For many years, the way to the top of the search engine tree was producing high volumes of content.
Now, content quantity has been replaced by content quality; editing, optimizing, and updating content play a huge role in this approach.
That said, optimizing content is much easier said than done, as is finding the time to do so effectively.
In this article, we will review the free version of the Semrush SEO Content Template and whether or not it can help you speed up the optimization process.
Learn more about Semrush’s ContentShakeAI tool, in our ContentShakeAI Statistics guide.
The Semrush SEO content template is designed specifically for busy content marketers and web publishers who understand the importance of producing or editing optimized content but aren’t 100% sure how to get started.
For example, you don’t need to be the most advanced SEO expert to use the tool. It’s designed for those who need guidance on how to maximize the reach of the content they are creating.
This Semrush tool aims to help with that, as it allows users to use analytics and statistics for content optimization to help reach higher search engine rankings.
You can get started using the Semrush SEO content template in three quick steps:
From there, you will see the below navigation bar, where you can type in your chosen SEO keyword phrase (for this review we’ve chosen “content marketing tools”) and the tool will identify the current top performers.
Which, for this phrase, “content marketing tools,” you can see below:
As you can see from that screenshot, it also provides other insights, such as ‘semantically related words.’
This information is pulled from the top results in the SERP and attempts to provide users with the signals Google’s algorithm is looking for when ranking content for this topic.
You can then use this information to create SEO-optimized content or update existing content to better meet Google’s requirements.
As this aspect of the Semrush tool is free, it has limited features. Of course, the wider Semrush tool has plenty of useful features, such as backlink analysis, keyword support, and organic research, all of these tools are stuck behind the paywall.
As for the free version of the SEO content template, the most useful information is around the keyword phrases and links, as you could find the top ten competitors by searching Google yourself.
While the Semrush SEO Content Template is free, it has a usage limit. So, if you want to use it for multiple optimizations, you will have to pay, starting from $139.95 per month.
With that in mind, there are several content optimization tools you may want to consider as alternatives.
SurferSEO is one option that offers a similar service, but that product also looks at headings, content length, and other ranking factors.
For a best-in-class suite of tools to improve your content optimization and publishing process, check out Originality.ai’s Content Optimizer, AI Detector, Plagiarism Checker, and Grammar Checker.
The big question that we’ve still yet to answer is whether or not this tool is useful as part of a content marketing strategy or not.
If you’d asked this question years ago, the answer would be a resounding yes.
Google’s algorithm was much more predictable then. Back then, simply putting the right keyword phrases into an article could noticeably improve rankings. This resulted in a number of issues like keyword stuffing.
However, the world of search engine optimization has changed in recent years and is continuing to do so at a rapid rate. Instead of writing for the algorithm, Google is actively seeking content that has been written for the user first.
Thanks to advancements in their technology, Google and other leading search engines are also able to do this much more effectively.
The best approach for short and long-term results? Combine the keyword insights from the Semrush SEO content template with a forward-thinking, dynamic approach to content.
Discover a best-in-class suite of tools for content marketers, web publishers, and agencies with Originality.ai: check for AI content, review grammar and spelling, improve readability, optimize content, and check for plagiarism.
Learn more about content marketing tools in our review series:
Semrush is a digital marketing tool that users rely on for keyword research, SEO audits, competitor analysis, and other aspects of content marketing. It allows users to optimize their content to maximize organic traffic and reach.
While some of the features Semrush and similar tools offer are slightly outdated since recent Google algorithm updates, it does still offer plenty of value.
Google has shown in recent updates the value of updating content and ensuring it is optimized. However, optimization efforts should focus on making it the best possible content for the user rather than for the algorithm.