricing begins at $249/month.

Quick Comparison

Each tool offers unique features tailored to different needs. Choose based on whether you prioritize content creation, keyword research, or technical SEO. Let AI handle the heavy lifting while you focus on growing your business.

I Tried 100 AI SEO Tools- These 5 are the Best

What to Look for in an AI SEO Tool

If you're not an SEO expert, finding a tool that simplifies the process is critical. The wrong choice can leave you confused, while the right one makes SEO feel manageable. Here's what you should focus on when evaluating AI SEO tools.

A user-friendly interface is a must-have. A good tool should present information in a way that's easy to understand, even without technical expertise. For instance, Surfer SEO offers a checklist-style interface that beginners find approachable. On the other hand, platforms like SEMrush and Ahrefs can feel overwhelming due to their complex dashboards.

"Start simple. No AI tool replaces the need for basic human oversight." - Codecrafter

Look for tools that assess your webpage's performance and content quality, then provide actionable recommendations without overloading you with data. The best tools break down analytics into steps you can easily follow.

Integration capabilities matter too. The tool should work seamlessly with platforms you're already using, such as WordPress, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console. This ensures a smoother workflow and better data consistency. Alongside integration, it's important to consider pricing.

Transparent pricing is essential, especially if you're on a tight budget. Many AI SEO tools offer free trials, so you can test them before committing. Look for tools that clearly outline their costs in USD, avoiding hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Automation is another key feature. In 2023, 84% of bloggers and SEO professionals said AI and automation shaped their SEO strategies. Marketers using AI reported saving an average of 12.5 hours per week. The right tool should automate repetitive tasks like site crawls, rank tracking, and backlink monitoring, freeing you to focus on strategy and content creation.

When it comes to keyword research and content optimization, the tool's capabilities can make a big difference. For example, in May 2025, Evelina Milenova used Chatsonic to analyze a successful webpage. The tool flagged missing alt text, highlighted keyword opportunities in headers, and suggested a new content structure by pulling insights from various sources.

"LLMs like ChatGPT provide generic advice that doesn't consider what's already on the page. But Chatsonic identified real areas for improvement and concrete suggestions - it felt like collaborating with another SEO expert on the team!" - Evelina Milenova, SEO and Growth Manager, Opinion Stage

Start with the basics rather than overloading yourself with tools. Begin with essentials like Google Search Console and Google Analytics, then add a single tool for keyword research. A common mistake is signing up for too many tools and feeling overwhelmed. It's far better to master one comprehensive platform than to juggle multiple ones poorly.

Ultimately, the best AI SEO tool is one that grows with you. Start with something simple and move to more advanced options as your skills develop. The goal is to find a balance between ease of use and functionality that fits your current needs and helps you progress on your SEO journey.

1. Surfer SEO

Surfer SEO is designed to make SEO less intimidating, offering step-by-step guidance that's perfect for beginners. It takes the guesswork out of content optimization by analyzing what works for competitors and providing actionable steps to improve your own content.

With a 4.8-star rating from over 500 reviews, users often highlight its easy-to-use interface and practical insights. What sets Surfer apart is how it simplifies complex SEO tasks into manageable actions.

"Surfer provides quick, data-driven advice... Even beginner SEOs can understand and apply its suggestions effectively." - Matt Diggity, CEO and Founder of Diggity Marketing

Keyword Research Capabilities

Surfer SEO's keyword research tools are straightforward and user-friendly. The platform examines top-ranking pages for any keyword and offers data-backed recommendations based on current search trends.

One standout feature is the Keyword Surfer extension, which integrates directly into Google search results. It shows search volume and related keyword ideas right on the page, making keyword research quick and accessible. With over 700,000 daily users, this extension is one of Surfer's most popular tools.

For a deeper dive, the SERP Analyzer provides detailed insights like word count, content grade, domain authority, backlinks, and search visibility for pages ranking for your target keyword. This helps you evaluate the competition and decide whether a keyword is worth pursuing.

While it may not offer the depth of some other tools, Surfer excels at suggesting related keywords and long-tail variations to enhance your content.

