Is SEO Dead? Not Exactly.
Q: Wait… what’s happening to Google search results?
Let’s start with the punch to the gut: Google has started rolling out AI Summaries — short, AI-generated blurbs that appear at the very top of the search results page. So if your site was proudly sitting at spot #1, #2, or even on the first page… congrats, you're now below the fold.
To add insult to injury, these summaries often include links to other sources — and guess what? They're not always the top-ranking pages. That means someone could search a question, read the AI summary, click a random link, and never even see your beautifully optimized page.
Q: Are people even using Google anymore?
Not all of them.
The trend is shifting — fast. Nearly 40% of users now turn to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity instead of Google to ask questions, get recommendations, and find resources. And that number is only climbing.
Translation? People aren’t just skipping your search result… they’re skipping the entire search engine.
Q: So… is SEO officially dead?
No — but it is evolving.
If we define SEO the old-school way — “optimizing for search engines like Google” — then sure, it’s on life support. But if we zoom out and look at the core principle — making your content findable, relevant, and valuable to searchers — SEO is very much alive.
We’re just entering a new game. And the rules are different.
Q: How do I optimize for AI search now?
Welcome to the new world of AI-EO (AI Engine Optimization) — yes, we made that up, and yes, it’s better than “search engine optimization.”
Here’s your new playbook:
1. Keep your human voice
AI platforms are prioritizing authentic, human-created content. Don’t sanitize your tone. Don't outsource your soul to a robot. Write like you.
2. Structure your content
AI loves clarity. Use clear headers, bullet points, and logical flow. Break things up. Think like a robot that needs to categorize your ideas.
3. Answer real questions
Most people prompt AI with a question. So write your content like it’s answering that exact thing. (Kind of like this blog.)
4. Use verifiable links and legit sources
AI tools prefer content that links out to trusted sources and cites real data. If you’re dropping claims, back them up.
5. Speak to multiple AIs
Different platforms digest content differently. Want to really go pro? Format content that’s readable by both LLMs and traditional search engines. Some hybrid practices still hold value.
Q: Final verdict — what now?
SEO isn’t dead. It’s just going through a rebrand.
Your job now? Adapt. Shift your content strategy to meet people where they actually search — AI platforms.
The same fundamentals apply: clarity, relevance, voice, value. Just served up in a new wrapper.
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