Integrations / OpenRouter
SerpDad + OpenRouter: the recommended AI key, because one key reaches every model.
OpenRouter is the AI provider SerpDad recommends. One OpenRouter key reaches every model SerpDad offers, so changing models never means changing keys. It reads each search result and writes your briefs and drafts. OpenRouter bills you directly, and SerpDad shows the estimate before it spends.
Run 2 spent $1.85 on our AI key for 1,797 keywords.
What runs on it. What SerpDad does with your OpenRouter key.
Everything SerpDad reads or writes with an AI model runs on your AI provider key. The top 10 results and search volumes run on your DataForSEO key instead.
Page classification
Reads the top 10 for each keyword and scores the scope and format of each page, so the plan knows what kind of page wins.
Briefs
Builds the angle, the outline with word budgets, terms, questions and sourced claims from the page's own top 10.
Drafts
Writes sections only from sourced brief material. You see the units and the estimate on your key before drafting.
Verification
A larger model reads every sentence against its sources. It runs on request and again before sign-off.
Image maker
The Image maker workflow block makes article images. It runs on an OpenRouter key only.
One key, every model
Pick any model on the list SerpDad has tested. Switching models is a setting, not a new account.
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 |
Most of a run is not AI. The other $11.25 of Run 2 went to DataForSEO for the top 10 and keyword data. The whole run cost $13.10 against an estimate of $4.32 to $14.77, shown before it started. Drafts are extra and show their own estimate first.
Your numbers will differ. The model you pick moves the AI lines most. Try your keyword count in the run cost calculator, and read the full table in the provider keys docs.
What you need. An OpenRouter account with credit and a limit.
- An OpenRouter account with credit on it.
- An API key named SerpDad, with a spend limit set on the key.
- 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.
Set the spend limit at OpenRouter before you paste the key. SerpDad reads it when you save the key and warns you when none is set. It works as a second guard next to the monthly spend cap you set in SerpDad.
Already pay Anthropic or OpenAI directly? You can use an Anthropic key or an OpenAI key instead. OpenRouter is recommended because it reaches more of the tested models and is the only key the Image maker block runs on.
Setup. Connect OpenRouter in three steps.
Create a key in OpenRouter
Name it SerpDad and set a spend limit on it before you copy it.
Paste it in Workspace, Provider keys
Pick OpenRouter and a model, paste the key and save. SerpDad checks the key before it saves it.
Read the estimate, then approve
Every run, brief build and draft shows its cost on your key first. Nothing is spent until someone approves.
Step-by-step help and fixes for a key that will not save: AI provider key help. How keys are stored and checked: provider keys docs.
What it won't do. It never resells your AI usage.
SerpDad adds no markup to OpenRouter fees and never falls back to a SerpDad key for your work. Every charge sits on your own OpenRouter account.
Your key is encrypted and write-only. After you save it, SerpDad shows only the provider, the last 4 characters, the status and dates. It never appears in logs, emails or links.
The text SerpDad sends goes to your own OpenRouter account. OpenRouter's terms and your account settings decide whether it may be used. Check them before you connect.
Templates. Workflows that spend on this key, only after approval.
Keyword pile to page plan
Classification runs on this key. The estimate comes first.
Keyword pile to signed articles
Briefs, drafts and verification on this key, with a named person signing each article.
Approved outline to finished article
Approving the outline approves the estimate for the article on your keys.
Questions and answers.
Can't find the answer? Email us.
Why does SerpDad recommend OpenRouter?
One OpenRouter key reaches every model SerpDad offers, so you can change models without changing keys. It is also the only key the Image maker workflow block runs on.
What runs on my OpenRouter key?
Page classification, briefs, drafts and verification: everything SerpDad reads or writes with an AI model. The top 10 results and search volumes run on your DataForSEO key instead.
Does SerpDad add a markup to OpenRouter fees?
No. OpenRouter bills your own account at its own prices. SerpDad never resells provider usage and never falls back to its own key for your work.
Should I set a spend limit on the key?
Yes. Set a spend limit on the key in OpenRouter before you paste it. SerpDad reads that limit when you save the key and warns you if none is set.
Can I pick any model on OpenRouter?
You pick from a fixed list of models SerpDad has tested. If a model leaves the list, SerpDad marks the key and pauses runs that need it, with a message telling you to pick another model.
Where does my text go?
To your own OpenRouter account, on your key. OpenRouter's terms and your account settings decide whether the text may be used. Check them before you connect.
One key, every model, your bill.
Plan 1,000 keywords free on your own OpenRouter key.
Your first plan is free up to 1,000 keywords, with briefs for the top 5 pages. No card needed.