How to Migrate from BrightEdge to Search Atlas: Step-by-Step Guide

Search Atlas offers what BrightEdge doesn’t: a fully integrated workflow for content creation, optimization, and...

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Search Atlas offers what BrightEdge doesn’t: a fully integrated workflow for content creation, optimization, and publishing.

While BrightEdge focuses on large-scale reporting and data insights, Search Atlas provides tools to act on those insights immediately. Its AI agent, OTTO SEO, automates tasks like on-page fixes, technical optimizations, and content updates—turning recommendations into results without manual intervention.

This guide will help you migrate your key projects from BrightEdge, set up your Search Atlas workspace, and use its features to simplify and scale your SEO efforts.

1. What Is the Initial Setup in Search Atlas?

Start by configuring your workspace properly to enable seamless tracking, automation, and performance insights.

Create a New Project:

Log in to your Search Atlas account, scroll down in the main Dashboard, and click + Create new.

search atlas Create a New Project step 1

Enter your domain, select the target country, and optionally enter primary keywords for tracking.

search atlas Create a New Project step 2

Add or remove recommended keywords, and also add your main competitors. You will be able to change both of these options later.

search atlas Create a New Project step 3

Connect Key Integrations

Google Search Console (GSC)

Click on Site Metrics > All Sites > Connect GSC Account.

search atlas Connect GSC Account step 1

Authorize access and connect your verified property.

After GSC is connected, go to Manage Sites.

search atlas Connect GSC Account step 2 manage sites

A slider will appear showing all imported GSC properties (they are disabled by default). Find your domain and then click Enable.

search atlas Connect GSC Account step 3 activate sites

Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

From your GSC Performance dashboard, click on Connect Google Analytics 4.

search atlas Connect google analytics step 1

Select your GA property or connect your GA4 account. Authorize access and connect your verified property.

search atlas Connect google analytics step 2

Once enabled, Search Atlas will link keyword data, impressions, CTR, and engagement metrics automatically.

You can use publicly shareable links for fast access to verification if needed.

2. How to Export Site Audit Data from BrightEdge and Import to Search Atlas?

Search Atlas doesn’t require you to import site audit data from BrightEdge.

It automatically performs fresh technical scans with actionable insights using the Site Auditor.

From BrightEdge

The primary tool for technical health in BrightEdge is ContentIQ.

Log in to your BrightEdge account and navigate to the ContentIQ section.

Select the site audit you wish to export.

Look for an Export or Download option within the audit dashboard. You can typically export the full list of issues or specific report views as a CSV or PDF file for your records.

Set Up Site Audit in Search Atlas

Go to OTTO & Audit > All Audits > Site Auditor.

Set Up Site Audit in Search Atlas step 1

Enter your domain and configure the crawling features:

Configure crawling with the following options:

Set Up Site Audit in Search Atlas step 2

Run a full scan to launch the crawl across all pages under that domain.

Pro Plan Feature – Bulk Auditing:

For agencies or multi-site audits, go to Update Sites in Bulk and paste multiple domains to queue audits simultaneously.

This is ideal for auditing multiple projects quickly.

search atlas Update Sites in Bulk

3. How to Export Keyword Rank Tracker from BrightEdge and Import to Search Atlas?

Copy all of your tracked keywords from BrightEdge position tracking and import them directly into Search Atlas.

From BrightEdge

Log in to BrightEdge and navigate to the Share of Voice section of your dashboard.

brightedge share of voice Competitor Analysis
Via BrightEdge

Select the keyword groups or tracked keywords you want to export.

Use the Export function to download your keyword list and its ranking data as a CSV file.

In Search Atlas

Go to Keywords > Keyword Rank Tracker

Search Atlas Keyword Rank Tracker step 1

Enter your domain or target page, and specify the target location (country, state, city, county, or province).

Example: Track rankings for searchatlas.com in Las Vegas, Nevada

Click Start Tracking and connect your Google Business Profile (GBP), if applicable. Enter the name of your project, description, language, and keyword refresh interval (Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Custom).

Search Atlas Keyword Rank Tracker step 2

Search Atlas will automatically recommend keywords, and you can choose between selecting them or pasting keywords manually from the BrightEdge CSV or PDF.

