Robot AI reading a search results page.

AI and SEO: A Powerful Partnership in the Right Hands

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In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword in the digital marketing world. Many believe that AI alone can guarantee top search rankings, but this is a misconception.

While AI is indeed transforming the SEO landscape, it’s essential to recognize its limitations and learn how to harness its power effectively. In many cases, AI can be used by small businesses to outrank the competition.

We’re going to show you how.

In this article, we’ll explore the impact of AI on search algorithms, content strategies, technical SEO, and more.

Thesis Statement: While AI plays a crucial role, a holistic approach that combines AI tools with human expertise and strategic thinking is necessary for sustainable organic search traffic.

AI’s Impact on Search Algorithms

Search engines like Google have been leveraging AI for years to improve their search results.

Algorithms like RankBrain and BERT employ natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to better understand search queries and deliver more relevant results.

AI helps reduce spam and promote websites with valuable content.
Image: Client results September 2024. In the right hands, AI can provide SEO tools to help the average position of website keywords move closer to top position like in this graph.

AI plays a pivotal role in enhancing search results accuracy, improving user experience, and combating spam and manipulation.

By understanding user intent and context, AI helps search engines return results that are highly relevant and helpful.

Human writers bring depth, authenticity, and the magic of creativity to the table. The ideal approach often involves a harmonious blend of AI assistance and human expertise.

AI-Enhanced Content Strategies

AI tools can significantly streamline and enhance content strategies. For instance, they can be used for:

  • Keyword Research and Optimization: AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of data to identify relevant keywords and suggest optimal placement within your content.
  • Content Ideation and Suggestions: AI can generate content ideas based on your target audience, trending topics, and competitor analysis.
  • Optimization and Refinement: AI can help you optimize your content for better readability, SEO, and user engagement.
Search traffic growing for a Mafost Marketing Client in September 2024.
Another long-term client of Mafost Marketing: This graph shows the organic traffic doubling within 1 month, but the quality content was developed 4-6 months ago.

If you haven’t picked up on it already, SEO is a long-term investment that’s ongoing by nature.

There are no quick fixes.

But AI can help (with limitations).

AI is Efficient, but Lacks Human Authenticity and Expertise

While AI-generated content can be efficient and scalable, it often lacks the creativity and nuance that human writers bring to the table.

AI can be a valuable aid in content creation, providing outlines, drafts, and suggestions, but human oversight is essential to ensure quality and originality.

And this is the biggest problem with ai-generated content for SEO…

The Problem with Regurgitating with AI

AI is a regurgitation of what already exists.

Google, and other search engines, are designed to minimize the visibility of regurgitated content.

In fact, Google’s own guidelines recommend against this type of content.

Here are several questions that Google poses for website owners…

Questions that serve as a guide of what not to do.

From Google Search Central

  • Does the content provide original information, reporting, research, or analysis?
  • If the content draws on other sources, does it avoid simply copying or rewriting those sources, and instead provide substantial additional value and originality?
  • Are you mainly summarizing what others have to say without adding much value?
  • Are you using extensive automation to produce content on many topics?

Source: Develepors.google.com/docs

Technical SEO and AI

AI can also be employed to improve the technical aspects of your website. AI-assisted website audits can identify and address issues such as broken links, slow page load times, and mobile-friendliness.

Furthermore, AI-driven tools can help optimize your website for speed and user experience. For example, AI can suggest techniques for compressing images and optimizing code, leading to faster page load times and improved user satisfaction.

AI-driven analytics and performance tracking tools can provide valuable insights into your website’s performance. By identifying areas for improvement, you can make data-driven decisions to optimize your SEO efforts and measure your return on investment (ROI).

AI is a Powerful Tool for SEO, In the Right Hands

In the ever-evolving world of SEO, AI is a powerful ally.

However, small business owners and marketers should remember that AI complements—not replaces—human expertise.

By combining AI’s strengths with timeless best practices, we can achieve sustainable success in the digital landscape.

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