Episode 6 Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Key Changes in Google Traffic
- Agile SEO Strategies for a Changing Landscape
- The Adoption of AI in Marketing
- SEO Trends for the Next Six Months
- Practical AI Tools and Platforms
- Adapting SEO Strategies for Smaller Businesses
- Final Thoughts and Future Predictions
- 5 Key Tips on Using AI Effectively for Work
- Conclusion
Introduction
The era of AI in SEO has dawned, bringing with it waves of both challenges and opportunities. In the latest episode of The PhraSEOlogy + AI Show, Filipe Santos sits down with the seasoned SEO expert Ann Smarty to delve into the critical issues facing the industry today. From changes in Google traffic to the adoption of AI, and indispensable tips for thriving in this evolving landscape, this episode covers it all.
Key Changes in Google Traffic
[Timestamp 03:15]
Ann Smarty opens the conversation with an in-depth analysis of the drastic changes in Google traffic over recent years. She emphasizes the long-term decline publishers and eCommerce businesses are experiencing and underscores the urgent need for adaptation.
“Businesses can no longer rely solely on Google traffic. We need to embrace a multi-faceted approach to attract and retain customers.”
— Ann Smarty.
Agile SEO Strategies for a Changing Landscape
[Timestamp 07:45]
With Filipe Santos nodding in agreement, Ann delves into the importance of embracing agility and continuous learning. In a world where SEO norms constantly shift, being flexible and staying informed is non-negotiable.
“SEO isn’t just about keywords and backlinks anymore. It’s about being useful to your audience in multiple ways.” — Ann Smarty.
The Adoption of AI in Marketing
[Timestamp 12:30]
The episode then transitions to the role of AI in marketing, where Ann Smarty shares her insights on the slower-than-expected adoption rate of AI. While she acknowledges the hype, she explains that the real transformative power of AI will reveal itself gradually.
“AI adoption is slower than expected, but the younger generation will grow up with these technologies, making them second nature and very powerful in the long run.” — Ann Smarty.
SEO Trends for the Next Six Months
[Timestamp 19:00]
Ann takes a moment to forecast the trends to watch in the coming months. These include the growth of new discovery channels, the potential reduction in Google traffic with the launch of SGE, and the surge in visual content creation driven by AI.
“SGE going public could drastically reduce traffic for quick answer searches. We’ll need to pivot our strategies accordingly.” — Ann Smarty.
Practical AI Tools and Platforms
[Timestamp 26:10]
Ann Smarty shares her preference for using the AI tool Gemini over Chargebee for content creation and improvement. She offers practical examples of how she employs these tools to generate content, manage social media, and analyze search queries.
“Gemini outperforms Chargebee in content generation, especially when it comes to improving and creating rich, engaging material.”
— Ann Smarty.
Adapting SEO Strategies for Smaller Businesses
[Timestamp 31:45]
Filipe Santos and Ann Smarty discuss how small businesses can leverage AI to become more productive and competitive. Despite the slow mainstream adoption, there’s a significant advantage for those who get on board early.
“Smaller businesses have the chance to be pioneers in AI adoption and use it to outmaneuver larger competitors.” — Ann Smarty.
Final Thoughts and Future Predictions
[Timestamp 38:00]
Ann concludes with her concerns about Google’s future and the emphasis on optimizing for both search engines and AI. Filipe brings up the impact of AI on search results and the importance of understanding these changes to devise robust strategies.
“We need to think beyond immediate traffic and focus on long-term visibility through branding, content, and community engagement.”
— Ann Smarty.
5 Key Tips on Using AI Effectively for Work
Diversify Your Traffic Sources:
With the expected decline in Google traffic, businesses must diversify their traffic sources and engage in comprehensive SEO strategies, including communities, social media, and PR.
Embrace Agile Learning and Adaptation:
SEO is no longer a static field. Maintain agility by consistently learning and adapting your strategies to keep pace with ever-changing algorithms.
Handpick Your AI Tools:
Choose the right AI tools to enhance productivity. For Ann, Gemini trumps Chargebee in terms of content generation and improvement.
Early Adoption Advantage:
The early bird catches the worm. Since mainstream adoption is still slow, small businesses should pioneer AI adoption to gain a competitive edge.
Optimize Towards AI Algorithms
Tailor your strategies for both search engines and AI. Utilize schema markup and focus on generating high-quality, relevant content that meets user intent.
Conclusion
Navigating the uncharted waters of AI in SEO requires both foresight and flexibility. As Ann Smarty eloquently argues, understanding and adapting to these shifts are crucial for survival and success. The key lies in leveraging AI tools judiciously, staying agile in learning, and diversifying strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and relevance.
Tune into this enlightening episode to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to thrive in this AI-driven SEO era. For more insights, follow Ann Smarty on Twitter and LinkedIn, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes of The PhraSEOlogy + AI Show.