Search Atlas Keyword Rank Tracker step 3

4. Migrating Your Content Workflow from BrightEdge to Search Atlas?

Migrating your content workflow from BrightEdge involves moving from its Content Advisor to Search Atlas’s Content Genius

While both platforms offer AI-powered tools for content brief and draft generation, Search Atlas simplifies the process with an all-in-one workflow that includes keyword analysis, content enhancement, and  1-Click Publishing to your WordPress website.

From BrightEdge

From BrightEdge’s Content Advisor, copy the entire text of your desired content draft to your clipboard.

brightedge content advisor
Via BrigthEdge

In Search Atlas

Navigate to Content > Content Genius.

navigating to SA content genius tool

Click on the Write Yourself > Create Article.

You can either paste your existing article text directly into the editor, or enter the URL of the content you want to import.

Add the keyword (s) you want to rank for, and the editor will automatically retrieve it.

Enter your primary target keyword for the article and click the check mark to start the analysis.

The tool evaluates technical improvements, content structure, and keyword optimization. 

It provides actionable recommendations for schema updates, link additions, and term usage to align your content with top-ranking pages in your niche.

Setting Up 1-Click WordPress Publishing

The following steps will show you how to connect your WordPress site to Search Atlas.

In WordPress

Install the Plugin

In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins section in the left-hand menu and click Add New Plugin.

otto installation wordpress step1

Search for Metasync or Search Atlas in the search bar and click Install Now.

When the installation is complete, click Activate.

Connect Search Atlas with WordPress

After installing and activating the Search Atlas WordPress Plugin, go to SearchAtlas in the left menu of your WordPress dashboard.

In the settings page that appears, paste your copied API key into the SearchAtlas API Key field.

otto instalation wordpress step 3

Get Your API Key

To get your SearchAtlas API key, go to your Search Atlas dashboard and click on Settings.

search atlas profile setting api key

Then click on the API Keys tab.

search atlas profile copy api key

Click the button to copy the API Key

Connect the Plugin

Go back to WordPress Dashboard > Settings.

Paste the copied API key into the SearchAtlas API Key field.

Click on Save Changes.

Your Search Atlas plugin is now connected to your WordPress site.

Publishing Content in 1-Click

Inside Content Genius, you will be able to if WordPress is syncronized with Search Atlas and choose directly in editor:

  • Website to be published
  • Status
  • Type
  • Permalink URL
  • Author
  • Category
  • Parent page
search atlas 1-click publishing wordpress

5. Exporting Reports from BrightEdge and Setting Up Reports in Search Atlas?

You cannot directly transfer reports from BrightEdge to Search Atlas. However, you can save them for future reference and use Search Atlas’s advanced Report Builder to recreate and enhance your reporting workflows.

From BrightEdge

Go to the StoryBuilder section in BrightEdge.

Open your saved dashboards or create new ones using one-click templates.

Export the dashboards or reports in your preferred format for your records.

In Search Atlas

Go to Report Builder > Report List.

search atlas set up report Builder step 1

Choose the location, date range, and the widgets you want to report, like:

  • AI Summaries
  • Site Explorer
  • OTTO SEO
  • Orders & Tasks
  • Google Analytics data
  • Google Search Console data
  • Facebook Ads
  • Google Ads
  • Google Business Profile
  • Keyword Rank Tracking

Next, set up automated reporting by adding recipients. Select how often to email the report (weekly, monthly, or quarterly), and pick the day of the week for delivery.

search atlas set up report Builder step 2

Choose between Default Layout and Custom Layout, and create the report.

Customize the Reporting

After creating the report, click Configure Report to change the Integrations, Scheduled emails, and Layout.

In the Layout section, you can customize the report entirely.

search atlas set up report Builder step 4

Click Add Custom Text to include your own text or HTML, allowing you to add branding elements like your logo, banner, or links.

add custom text or html search atlas set up report Builder step 5

Scroll down to click and drag each metric into the report. You can position them wherever you prefer.

customize report search atlas set up report Builder step 6

Add the AI Summaries

In the Integrations section, you can include the AI Summary Overview.