Content Optimization Features

Surfer's Content Editor is a game-changer for creating SEO-friendly content. It gives real-time suggestions on keyword density, headings, and structure as you write. The tool also features a Content Score, which evaluates factors like structure, keyword usage, and semantic relevance. A score above 66 indicates solid optimization, but aiming to outscore competitors by 10–20 points can give you an edge.

"Surfer is the perfect balance between ease of use and depth of data. They understand SEO and make optimizing for your queries accessible to the masses." - Gaël Breton, Authority Hacker

Additional features, like Auto-Optimize, Internal Links, and AI-generated Outlines, make the optimization process even smoother. For those starting from scratch, Surfer AI can generate high-quality, SEO-ready content, eliminating the stress of a blank page.

These tools work together seamlessly, cutting down on manual effort and streamlining the content creation process.

Automation of SEO Tasks

Surfer SEO goes beyond basic automation. Depending on your plan, you can monitor 200 to 1,000 pages automatically, ensuring your content stays optimized without constant manual updates.

The AI article generation feature is especially helpful for solopreneurs and small teams. By using your target keywords and competitor data, it can create optimized content that helps you stick to a consistent publishing schedule.

Pricing in USD

Surfer SEO offers flexible plans to suit different needs:

• Essential Plan: $79/month (billed annually) or $99/month (monthly). Includes tracking for 200 pages, optimization of 30 articles, generation of 5 AI articles per month, and access for up to 5 team members.
• Scale Plan: $175/month (billed annually) or $219/month (monthly). Covers tracking for 1,000 pages, optimization of 100 articles, generation of 20 AI articles per month, access for up to 10 team members, and the ability to analyze up to 100 SERPs daily. Includes an onboarding call.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing with tailored solutions for advanced needs, offering enhanced control, security, training, and support.

All plans come with a 7-day money-back guarantee, and AI article add-ons start at $29 per article.

"Surfer has righteously earned its place in our content team's tool arsenal. We use it daily and can wholeheartedly recommend trying it." - Jete Laager, Content and Localisation Lead at Bolt

While the pricing might feel high for individual bloggers, many users find it worthwhile once their optimized content starts ranking on Google's first page. Surfer focuses on the essentials of on-page SEO, making it a solid choice for content creators looking to improve their visibility.

2. ContentShake AI by Semrush

ContentShake AI takes content creation to the next level by automating the entire process, from research to publication. Unlike Surfer SEO, which focuses on manual optimization, ContentShake AI combines artificial intelligence with competitive data to streamline workflows. This makes it especially useful for solopreneurs who may lack in-depth SEO knowledge.

In fact, a study by Semrush revealed that 43% of users saw noticeable improvements in their rankings when using AI tools.

Keyword Research Capabilities

ContentShake AI simplifies keyword research by generating content ideas based on a single seed keyword. Just enter your keyword, and the tool provides a detailed topic list, complete with search intent, difficulty, and search volume data - all sourced from Semrush's real-time database.

The tool also delivers weekly niche-specific recommendations tailored to your chosen topics. One of its standout features is competitor analysis, allowing you to incorporate successful ideas from competitors into your own content. This approach can give you an edge in creating articles designed to perform well in search rankings.

Content Optimization Features

When it comes to refining your drafts, ContentShake AI offers a robust optimization system. It evaluates your content for SEO, tone, and readability, pinpointing areas for improvement while highlighting what’s working well. The tool can even make AI-driven adjustments with a single click, saving you from having to rewrite entire sections.

Additionally, it provides SEO-focused content briefs that highlight topics favored by Google’s algorithm. It also suggests titles inspired by top-ranking content for your target keywords. For instance, when prompted with "Best SEO Tools", the "Compose with AI" feature generated a quick yet relevant overview of Google Analytics, showcasing its ability to produce high-quality content efficiently.

But ContentShake AI doesn’t stop at optimization - it also handles tasks that come after writing.

Automation of SEO Tasks

ContentShake AI automates nearly every step of the content creation process. From briefing and drafting to optimizing and publishing, the tool even supports auto-posting to social media platforms. Its "SEO boost" feature uses real-time competitive data to fine-tune your drafts for better rankings. Plus, a built-in Chrome browser extension makes it easy to use the tool across different platforms.

Pricing in USD

ContentShake AI is available for $60 per month. This plan includes unlimited article creation, fresh content ideas, a Chrome extension, and a 7-day free trial. While the price may seem steep for individual creators, the tool’s comprehensive features and time-saving capabilities make it a worthwhile investment.

