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Find answers to the most common questions about the SERPtag MCP Server, API keys, installation, supported AI tools, and troubleshooting.

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What is SERPtag MCP?

The SERPtag MCP Server lets AI assistants connect directly to your live SEO data using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Instead of copying reports or exporting CSV files, your AI assistant can securely retrieve:
  • Projects
  • Keyword rankings
  • Ranking history
  • Search volume
  • Alerts
  • Account usage
Simply ask questions in plain English, and your AI assistant automatically chooses the correct SERPtag tool.

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Who can use SERPtag MCP?

You’ll need:
  • A SERPtag Agency or Enterprise subscription
  • An active SERPtag account
  • A valid API key
  • A supported AI application such as Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code, Claude Code, or Windsurf

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How do I create an API key?

Creating an API key only takes a few seconds.
  1. Sign in to your SERPtag account.
  2. Open Settings → API Keys.
  3. Click Generate API Key.
  4. Give your key a name.
  5. Copy the full key immediately.
Important Your full API key is only shown once. Store it somewhere safe before leaving the page.
For more information, see the Create an API Key guide.

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Which AI applications are supported?

SERPtag MCP currently supports:
  • Cursor
  • Claude Desktop
  • Claude Code
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
Additional MCP-compatible applications may also work.

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Should I use npm or direct HTTP?

Both methods connect to the same hosted SERPtag MCP server. If your AI application supports remote HTTP MCP, use Direct HTTP. If it only supports local MCP servers, use the npm bridge.

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Where do I install the npm package?

Install the package by running:
or run it without installing:
The npm package is available here: https://www.npmjs.com/package/serptag-mcp-server

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What tools are available?

The current release includes 14 read-only tools. For a complete description of every tool, see the Available Tools page.

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Can MCP change my SERPtag account?

Not yet. The current release is read-only, which means it can:
  • Read rankings
  • Read projects
  • Read keyword history
  • Read account information
It cannot:
  • Create projects
  • Add keywords
  • Refresh rankings
  • Delete data
  • Modify alerts
These capabilities are planned for a future release.

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What can I ask my AI assistant?

Here are a few examples:

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Which search engines are supported?

SERPtag MCP supports the same search engines as your SERPtag projects. Depending on your project configuration, this includes:
  • Google
  • YouTube
  • Amazon
  • Google Maps (Local)

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Why am I getting “Invalid or inactive API key”?

This usually means one of the following:
  • Your API key was copied incorrectly.
  • The key has been revoked.
  • The key has expired.
  • Only part of the key was copied.
Generate a new API key from Settings → API Keys, then update your MCP configuration.

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Why aren’t SERPtag tools appearing?

If SERPtag doesn’t appear inside your AI application:
  1. Check that your API key is correct.
  2. Confirm your MCP configuration has been saved.
  3. Restart your AI application.
  4. Make sure your subscription includes MCP access.
  5. If you’re using npx, confirm Node.js 18 or newer is installed.

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Why do I see “MCP access requires Agency or Enterprise”?

SERPtag MCP is currently available on:
  • Agency
  • Enterprise
These plans include 2,500 or more tracked keywords. Upgrade your subscription if you’re currently using a smaller plan.

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Can I use the REST API instead?

Yes. The same API key can also be used with the SERPtag REST API. Example:
The REST API is ideal for custom applications and server integrations.

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Is my API key secure?

Yes, provided you keep it private. Follow these best practices:
  • Never publish your API key.
  • Never commit it to Git.
  • Store it in environment variables whenever possible.
  • Regenerate it immediately if you believe it has been exposed.

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What’s the difference between npm and HTTP?

Both connect to exactly the same SERPtag MCP server. HTTP
  • No Node.js required
  • Simpler setup
  • Best for Cursor and Claude Code
npm
  • Runs a lightweight local bridge
  • Required by Claude Desktop
  • Required by clients that only support local MCP servers
Both expose the same tools and return the same live SERPtag data.

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Where can I get help?

If you need additional assistance: