Key Features
Topic Modelling
AI maps your entire content landscape — shows which topics you own, which you're weak on and what to write next.
Content Score
Scores each page for topic coverage depth — tells you how thoroughly you need to cover a subject to compete.
Content Gaps
Identifies topics your competitors cover that you don't — prioritised by traffic opportunity.
Content Briefs
AI-generated briefs with recommended topics, questions, word count and internal links to include.
SERP Analysis
Analyses top-ranking pages for any keyword — surfaces what Google rewards for that topic.
Inventory Analysis
Full audit of your existing content — finds pages to update, consolidate or expand.
Pros & Cons
What we like
Topic authority approach is more strategic than keyword-by-keyword optimisation
Content briefs are detailed and save research time
Full site inventory analysis is unique
Free plan to evaluate core features
Better for content strategy than tactical keyword tools
Watch out for
$149/mo Standard plan is expensive
Surfer SEO is cheaper for content optimisation at the page level
Learning curve to get full value from topic modelling
Overkill for small sites with limited content
Best Alternatives
Surfer SEO
Better for page-level content optimisation — more affordable for smaller teams
Ahrefs
Better for keyword research and backlink analysis alongside content
Semrush
Broader marketing platform with content tools — more affordable than MarketMuse
RankIQ
More affordable for bloggers — simpler content brief approach
Frequently Asked Questions
MarketMuse has a free plan with 10 queries per month — enough to evaluate the tool. Standard plans start at $149/month for unlimited queries and full platform access.
MarketMuse is better for strategic content planning at the site level — it tells you what to write across your entire site to build topic authority. Surfer SEO is better for optimising individual pieces of content against top-ranking pages. For a content team planning what to write, MarketMuse; for writers optimising specific pages, Surfer SEO.