For those who need to produce consistent, optimized content without being SEO experts, ContentShake AI offers a seamless blend of creativity and technical efficiency.

3. Ahrefs

Ahrefs makes keyword research and content optimization approachable, even for those new to SEO. With one of the largest web crawlers globally, it delivers reliable data to help beginners navigate SEO without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how Ahrefs simplifies keyword research and content optimization for non-experts.

Keyword Research Capabilities

Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer turns keyword research into a straightforward, data-driven process. By entering a seed keyword, you’ll get a list of keyword suggestions along with key metrics like search volume, difficulty scores, and traffic potential. Various report types - such as Matching Terms, Related Terms, and Search Suggestions - help uncover opportunities you might not have considered.

The Keyword Difficulty (KD) score, which evaluates the number of unique websites linking to the top 10 ranking pages, gives you a realistic idea of how tough it might be to rank for a particular keyword. Ahrefs even estimates how many referring domains you’d need to break into the top 10 rankings, offering a clear path for your SEO strategy.

If you’re unsure where to start, Ahrefs includes AI-powered tools to help brainstorm seed keyword ideas. Using presets like "low competition, high-volume", you can quickly identify promising keywords. Plus, analyzing competitors' keywords can reveal content gaps in your strategy, making it easier to stand out.

"Excellent keyword data: Ahrefs shows you tons of keyword ideas based on your seed keyword... Best of all, you get helpful metrics like clicks, traffic potential, and estimated number of backlinks you'll need to rank."

• Claire Broadley, Freelance Content Editor

Ahrefs doesn’t stop at keyword research - it also helps fine-tune your content for better rankings.

Content Optimization Features

Ahrefs analyzes top-ranking pages to uncover search intent patterns and highlight opportunities for featured snippets. It guides you on the best content type, format, and angle for your target keywords, removing much of the guesswork from content creation.

The Site Audit feature flags technical SEO issues, such as slow page speeds or user experience problems, that could be holding back your rankings. This tool is especially useful for beginners, as it pinpoints exactly what needs fixing without requiring advanced technical skills.

Another standout feature is the ability to identify keywords where your content ranks between positions 2–8 but hasn’t yet secured the featured snippet. By optimizing these pages, you can increase visibility and potentially claim those snippets. Ahrefs also provides guidance on creating rich snippets and crafting engaging title tags and meta descriptions to improve click-through rates.

Pricing in USD

Ahrefs offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. The Starter plan costs $29 per month and includes access to Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, and Site Audit, making it a budget-friendly option for solopreneurs exploring SEO.

The Lite plan, priced at $99 per month (or $83 per month when billed annually at $990 per year), is ideal for small businesses or individuals seeking more advanced features. For those with greater needs, higher-tier plans include the Standard plan at $199 per month, Advanced at $399 per month, and Enterprise at $999 per month. Annual plans offer notable savings, such as $192 per year on the Lite plan.

While Ahrefs doesn’t offer a free trial or discounts, they do provide Ahrefs Webmaster Tools for free. This option gives website owners limited access to Site Explorer and Site Audit. With its scalable pricing options, Ahrefs caters to a wide range of users, from beginners to SEO professionals, making it a strong contender among top tools.

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4. Jasper

Jasper is an AI-powered writing assistant designed to simplify content creation and SEO tasks, making it accessible even for those without extensive SEO expertise. While its primary strength lies in generating content, Jasper has grown into a well-rounded tool that helps users create search-friendly content with ease. Here's a closer look at how Jasper's features and pricing make it a good choice for non-SEO professionals.

Content Optimization Features

Jasper is built to seamlessly integrate target keywords into content that’s easy to read and engaging. By analyzing the keywords and topics you provide, it helps improve your content’s organic search performance.

The platform also works with SurferSEO, allowing you to compare your content against top-ranking competitors and receive practical suggestions to enhance optimization.

Additionally, Jasper includes pre-designed templates for meta descriptions and title tags. These templates help ensure your meta content hits the right character limits, incorporates target keywords, and drives clicks.

