Alright, let’s talk about SEO because the Chamber and a bunch of business owners have asked me to. Apparently, SEO still confuses the hell out of people, and I get it. For years, we’ve been told that SEO is EVERYTHING—that if you don’t master it, your business will basically disappear into the abyss of the internet, never to be found again.
Well, I hate to break it to you… but SEO isn’t as important as it used to be. And I really hope that doesn’t completely wreck how you’ve been thinking about it. But let’s be real—AI has changed the game, and the old tricks don’t work like they used to. Let me explain.
How AI Has Changed SEO (And Why You Can’t Trick It Anymore)
There was a time when SEO was basically a game of who can cheat Google the best. Businesses stuffed websites with keywords, loaded up on backlinks (even if they were garbage), and did all sorts of sketchy things to rank higher. And for a while, it worked!
But then AI stepped in and said, “Nope, not today.”
Personalized Search = No Universal #1 Spot
What you see on Google is not what I see on Google. AI-driven search results now depend on your location, search history, behavior, and preferences. That means there is no magic formula to be the top result for everyone.
Keyword Tricks Don’t Work Anymore
Remember when businesses used to hide white text full of keywords on their webpages? Google figured that out. Now, AI ranks sites based on context and quality—not just keyword spam. If your content doesn’t actually help people, it’s not gonna rank well.
Google Now Gives Answers (Without Sending Traffic to You)
Ever notice how Google just gives you the answer now? Like when you search for “best pizza in Syracuse,” you see a list right in Google’s results instead of clicking a website? AI-powered snippets and overviews reduce clicks to websites—so traditional SEO rankings matter less.
Authority > Hacks
AI prioritizes trusted sources. If you’re a nobody online with no reviews, no engagement, and no social proof, your SEO is gonna struggle. Google wants experts, real businesses, and useful content.
So… Is SEO Dead? No, But It’s Different Now.
I’m not saying SEO is useless. It still matters, but not in the way most people think. Instead of worrying about old-school SEO “hacks,” focus on:
✔ Creating legit, useful content – Answer real customer questions, write blogs (like this one) and post valuable info people actually want to read.
✔ Building a solid reputation – Get customer reviews, build social proof, and establish your business as a trusted name.
✔ Local SEO is still a thing – If you have a physical business, make sure your Google Business profile is updated and optimized.
✔ Voice search & AI-friendly content – People are searching differently now (more natural, conversational). Write your content how people talk.
Final Thought: Stop Worrying About SEO & Start Focusing on Being Useful
Look, I know this might mess with how you thought SEO worked. But the reality is, AI has changed search forever.Instead of trying to trick algorithms, just focus on being useful, being real, and being present online.
People want trustworthy businesses with real personalities. If you’re doing good work, engaging with your audience, and giving people something worth talking about, the search engines will find you.
So take a deep breath, stop stressing about SEO, and just focus on running your business. You’ll be just fine.
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