Have you ever encountered those headlines that make you raise an eyebrow and wonder, “Here we go again?” That was our team’s sentiment after attending MozCon 2023, where speaker Tom Capper dissected the ongoing saga of “SEO is Dead!” articles. Believe it or not, those statements date back to 1999. That’s like a lifetime ago. Here’s a question: Do you listen to everything that was said to be true or not true?

Fast forward to today, and here’s the twist: despite the predictions of SEO’s demise, 46% of CMOs have significantly increased their investment in SEO this year, according to eMarketer. 

Is SEO Dead, Alive, or More Resilient Than Ever?

In the eyes of seasoned SEO professionals, it’s always been about the intricate dance that comes with algorithms. Sure, each platform has its quirks—just like us humans. For example, YouTube prefers a specific style, and TikTok favors newcomers. Still, at its core, SEO communicates a universal language across the digital spectrum. 

For a second, cast your mind back to 2015 when the internet housed a modest 800 million websites. Today? Brace yourself…it’s a staggering 1.6 billion websites! What’s Google’s role in all of this? It’s way more complex now than in its earlier days. They’re the gatekeepers of the search world, sifting through this vast cyber landscape to deliver precisely what consumers are searching for. 

SEO isn’t just another marketing expense; it’s the backbone that keeps the business engine humming. Back in 2005, having a website was groundbreaking. But now? It’s all about integrating SEO into everyday business operations, making it an indispensable part of the modern business landscape. Let’s dive into the three key takeaways regarding the status of SEO’s life by expert Sam Rahimi, VP of Earned and Owned Media at AdCellerant.

1. The Need for Standardization in SEO

Have you ever noticed how platforms like TikTok and various other social media platforms seem to echo the tunes of traditional SEO practices? Well, they do, but there’s a plot twist—these platforms also have a soft spot for newbies. Their algorithms love to champion and uplift fresh, budding profiles, welcoming and rewarding innovators. 

When we asked Chat GPT-4, “Is AI killing SEO?” The response was somewhat reassuring: AI isn’t “killing” SEO; it’s transforming it. AI challenges traditional tactics, makes some obsolete, and introduces new opportunities and tools. The key for SEO professionals is to stay informed, adapt, and focus on providing genuine value and relevance to their audience.

If SEO is supposedly on its last legs, why is there a hefty budget surge allocated by CMOs? The scoop is that SEO often needs to catch up in translation and is up for various interpretations. SEO has long been tarnished by dated tactics and plug-and-play solutions that oversimplify its complexity. In its purest form, SEO is scrubbing away the clutter, enhancing user experiences, and championing quality content. 

So, rest assured, SEO isn’t dying or dead—it’s reshaping the digital landscape for a cleaner, more redefined internet experience. 

2. SEO In an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centric Era

SEO isn’t waving goodbye; it’s more like hitting the gym for a massive makeover, especially with AI joining the search engine party. Ever heard of SGE? It stands for Search Generative Experience—it’s the AI-powered brain behind search results. 

Imagine this: more than a quarter of what you see first on a search page could soon be AI-powered—possibly nudging down the traditional results we’re used to seeing. Your average clicks might take a hit, but think of it like this: when hunting for quick answers, this new setup will deliver the goods in the results without clicking. It’s like fast food for information—instant and convenient. 

But here’s the kicker: you’re not out of the game. Even with these changes, Google’s still pulling information for SGE from sources, and guess what? You could be a part of that consideration! So, while the clicks might dance, being in the mix for these AI-driven results is a big chance for you to shine. 

3. SEO Rules of Thumb: Tweak, Refine, and Adapt

Believe it or not, the moments when your first crack at SEO doesn’t quite hit the mark—it’s not the end of SEO, but more like a nudge to reassess and switch gears. Staying stagnant is like playing freeze-tag when everyone else is sprinting ahead. SEO is not a one-and-done deal; it’s a constant dance. The basics remain rock solid, but it’s like hitting pause on progress if your strategy is stuck in a rut. To keep winning, you’ve got to tweak, refine, and adapt. 

Have you ever noticed the “People Also Ask” (PAA) section in search results? Getting a sneak peek into what people are dying to know is a goldmine. SEO wizards use this to whip up content that hits home with what people are eager to discover—boosting visibility and getting people to talk about you. 

If all of this SEO talk turns your brain into a tailspin, consider leveraging an SEO expert. These experts have robust data analysis and a deep understanding of the market dynamics. They can help you navigate the ever-changing digital marketing landscape and steer your business towards the spotlight. 

Join the SEO Evolution with AdCellerant 

At AdCellerant, we’re actively embracing the shifts of SEO. We’ve fine-tuned our optimization strategies to mirror evolving consumer behaviors across diverse platforms. Our tailored approach, from dynamic listing optimizations to cutting-edge content generation tools, ensures our partners lead the charge through the evolution of SEO. 

As we head into 2024, AdCellerant remains steadfast in its commitment. We’re doubling our efforts in local solutions and pioneering video-centric optimizations, aligning with emerging trends. Our commitment to searching for quality fundamentals consistently drives growth for our partners. 

Don’t be swayed by the “SEO is Dead” claims. Instead, see it as an invitation to evolve. SEO is transforming, presenting fresh avenues for growth and enhanced engagement. If you’re looking for SEO experts or curious about how a partnership with AdCellerant can help you stand out while taking your digital strategies to the next level, let’s chat.