Automating SEO Tasks

Jasper takes the hassle out of SEO by automating key tasks. It can generate keyword-optimized outlines, first drafts, and even technical elements like schema markup and meta descriptions. This is all done through simple, conversational prompts, making the platform ideal for streamlining content creation across multiple channels.

Pricing in USD

Jasper offers three subscription plans:

• Creator: $49/month (or $39/month with an annual plan) for one user, one Brand Voice, Jasper Chat, SEO mode, and a browser extension.
• Pro: $69/month (or $59/month annually) for up to 5 users, 3 Brand Voices, 10 Knowledge assets, 3 Instant Campaigns, collaboration tools, and AI image generation. Additional seats can be added at the same rate.
• Business: Custom pricing tailored for enterprise-level needs with advanced features.

All plans come with a 7-day free trial, and opting for an annual plan saves you around 20%.

5. Alli AI

Alli AI stands out as a platform designed to simplify technical SEO for those who might not be experts in the field. Unlike tools that focus mainly on content creation or keyword research, Alli AI specializes in automating SEO changes directly on your website. This makes it a great option for users who understand what needs to be done but lack the technical know-how or time to manually implement those changes.

Currently, the platform is automating a staggering 70 million on-page SEO edits. This shows its ability to handle large-scale optimization tasks that would otherwise demand significant manual effort. Its real strength lies in automating technical on-page adjustments, seamlessly implementing recommendations and saving users from juggling multiple tools or dashboards.

Content Optimization Features

Alli AI goes beyond simple keyword suggestions, offering advanced tools to refine your content. The platform analyzes your website and provides real-time keyword recommendations, while also optimizing meta tags, header structures, and overall content relevance.

One of its standout features is the ability to directly edit text, content, and code on-page. This eliminates the need to switch between various tools, streamlining the entire process. Additionally, it helps enhance title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags, ensuring your updates align with current SEO best practices.

Here’s what Peter A. from TrivoShop had to say about the tool:

"We were looking for an affordable way to SEO our site fast. We found Alli and within minutes made 17 million code changes. I'm a full supporter!"

The platform also tackles duplicate content issues by detecting and resolving them, ensuring your site stays streamlined. It dynamically generates and improves metadata, which can boost click-through rates while maintaining keyword relevance to match user intent.

Automation of SEO Tasks

One of Alli AI’s biggest strengths is its ability to automate a wide range of SEO tasks. Lauren Mabra from laurenlabeled.com shared her experience:

"Alli AI automates thousands of hours of manual work in minutes, and you can do it all from one dashboard without having to learn and train staff for different CMS for every client."

The platform automates keyword enhancements, meta tag updates, structural improvements, internal linking with AI-powered suggestions, and schema markup generation. These features help search engines better understand your site, improving its visibility.

Another impressive feature is its ability to reduce page load times by up to 80%, which benefits both user experience and search rankings. It also conducts A/B testing by analyzing real user behavior to refine page titles.

An IT Director at Coreslab International highlighted the time-saving aspect:

"It was cheaper and provided realtime SEO Changes for over 20,000 recommendations. It would take months to make these changes manually."

Pricing in USD

Alli AI offers pricing plans tailored to different business needs, with all plans including a 10-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Pricing options are:

• Consultant Plan: $249/month – Covers 10 sites, 10 team members, 1,000 keywords, and 2,500 pages.
• Agency Plan: $499/month – Covers 25 sites, 25 team members, 2,500 keywords, and 7,500 pages.
• Enterprise Plan: $999/month – Includes unlimited sites and team members, 10,000 keywords, and 25,000 pages.

Additional keywords and page crawls can be purchased to customize plans further. While the pricing might seem steep compared to basic tools, the automation features can make it a worthwhile investment for businesses managing multiple websites or looking to streamline their SEO processes without hiring dedicated specialists.

Tool Comparison Chart

The chart below provides a snapshot of each tool's core features and pricing, making it easier to compare options alongside our in-depth reviews.

