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AI Credit System

Overview​

The AI Credit System is a flexible, pay-as-you-go model that powers AI-driven SEO features in modern platforms. Instead of rigid subscription limits, credits provide transparent, scalable pricing that matches your actual usage and business needs.

What are AI Credits?​

AI Credits are digital tokens that you use to access AI-powered features within SEO platforms. Think of them like arcade tokens—you purchase credits in advance, then "spend" them as you use various AI capabilities.

Each AI task consumes a certain number of credits based on its computational complexity:

  • Generating a meta description might cost 10 credits
  • Creating a full blog post might cost 100 credits
  • Analyzing competitor content might cost 50 credits
  • Optimizing images might cost 5 credits each

This usage-based model ensures you only pay for the AI services you actually use.

Why Credits Instead of Flat Pricing?​

Transparency​

You know exactly how many credits each task will consume before you run it. There are no surprise charges or hidden fees.

Flexibility​

Use as many or as few credits as your current workload requires. Busy months use more credits, slower months use fewer.

Fairness​

You're only charged when AI does actual work. Manual edits, saved metadata, and platform navigation don't consume credits.

Scalability​

Whether you're managing one blog or fifty e-commerce sites, the credit system scales to match your needs.

Cost Control​

Set budgets and receive alerts when you're approaching credit limits, preventing unexpected overages.

How the Credit System Works​

Purchasing Credits​

Most platforms offer multiple ways to acquire credits:

Subscription Plans: Monthly or annual subscriptions include a specific credit allocation

  • Basic plans: 10,000-50,000 credits per month
  • Professional plans: 100,000-500,000 credits per month
  • Enterprise plans: Custom credit allocations

Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG): Buy credit packs when you need them

  • Small pack: 10,000 credits
  • Medium pack: 50,000 credits
  • Large pack: 250,000 credits

Add-On Credits: Supplement your subscription with additional credit purchases when you need extra capacity

Credit Allocation​

When you start a task, the platform shows:

  • How many credits the task will consume
  • Your current credit balance
  • Whether you have enough credits to proceed

Credit Consumption​

Credits are deducted only when AI processing actually occurs:

  • ✅ Credits used: AI generates content, analyzes data, optimizes elements
  • ❌ No credits used: Reviewing suggestions, manual editing, navigating dashboards

Credit Renewal​

Subscription credits typically reset monthly or annually on your renewal date. Unused subscription credits usually don't roll over, encouraging consistent usage.

PAYG credits often have longer validity periods (6-12 months) and may roll over month to month.

Common Credit Costs​

While exact costs vary by platform, here are typical credit consumption rates:

Content Generation​

  • Meta description: 10-20 credits
  • Meta title: 5-10 credits
  • Short product description: 30-50 credits
  • Blog post outline: 50-100 credits
  • Full blog post (1500 words): 100-300 credits
  • Landing page content: 150-400 credits

Content Optimization​

  • Keyword optimization check: 20-30 credits
  • SEO score analysis: 15-25 credits
  • Content improvement suggestions: 40-60 credits
  • Competitor content analysis: 50-100 credits

Image Optimization​

  • Alt text generation per image: 5-10 credits
  • Image description: 10-15 credits
  • Multiple image batch processing: Variable based on quantity

Technical SEO​

  • Page audit: 20-40 credits
  • Site-wide technical scan: 100-500 credits (varies by site size)
  • Schema markup generation: 15-30 credits per page

Other Features​

  • FAQ generation: 30-60 credits
  • Social media post creation: 15-25 credits per post
  • Email copy: 30-50 credits
  • Summary/TL;DR: 20-40 credits

Credit Management Strategies​

Monitor Usage Regularly​

Check your credit dashboard weekly to understand consumption patterns and avoid running out unexpectedly.

Prioritize High-Impact Tasks​

Use credits for tasks that deliver the greatest SEO value. Manual work may be more efficient for simple, low-impact changes.

Batch Similar Tasks​

Many platforms offer efficiency discounts when you process multiple items together. Generate 20 meta descriptions at once rather than one at a time.

Take Advantage of Subscription Credits​

If you have subscription credits that don't roll over, use them fully each month to maximize value.

Strategic PAYG Purchases​

Buy additional credits during high-activity periods (content sprints, site launches, seasonal campaigns) and scale back during quieter times.