These automated summaries highlight the key insights from your report, making it easier for you and your stakeholders to quickly understand the results.

search atlas reporting ai summary overviews local seo

Creating a Local SEO Report

Click on Edit Report and navigate to the Local SEO and GBP Section. Add as many Local SEO projects and GBP accounts as needed for the report.

Creating a Local SEO Report step 1

The previously configured heatmap for each Local SEO project will be automatically included. They are fully customizable.

Creating a Local SEO Report step 2

The GPB data will also be added automatically, and each metric can be adjusted as needed.

Creating a Local SEO Report step 3

Sharing the Report

Once your report is configured, you can download it as a PDF or share it via a Share URL or Get iFrame Code.

The iFrame Code is an HTML element that allows you to embed another HTML page within your own.

search atlas download or share report

White Label Reporting

Search Atlas enables you to completely white-label your dashboard and URL.

Go to Agency White Label and set your custom dashboard URL and logo.

search atlas Agency White Label

When you share your report via Shareable URL, it will display your logo and URL.

6. How to Enable Automated SEO Optimization in Search Atlas?

While BrightEdge is excellent at identifying problems through data analysis (like finding broken links, it does not have an AI agent that automatically implements changes. 

With Search Atlas, you can set up OTTO SEO, the AI agent that automates nearly every SEO task, including technical audits, on-page optimization, link building, content creation and optimization, Local SEO and GBP optimization, and more.

This is a new workflow, so there are no steps to perform in BrightEdge.

In Search Atlas

Obs: It’s necessary to go through the Site Audit on your project before activating OTTO.

Go to Projects > + Add a Website

search atlas set up OTTO step 1

Select one of your projects that doesn’t have OTTO installed, or add a new website.

search atlas set up OTTO step 2

Select the GSC and GBP profiles for the project and add your business details.

search atlas set up OTTO step 3

Follow the step-by-step tutorial to install the OTTO pixel on your website. 

search atlas set up OTTO step 4

Installing OTTO on another CMS

Go to OTTO & Projects > Installation Guide. You will find short tutorials for:

  • Google Tag Manager
  • WordPress
  • Webflow
  • Squarespace
  • Shopify
  • ClickFunnels
  • Wix
  • GoHighLevel (GHL)
  • Custom Installation
search atlas OTTO installation guide

Here is a quick recap on how to install OTTO SEO on WordPress.

Go to your WordPress dashboard. Open the Plugins section. Search for “Search Atlas” in the plugin directory. Click Install Now, then activate the plugin.

otto installation wordpress step1

Copy the API key provided during setup. Open the Search Atlas plugin settings by clicking the Search Atlas logo in the left-hand menu. Navigate to General Settings. Paste the API key into the SearchAtlas API Key field and continue.

otto instalation wordpress step 3

Copy the code provided in the next step. Return to your WordPress dashboard. Access the plugin settings again. In General Settings, check the Enable OTTO box. Paste the code into the OTTO Pixel UUID field. Save changes.

otto instalation wordpress step 5

OTTO SEO now runs inside WordPress, automating fixes and SEO updates across your site.

How to Configure OTTO SEO?

Here is a quick tutorial on how to configure OTTO Autopilot and its settings.

5. How to Leverage the Search Atlas Onboarding Process?

Search Atlas offers multiple support channels to help you with any questions or issues. Here is how to make the most of our onboarding process.

Watch Tutorial Videos

Search Atlas offers step-by-step tutorials on YouTube to help you set up reports, dashboards, and automations.

Book a 1:1 Onboarding Session

During your trial, you can schedule a 1:1 onboarding session directly from the dashboard. A product expert will help you customize your setup, connect integrations, and configure OTTO SEO for automation.

Follow the 7-Day Email Campaign

As soon as you start your free trial, you’ll receive a 7-day onboarding email sequence. Each email walks you through a core feature.

Technical Documentation

Access full technical docs via the Help Center for detailed instructions on using every tool. Everything is searchable and regularly updated.

Join Our Community of SEO Experts Today!

Related Reads to Boost Your SEO Knowledge

Visualize Your SEO Success: Expert Videos & Strategies

Real Success Stories: In-Depth Case Studies

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