Key Pros and Cons:

Here’s a quick breakdown of what each tool does best and where it might fall short:

• Surfer SEO: Offers precise, actionable optimization guidance but requires manual effort to implement changes. Additional AI-generated articles can increase costs.
• ContentShake AI by Semrush: Perfect for beginners combining keyword research and content creation, though it lacks advanced technical SEO features found in full Semrush plans.
• Ahrefs: A powerhouse for keyword research and competitor analysis but has a steeper learning curve and a higher starting price.
• Jasper: Great for generating large volumes of SEO-friendly content quickly, but it’s less equipped for technical SEO or deep keyword analysis.
• Alli AI: Excels in automating technical SEO tasks, though its pricing reflects its specialized, hands-off approach.

Your choice should depend on what matters most to you: content creation (ContentShake AI, Jasper), keyword research (Ahrefs, Surfer SEO), or technical SEO (Alli AI). Always test the tools before making a final decision.

Final Thoughts

AI SEO tools have made search engine optimization far more accessible, even for beginners. Recent data shows that 61.4% of marketers using AI in their strategies report increased efficiency and effectiveness. On top of that, these tools can save marketers an average of 12.5 hours per week. That's a serious time-saver.

Each tool we've discussed in this article brings something different to the table. If you're looking for help with content creation, tools like ContentShake AI and Jasper are excellent options. For those focused on deep keyword research, Ahrefs and Surfer SEO deliver powerful insights. And if technical optimization feels like a chore, Alli AI offers a hands-off solution to simplify the process. There's something here for every skill level and need.

"AI SEO tools are revolutionizing the way we approach search optimization, allowing for more data-driven and efficient strategies."

• Rand Fishkin, Co-founder of Moz and SparkToro

Before diving in, take a step back and assess your business needs. Identify which parts of your SEO strategy need the most support. Keep your team's experience in mind - tools with steep learning curves may be overwhelming for beginners. It's also worth considering the educational resources each platform offers to help you get up to speed.

When you're ready to choose, weigh pricing and trial options carefully. Avoid locking yourself into long-term commitments right away. Many tools offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so take advantage of these to find the best fit. Pay close attention to pricing structures - some charge monthly, while others offer discounts for annual plans. Transparency in costs is key to avoiding surprises down the road.

"Leveraging AI for SEO not only streamlines processes but also uncovers opportunities that might be missed through manual analysis."

• Aleyda Solis, International SEO Consultant and Founder of Orainti

To get the most out of these tools, pair them with clear SEO goals. Look for platforms that provide actionable insights without drowning you in unnecessary data. Remember, the aim isn't to master SEO overnight. Instead, let AI handle the heavy lifting while you focus on creating meaningful, user-focused content.

AI tools are here to simplify your workflow and help you climb the rankings without losing sight of what you do best.

FAQs

What should I consider when choosing an AI SEO tool as a beginner?

When you're just starting out with an AI SEO tool, it's important to focus on user-friendly features that make complicated tasks easier. Look for tools with clear dashboards, step-by-step instructions, and the ability to smoothly connect with platforms you already rely on. Think about your main objectives - whether that’s finding the right keywords, improving your content, or tracking your progress - and pick a tool that specializes in those areas.

Also, pay attention to factors like cost, customer support, and the availability of tutorials or guides, as these can greatly improve your learning curve. A good tool should help you save time, enhance your website’s performance, and make SEO manageable, even if you're not a tech expert.

What’s the difference between AI tools for content-focused SEO and technical SEO?

AI tools designed for content-focused SEO aim to help you craft and refine content that’s both keyword-rich and appealing to your audience. They’re great for tasks like researching keywords, generating content ideas, and boosting readability. These tools ensure your website stays relevant and keeps visitors engaged.

Meanwhile, technical SEO tools concentrate on your website’s structure and overall performance. They tackle things like running site audits, resolving crawl errors, enhancing page load speed, and managing schema markup. The goal? To make it easier for search engines to crawl and index your site effectively.

The main distinction lies in their purpose: content tools focus on improving what your audience experiences, while technical tools optimize how search engines interact with your site.

Can AI SEO tools handle my entire SEO strategy without any human input?

AI SEO tools are great for streamlining tasks like keyword research, content optimization, and tracking performance. But let's be clear - they can't do it all. Human expertise is irreplaceable. People are needed to interpret the data these tools provide, ensure the content reflects your brand's unique voice, and tackle more complex challenges like ethical concerns or fine-tuning strategies.

Think of AI as your supercharged assistant. It can save you hours and boost efficiency, but your creativity and decision-making are what drive lasting success.

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