Set Up Alerts​

Configure notifications when you reach 75% and 90% credit usage so you can purchase more before running out.

Multi-Site Management​

For agencies and businesses managing multiple websites:

Shared Credit Pool​

Some platforms allow all your sites to draw from a single credit account, simplifying administration and billing.

Per-Site Allocation​

Enterprise plans may let you allocate specific credit budgets to different websites or clients.

White-Label Reselling​

Agencies can purchase credit blocks and resell AI services to clients with markup, creating new revenue streams.

Consolidated Reporting​

Track credit usage across your entire portfolio to identify which clients or sites consume the most resources.

Maximizing Credit Value​

Combine AI with Manual Work​

Use AI for first drafts and time-consuming tasks, then add human polish for optimal results without wasting credits.

Reuse and Adapt​

Generate foundational content with AI, then manually adapt it for multiple purposes rather than creating separate pieces from scratch.

Quality Over Quantity​

Generate fewer, higher-quality pieces that deliver results rather than churning out mediocre content that wastes credits.

Learn the System​

Understand which features consume the most credits and use them strategically for maximum impact.

Leverage Free Features​

Many platforms include free tools (keyword research, rank tracking, analytics) alongside credit-based AI features. Use both effectively.

Credit Expiration Policies​

Subscription Credits

  • Typically expire at the end of each billing period
  • Unused credits do not roll over
  • Encourages consistent monthly usage
  • Renews automatically with subscription

PAYG Credits

  • Usually valid for 6-12 months from purchase
  • May roll over month to month
  • Expire after validity period if unused
  • No automatic renewal—you purchase when needed

Promotional Credits

  • Often have shorter expiration windows (30-90 days)
  • Non-transferable and non-refundable
  • "Use it or lose it" incentive to try features

Refund and Support Policies​

Most platforms offer refunds under specific conditions:

  • Money-back guarantees: Typically 14-30 days for first purchases
  • Usage limits: Refunds may require that you've used fewer than a certain number of credits (e.g., under 500)
  • Technical issues: Credits may be refunded if platform problems prevented proper use
  • Satisfaction guarantees: Some platforms refund if you're unsatisfied with AI output quality

Always review a platform's specific refund policy before purchasing.

Enterprise Credit Solutions​

Large organizations often need customized credit arrangements:

Volume Discounts​

Negotiated rates for high-volume credit purchases, often 20-40% below standard pricing.

Custom Allocations​

Tailored credit packages that match your specific usage patterns and business cycles.

Dedicated Support​

Priority assistance with credit management, usage optimization, and strategic planning.

API Access​

Direct API integration for automated credit usage within custom workflows and tools.

Service Level Agreements​

Guaranteed credit availability, processing speeds, and uptime commitments.

Best Practices​

Start Small: Begin with a basic plan to understand your usage patterns before committing to large credit purchases.

Track ROI: Measure the business value of AI-generated content and optimizations to justify credit expenses.

Educate Your Team: Ensure everyone understands credit costs so they make informed decisions about AI usage.

Plan for Scaling: As your needs grow, upgrade to plans with better credit-to-dollar ratios.

Maintain Reserves: Keep a buffer of available credits to handle unexpected needs or opportunities.

Review Monthly: Analyze usage reports to optimize credit allocation and identify waste.

Common Questions​

What happens if I run out of credits? AI features become unavailable until you purchase more credits or your subscription renews. Your existing content and optimizations remain active.

Can I transfer credits between accounts? Generally no, but some enterprise plans may allow credit sharing across team member accounts.

Do credits work across different platforms? No, credits purchased for one platform cannot be used on another. Each platform has its own credit system.

Are there free credits for new users? Many platforms offer trial credits (typically 5-100) so you can test features before purchasing.

Can I get discounts on credit purchases? Annual subscriptions typically offer better credit-to-dollar ratios than monthly plans. Volume purchases often come with discounts.

The Future of AI Credits​

The credit model continues to evolve:

Dynamic Pricing: Credits may adjust based on computational complexity and market demand

Credit Banking: Some platforms may allow credit rollover or savings programs

Credit Marketplace: Potential for trading or sharing credits between users

Tiered Credits: Different credit types for basic vs. premium AI features

Subscription Flexibility: More options to customize credit allocations within subscriptions

Further Reading​