Integrations / OpenAI
SerpDad + OpenAI: an OpenAI API key for the AI work, billed to you by OpenAI.
SerpDad works with your own OpenAI API key. It reads each search result, builds briefs, and writes and checks drafts on that key, and OpenAI bills your account directly. SerpDad never resells the usage and shows the estimate before it spends a cent.
Listed under Other providers. OpenRouter is the recommended key.
API, not ChatGPT. An OpenAI platform key, which ChatGPT plans do not include.
SerpDad needs an API key from the OpenAI platform. That is a separate account from a ChatGPT subscription, billed by usage. A ChatGPT plan does not cover API calls, and SerpDad cannot use one.
If your team already has an OpenAI platform account with billing set up, use a key from it. If not, OpenRouter is the key we recommend: one account reaches every model SerpDad offers.
- An OpenAI platform account with billing set up.
- An API key named SerpDad, with a spend limit set at OpenAI.
- The Owner or Admin role in SerpDad. Only they can add or change keys.
- A DataForSEO key as well. A run needs both keys to pass a live check.
What runs on it. What SerpDad does with your OpenAI key.
Page classification
Reads the top 10 for every keyword and scores each page's scope and format.
Briefs
The writing plan for one page, built from that page's own top 10, with sourced claims.
Drafts and verification
Sections written from sourced brief material, then each sentence read against its sources.
Not on this key: search data
The top 10 results and search volumes come from your DataForSEO key.
Not on this key: images
The Image maker workflow block runs on an OpenRouter key only.
A fixed, tested model list
Pick a model from the list SerpDad has tested. There is no custom base address.
The cost box. What the AI key cost on our own run.
| Line | Run 2 actual | Estimate per 1,000 keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Page classification | $1.67 | $0.75 to $5.00 |
| Briefs | $0.18 | About $0.35 for 5 briefs |
| AI provider total | $1.85 |
Small next to search data. The AI lines were $1.85 of the $13.10 Run 2 cost. OpenAI prices vary by model, so yours will differ. Every run, brief build and draft shows its estimate on your key first. Try your keyword count in the run cost calculator.
Setup. Connect OpenAI in three steps.
Create a key on the OpenAI platform
Name it SerpDad and set a spend limit at OpenAI before you copy it.
Paste it in Workspace, Provider keys
Open Other providers, pick OpenAI and a model, paste the key and save. SerpDad checks it before it saves it.
Read the estimate, then approve
Nothing is spent until someone approves the cost on screen. The monthly spend cap stops runs that would pass it.
Step-by-step help and fixes for a refused key: AI provider key help. How keys are stored and checked: provider keys docs.
What it won't do. It never resells your OpenAI usage, and it does not track ChatGPT.
SerpDad adds no markup and never falls back to a SerpDad key for your work. Every charge is on your own OpenAI account. The key is encrypted, write-only and never shown in logs, emails or links.
This key writes; it does not watch. SerpDad checks Google AI features only, AI Overviews and AI Mode. It does not check ChatGPT answers.
The text SerpDad sends goes to your own OpenAI account, under OpenAI's terms for that account. Check its data settings before you connect.
Templates. Workflows that spend on this key, only after approval.
Keyword pile to page plan
Classification on this key, after the estimate.
Approved outline to finished article
Approving the outline approves the article's estimate on your keys.
Affiliate comparison pages
Plan and brief comparison pages from the live top 10.
Questions and answers.
Can't find the answer? Email us.
Can I use my OpenAI API key with SerpDad?
Yes. OpenAI is listed under Other providers in Workspace, Provider keys. Pick OpenAI, pick a model from the list, paste the key and save. SerpDad checks the key before it saves it.
What runs on my OpenAI key?
Page classification, briefs, drafts and verification. The top 10 results and search volumes run on your DataForSEO key. The Image maker block needs an OpenRouter key.
Is this the same as a ChatGPT subscription?
No. SerpDad needs an API key from the OpenAI platform, which OpenAI bills separately by usage. A ChatGPT plan does not include API usage.
Does SerpDad track my brand in ChatGPT?
No. The OpenAI key does the reading and writing. SerpDad checks Google AI features only: AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Does SerpDad add a markup to OpenAI fees?
No. OpenAI bills your own account at its own prices. SerpDad never resells provider usage, and every run shows its estimate before it spends.
Your OpenAI account, your bill.
Plan 1,000 keywords free on your own keys.
Your first plan is free up to 1,000 keywords, with briefs for the top 5 pages. No card needed.