About OpenSEO
OpenSEO is an open-source SEO tool for people and AI agents, covering keyword research, audits, rank tracking, backlinks, competitor insights, and AI visibility. It supports hosted use or self-hosting and uses a DataForSEO API key for SEO data.
Key features
- 01Keyword research and rank tracking
- 02Site audits and backlink workflows
- 03Competitor insights and AI visibility
- 04Hosted and self-hosted deployment options
- 05Bring a DataForSEO API key
Use cases
- 01Research keywords and track rankings
- 02Audit a site and inspect backlinks
- 03Review competitor SEO data
- 04Let an AI agent run SEO workflows
MCP support
OpenSEO exposes an MCP server so AI agents and MCP clients can access SEO data and workflows. Agent Skills provide reusable guides for SEO tasks through the MCP.
Configuration
Remote servers need no local install. Pick your client, then copy the config or install in one click.
https://app.openseo.so/mcpclaude mcp add --transport http com-everyapp-openseo https://app.openseo.so/mcp{"mcpServers":{"com-everyapp-openseo":{"type":"http","url":"https://app.openseo.so/mcp"}}}Open in Cursor{"servers":{"com-everyapp-openseo":{"type":"http","url":"https://app.openseo.so/mcp"}}}Open in VS Code{"mcpServers":{"com-everyapp-openseo":{"type":"http","url":"https://app.openseo.so/mcp"}}}{"mcpServers":{"com-everyapp-openseo":{"serverUrl":"https://app.openseo.so/mcp"}}}Run commands in a terminal; paste JSON into the client’s MCP config and restart. Servers that need sign-in will prompt on first connect.
Tools
Details
From the project READMEOpenSEO
Open source alternative to Semrush and Ahrefs
OpenSEO is an SEO tool for the people. If tools like Semrush or Ahrefs are too expensive or bloated, OpenSEO is a pay-as-you-go alternative that you actually control.
All-in-one SEO tool for you and your AI agent.
Connect with any agent like Claude Code, OpenClaw or Hermes. We have pre-built skills, but you can build your own to tailor OpenSEO to your needs.
Hosted Version
Try OpenSEO for free on our website. If you want to support the project, a hosted subscription is $10/month.
EveryApp
Host OpenSEO and other open source apps on our platform EveryApp.
Self-host on EveryApp and give it a star →
Why use OpenSEO?
- Best in class MCP and AI Skills.
- Modern, simple UI.
- Focused workflows instead of a bloated, complex SEO suite.
- No subscriptions.
- Bring your own DataForSEO API key and pay only for what you use.
- Fork and vibe code your own custom tool.
Main SEO Workflows
- Keyword research
- Rank tracking
- Competitor Insights
- Backlinks
- Site Audits
- AI Visibility
OpenSEO MCP & Agent Skills
OpenSEO exposes an MCP server so AI agents like Claude Code, OpenClaw, and Hermes can use your SEO data directly. Agent Skills are reusable workflows that guide your agent through SEO tasks using the MCP.
- Set up ChatGPT web or desktop (works on Free and paid ChatGPT plans)
- Set up Codex
- Set up OpenSEO MCP
- Set up OpenSEO Agent Skills
Self-Hosting
OpenSEO supports two self-hosting paths. Both use email and password accounts: the first visitor creates the admin account, teammates join from invitation links, and MCP clients (Claude, ChatGPT, Codex, Cursor) sign in with the same accounts.
- Docker - On your own server or computer, with a prebuilt image that is ready in seconds. Works with Compose-based platforms such as Coolify, Portainer and Dokploy. See
docs/SELF_HOSTING_DOCKER.md.- Running the older single-container image? It keeps getting updates; move to the new setup when you are ready, data included.
- Cloudflare - No server to run: one deploy command puts OpenSEO on your own Cloudflare account (works on the free plan). See
docs/SELF_HOSTING_CLOUDFLARE.md.
For security-conscious setups, two advanced options replace the accounts with your own network controls:
- Cloudflare Access in front of the Cloudflare deploy, so Cloudflare checks every request before it reaches OpenSEO. See
docs/SELF_HOSTING_CLOUDFLARE.md. - No sign-in on Docker, behind Tailscale, a private network or your own authenticating proxy. See Without sign-in.
Either way, you need a DataForSEO API key to get SEO data. See docs/DATAFORSEO_API_KEY.md.
Costs
OpenSEO needs a DataForSEO API key so that you can get SEO data. You pay them directly when self hosting.
When you self host, your costs will be slightly lower than the estimates on our website. The way the hosted service makes money is by charging 28% extra for every request we make to DataForSEO.
Local Development
See docs/LOCAL_DEVELOPMENT.md.
Contributing
Creating clear issues is the best way to contribute.
Read more here: .github/CONTRIBUTING.md
We have this skill: /simple-issue-description which helps.
npx skills add every-app/open-seo --skill simple-issue-description
Community
Join Discord to chat: Discord
Follow along for updates:
- Follow on X: https://x.com/bensenescu
- Sign up for the mailing list on our website: openseo.so
Comments
New to MCP?
From what the protocol is to installing your first server, these answers cover most first questions.
An open protocol that defines how AI applications connect to external tools and data in a uniform way. Clients talk to the model; MCP servers provide tools, resources and prompt templates. They exchange standard messages, so one server can be reused by many clients.