Expert Opinions: Is SEO Dead in the Age of AI?
The conversation around SEO and generative AI is gaining momentum as professionals handle a shifting landscape.. With emerging technologies reshaping interactions with search engines, experts are discussing what this means for the future of digital marketing.. There’s tension between the fear of losing traditional practices and the excitement about new opportunities ahead. How companies adapt during this transition will be crucial for their success.
Accepting change can lead to innovative strategies that prioritize user experience. Instead of viewing AI as a threat, many believe it can enhance our approaches to SEO. We’ve compiled opinions on this topic from various experts in the field.
Alex Foster, Head of SEO, Quikster
The rapid advancement of generative AI is causing a shift in SEO—a change that we must accept to drive growth.. Instead of lamenting the decline of traditional SEO, we should embrace these changes to explore new opportunities. With AI and language models reshaping how users search and interact with content, the challenge now is to adapt our methods to use these technologies effectively.
SEO is evolving, with the focus moving from tactics like keyword stuffing to an ecosystem where relevance, context, and semantic meaning play key roles. This requires us to rethink our approach in content marketing and engage audiences in ways that were previously unimaginable. Adaptability will be crucial—how we adjust our content strategies, use AI insights to understand user intent, and optimize for a more conversational search environment will determine our success.
Innovation often comes from disruption. Instead of resisting AI-driven changes, we must harness its potential to foster creativity and build stronger connections with our audience. By focusing on growth and innovation, we can not only maintain our relevance but thrive and set new standards in SEO and content marketing.
Alyssa Shupnacki, Content Lead, Thrive Media Group
The landscape of SEO is shifting, and it’s time we reconcile that fact meaningfully. The rise of generative AI and Large Language Models indicates a moment in how we approach search optimization, but it doesn’t spell doom for SEO. Instead, it presents an opportunity to evolve and refine our strategies.
Traditional methods, such as keyword stuffing and extensive backlinking, had their time and now feel outdated, but they laid the groundwork for what comes next. As AI influences search algorithms, we need to focus on understanding user intent, content relevance, and conversational engagement. AI can suggest content that resonates closely with user queries, but it won’t replace the core principles of SEO: quality, relevance, and authority.
We should accept these changes and acknowledge the role of authentic content that meets user needs. The integration of AI is not the end of SEO; it’s a chance to align our tactics with evolving technology and user behaviors. This shift requires us to stay agile, adapt quickly, and focus on creating real value in our B2B content marketing efforts. Let’s focus on the positive—there’s plenty of room for innovation in this new era of SEO.
Lucy Mitchell, VP of Content, Cloudscape
The evolving landscape of AI in search is exhilarating. With advancements in generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), we’re at the start of a transformative era for SEO. This isn’t just a challenge to traditional practices; it’s a call to innovate and rethink strategies.
Gone are the days when keyword stuffing and backlink tricks ruled. Instead, we’re pushed toward meaningful content that prioritizes user intent and quality over quantity. LLMs are reshaping how people interact with search engines, making queries more conversational and context-driven. This offers a new opportunity for B2B content marketers to refine their messages and connect authentically with their audience.
Accepting these changes means moving from outdated tactics to a more nuanced approach to SEO. High-quality, relevant content and understanding user experiences will become invaluable. SEO isn’t dead; it’s evolving into something more dynamic and responsive.
Navigating this shift presents a chance for businesses to stand out in the marketplace. Those ready to adapt and reinvent strategies will not only survive but thrive in this new environment. The question isn’t whether SEO will exist in the future—it’s how we will use AI’s power to enhance our content marketing. The future is bright, and the possibilities are vast.
Olivia Collins, Director of Marketing, Evergreen Essentials
The existential dread of SEO. Really, how many times do we have to hear that the old ways are dead? Yes, generative AI is rising, and it’s changing the landscape in ways that make my head spin. But let’s pump the brakes. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Traditional SEO practices, like understanding user intent and optimizing for quality content, aren’t disappearing—they’re becoming more critical.
With AI becoming the focus, everyone seems to be participating, convinced it’s the golden ticket to the future of search. Spoiler: it’s not. Just because we see flashy algorithms and LLMs spitting out responses doesn’t mean that well-researched, specific content has lost its value. With the rise of AI-powered tools, those who can harness this tech for genuine insights rather than rote keyword use will be the ones who thrive.
Let’s be honest—the hype around AI can often overshadow the tried-and-true practices that have served us well for years. Accepting the changes is one thing, but blindly hopping on the AI bandwagon is another. So let’s not confuse innovation with a complete overhaul. SEO is evolving, yes, but it’s far from dead. Just don’t forget who was keeping the lights on all this time.
Mike Turner, Senior Content Marketer, Oasis Beverages
The evolving landscape of SEO sees talk about generative AI more as a repeat of old fears than a breakthrough. Traditional SEO practices face pressure, but declaring them dead overlooks the industry’s resilience. Remember when social media was said to doom SEO? Spoiler: it didn’t. Each time new tech emerges, we hear the same warnings, yet we continue to adapt and thrive.
It’s amusing how quickly the narrative shifts—clinging to keyword strategies one moment, racing to AI optimization the next, as if it’s the holy grail of visibility. Let’s be real. While AI offers tools for content creation and data analysis, the core principles of SEO—user intent, quality, and effective linking—remain key.
The genius of SEO lies in its evolution, not its end. Claims that Large Language Models will overtake search are catchy headlines but miss that AI needs human input to work well and ethically. Instead of fearing AI, we should embrace the chance to rethink our strategies while focusing on connecting with our audience. The narrative isn’t about replacing, but about improving the art of SEO.