Semrush SEO Writing Assistant vs Clearscope: Which Content Optimization Tool Is Right for You?

Semrush SEO Writing Assistant: A Strong Alternative to Clearscope?

Content optimization tools boost your website’s chances to rank higher on search engines and increase conversions. Clearscope has been a favorite for almost a decade. But Semrush’s SEO Writing Assistant is gaining attention as a capable alternative. Let’s compare these two tools to help you decide which fits your writing process better.

What is Clearscope?

Clearscope focuses on semantic keyword research and content optimization. It helps you:

• Analyze top-ranking pages on a SERP
• Check how well your content is optimized
• Research and draft new content
• Improve content with real-time feedback

How Does Clearscope Work?

Clearscope uses machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to scan top SERP content and compare it to your draft. You start with a target keyword, then generate a report that shows:

• Common keywords
• Reading difficulty
• Average word count

The report recommends:

• Target word count and reading level
• Semantic keywords ranked by importance
• Headers from top content
• Related questions from “People Also Ask” and other sources

You can build content from scratch or improve existing articles. As you edit, Clearscope assigns a letter grade from F to A++ based on keyword use.

Tip: Use keywords naturally. Overstuffing keywords harms readability and user experience.

Clearscope Pricing

Plans start at $189/month for 20 keyword reports. Unused reports don’t carry over. There’s no free plan, but paid users can share editable reports via links.

What is the Semrush SEO Writing Assistant?

Semrush’s SEO Writing Assistant offers similar features to Clearscope but adds the ability to optimize for multiple keywords at once. It helps you:

• Analyze competitor content
• Identify keyword, readability, and structure issues
• Outline and draft optimized posts
• Receive live feedback as you edit

How Does the Semrush SEO Writing Assistant Work?

The tool scans SERPs for your keywords and provides recommendations on:

• Keyword suggestions
• Reading levels
• Average word counts
• Suggested tones of voice

As you write, it offers ongoing feedback on keyword use, readability improvements, tone adherence, content length, and originality. A helpful chart highlights the strengths and weaknesses in your content, factoring in more than just keywords. This aligns well with principles of expertise, experience, authority, and trust (E-E-A-T).

Semrush SEO Writing Assistant Pricing

The tool is available on all Semrush plans, including free. Limits depend on your subscription:

• Free & Pro: optimize up to 2 pieces of content
• Guru & Business: unlimited optimizations (consumes SEO Idea Units)

Unlimited use starts at $208.33/month billed annually, which includes access to the entire Semrush SEO Toolkit.

Clearscope vs. Semrush SEO Writing Assistant

Semrush is an all-in-one SEO platform; Clearscope focuses on content optimization. Here’s a quick feature comparison:

Keyword Research

Semrush offers a comprehensive keyword database with insights on volume, competition, intent, CPC, SERP features, and more. Clearscope’s keyword research is basic and limited. For thorough keyword research, Semrush is the better choice.

Content Research

Clearscope shows top SERP content including outlines and URLs, useful for content planning. Semrush provides deeper research tools like the Keyword Magic Tool and Topic Research, helping you find new keywords and topics to target.

Writing Tools

Both tools include WYSIWYG editors and offer Google Docs and Microsoft Word extensions. Semrush’s WordPress plugin is more actively maintained compared to Clearscope’s, which may have compatibility issues.

Content Grading

Clearscope grades content based on keyword use, word count, and reading level. Semrush adds tone and originality to its scoring and offers specific writing suggestions like switching passive voice to active, simplifying complex sentences, and clarifying confusing passages.

If you want actionable writing feedback, Semrush has an edge. If you’re confident in your editing or use tools like Grammarly, Clearscope’s grading might be enough.

Link Suggestions

Clearscope shows common backlinks in the SERP but doesn’t flag link issues in your content. Semrush flags link problems but doesn’t suggest specific links. Neither tool excels at link placement suggestions during editing.

AI Content Generation

Clearscope generates outlines based on top content headings, requiring manual expansion. Semrush’s Smart Writer offers more AI capabilities: answering questions, rephrasing text, generating ideas, and summarizing content—all without needing API keys or extra accounts.

Extra Optimization Features

Clearscope offers keyword discovery and a content inventory tool that tracks page optimization changes. Semrush provides a full SEO toolkit including keyword research, content briefs, competitor analysis, content strategy, position tracking, on-page SEO, social media scheduling, and site audits.

Which One Should You Choose?

For most writers, Semrush offers a more versatile and cost-effective solution. It covers a wider range of SEO and content marketing needs in one platform. Semrush also integrates with tools that help spot trending topics to tailor your content effectively.

If you want to explore AI-powered writing tools or need multi-keyword optimization, Semrush is a solid pick. Clearscope remains useful for focused content grading and semantic keyword suggestions but is more limited outside content optimization.

For those interested in enhancing writing skills with AI and SEO tools, exploring comprehensive courses at Complete AI Training can be valuable.