FirstSearch vs Surfer SEO
Surfer helps you optimize content for Google. FirstSearch helps you dominate AI search AND Google. See how they compare.
Choose Surfer SEO if you:
- Only need content optimization scores
- Write all content yourself
- Only care about Google rankings
- Have separate backlink/tracking tools
Choose FirstSearch if you:
- Want AI search visibility (ChatGPT, Perplexity)
- Need content generated automatically
- Want automated backlink building
- Prefer an all-in-one platform
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FirstSearch | Surfer SEO |
|---|---|---|
| AI Search OptimizationAI Feature | ||
| ChatGPT Visibility TrackingAI Feature | ||
| Perplexity Citation MonitoringAI Feature | ||
| Content Editor/Optimization | ||
| AI Content Generation | ||
| Articles Included (per month) | 30 | 10-100 (extra cost) |
| Keyword Research | ||
| Automated Backlink BuildingAI Feature | ||
| Rankings Tracking | ||
| AI Visibility MonitoringAI Feature | ||
| SERP Analyzer |
Pricing Comparison
- 30 AI-optimized articles/month
- AI visibility tracking
- Automated backlink building
- Rankings tracking included
- Content editor
- 30 articles (editor only)
- No AI search optimization
- No backlink building
Content: Optimization vs Generation
Surfer SEO gives you a content editor with optimization scores. You write the content, and Surfer tells you how to improve it—add more keywords, adjust heading structure, hit certain word counts.
FirstSearch takes a different approach. We generate complete, AI-optimized articles for you. Our AI understands both traditional SEO and what makes content perform well in AI search results. You get 30 articles per month, fully written and optimized.
The difference is significant: with Surfer, you need writers or need to write yourself. With FirstSearch, content creation is automated—you just review and publish.
Ready for AI-First SEO?
Stop just optimizing for Google. Start dominating AI search where your customers are actually looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is FirstSearch different from Surfer SEO?
Surfer SEO is a content optimization tool focused on helping you write content that ranks on Google. FirstSearch is a complete AI SEO platform that optimizes for both Google AND AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity. We also include automated content generation and backlink building—features Surfer doesn't offer.
Does FirstSearch have a content editor like Surfer?
Yes, FirstSearch generates and optimizes content automatically. While Surfer gives you an editor with optimization scores, FirstSearch goes further by generating complete articles optimized for both traditional and AI search. You get 30 articles per month included in your subscription.
Is Surfer SEO good for AI optimization?
Surfer SEO is designed for Google optimization, not AI search. It can help you rank on Google, but it won't help you appear in ChatGPT responses, get cited by Perplexity, or track your AI visibility. For AI search optimization, you need a tool built for that purpose—like FirstSearch.
Can I use both Surfer and FirstSearch?
You could, but most users find it unnecessary. FirstSearch covers content optimization plus AI-specific features that Surfer lacks. Unless you have a specific need for Surfer's exact content editor interface, FirstSearch provides more value at a better price.