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API key guide

How to Get an OpenAI API Key

OpenAI keys are the most widely supported option and give the most predictable structured output. The API is billed separately from ChatGPT Plus, so plan on adding a small amount of credit and capping it.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Create a platform account

    Sign in at platform.openai.com. This is separate from ChatGPT: a Plus subscription does not include API usage.

  2. 2

    Add billing credit

    In Settings, open Billing and add a small starting amount. Ten dollars covers a very large number of audits.

  3. 3

    Set a hard limit

    Still in Billing, set a monthly budget and a notification threshold. This is the single most important step and takes ten seconds.

  4. 4

    Create the key

    Open the API Keys page, click Create new secret key, name it 'GetSEO', and restrict it to the models you intend to use if the option is offered.

  5. 5

    Copy and store it

    The value is shown once. Copy it straight into the GetSEO settings drawer, where it is saved in your browser's local storage and nowhere else.

  6. 6

    Choose a model

    A current mini or small reasoning model is the value pick for audits. Move up only when you want sharper copy rewrites.

Use your key in GetSEO

Open the settings drawer from the top bar, add the key, and it is saved in your browser only. You can add several keys and GetSEO will fail over between them automatically.

Worth knowing

  • API billing is prepaid credit, not a subscription; when the credit runs out, calls simply fail.
  • Always set the monthly cap before your first run.
  • Name keys per tool so you can revoke one without breaking everything else.

Troubleshooting

ProblemFix
You exceeded your current quotaThe account has zero credit. Add credit in Billing; this is not a rate limit.
Incorrect API key providedThe key was revoked or mistyped. Generate a fresh one and repaste.
Model does not exist or you do not have accessYour account tier cannot reach that model. Pick a widely available one in the settings drawer.

Keep reading

OpenRouter vs OpenAI costsWhat an audit really costs on each route.API key security best practicesCaps, rotation and safe storage.Run a free website auditPut your new key to work and get a full growth report in a couple of minutes.

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