Google's AI and SEO: Is Search Engine Optimization Still Relevant?

Google's AI Mode and the Future of SEO: Is the Industry Dead or Evolving? The recent announcement of Google's AI mode has sparked debate in the SEO community. While some fear AI will render SEO obsolete, data suggests otherwise. A recent video by Build in Public, a digital marketing expert, analyzes Google Trends data showing a surge in interest in SEO since the introduction of ChatGPT. "Funny enough, the Google Trends for search engine optimization shows that there’s more interest in SEO now than there has ever been," Build in Public states in their video. This trend indicates that despite the advancements in AI, the need for effective SEO strategies remains strong. The video further argues that users continue to click through to websites for complex, transactional, or informational queries, indicating that bottom-of-the-funnel SEO is more critical than ever. This is supported by a survey cited in the video showing that 54% of people look through more search results than 5 years ago. This highlights the ongoing importance of optimizing websites for relevant keywords and providing valuable content to users. While AI tools may change how searches are conducted, the core principles of SEO remain important for reaching potential customers. The video concludes with a call to action, promoting a 13-hour SEO course. While this element is promotional, the core analysis of the impact of AI on SEO provides valuable insights for businesses and marketing professionals.