You’ve practically earned a PhD in search engine optimization (SEO). Now, as you notice AI search taking over Google and other search engines, you may be wondering whether SEO is being targeted for a complete takeover.
While AI is certainly changing how people search, it’s just the latest development in an ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Here’s what you need to know:
AI is Providing Summary Information: When users search on Google or another engine, they receive a summary based on the intent of their search. AI is intuitive in understanding what the user is searching for, even when the wording is vague or the thought isn’t fully formed.
While the summary information appears at the front of the results, users can then click on sources to dive deeper into specifics.
It’s Helpful to Know Your AI Visibility Index: Your visibility index indicates how well your brand is being recommended and how often your content or website is referenced in AI summaries.
More is not always better, because you want to investigate whether your content is being applied correctly and accurately. Some legislation is emerging that will give companies more control over how their information is used and summarized, potentially providing them with some bargaining power over the use of their content.
AI Will Continue to Affect SEO: Many companies will find a gap between stellar search engine results page rankings and their AI visibility. Google refers to this transition to a new phase of search as an expansionary moment.
You’ve seen this before, such as when keyword strategies changed after Google’s algorithm began to recognize keyword-stuffed content, or when search engines began favoring sites that were optimized and offered better accessibility.
Your SEO strategy will change over the next couple of years to accommodate AI software, just as it has evolved in past years to meet the needs of video transcripts or long-tail keywords.
It’s not only the latest change to your SEO approach; it’s also an opportunity. Keeping pace with changes while your competitors lag behind allows you to gain an edge and drive more traffic to your site.
If you’re not sure where your SEO strategy stands or if it’s being adequately adjusted to accommodate AI summaries—or if you’re just not sure how to assess your AI visibility- these are all great reasons to reach out to SJC Marketing. We can help you fine-tune elements of your SEO strategy until you are fully up to date and ready to see new traffic to your site!