Let me guess — someone on your marketing team just declared that “SEO is over” and now you’re wondering if you should even bother investing in it.

I get it. Everyone and their algorithm is screaming about AI search, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and how ChatGPT is the new Google.

So, is SEO dying? Not really. But it’s mutating — fast. And if you’re still playing the 2015 keyword-stuffing game, you’re already losing.

Why People Think SEO Is Dying

A few reasons why the SEO-doomsday crowd is panicking:

  • AI Overviews (GEO) are stealing the spotlight
    Google is slapping AI summaries at the top of search results, giving users the illusion they’ve got the answer — no clicks needed.
  • Top-ranking content feels like AI-generated oatmeal
    Bland. Repetitive. Useless. And yeah, a lot of it is AI-written nonsense designed to trick the algorithm.
  • User behavior is shifting
    Some folks — especially younger, tech-savvy ones — are asking ChatGPT or Gemini instead of googling.
  • Most companies don’t get cited in AI answers
    So what’s the point if no one’s clicking through to your site anymore?

I hear you. It’s frustrating.

But let’s take a breath.

The Truth: SEO Isn’t Dead — It’s Just Changing Jerseys

What you need to understand is this:

SEO isn’t just about ranking anymore. It’s about being referenced.

LLMs (like ChatGPT) don’t hallucinate out of thin air — they’re trained on and reference real content. And guess what? That content still has to come from somewhere. Preferably you.

Which means:

  • Your site still matters
  • Your content still matters
  • Your structure, schema, and clarity REALLY matter

What SEO Looks Like in the AI Era

Here’s what you should be doing now, not in six months when it’s too late:

1. Focus on “AI-Friendly” Content

  • Write clear, direct answers to real user questions
  • Use structured data and schema markup so bots can actually understand your stuff
  • Create FAQ sections, glossaries, and how-tos — goldmines for LLMs

2. Build Real Authority

  • Get cited in credible places (think guest posts, digital PR, and industry forums)
  • Create content that’s so good it earns backlinks and mentions without begging for them

3. Shift to Multi-Channel Content Discovery

  • Think “Search Everywhere Optimization” — not just Google
  • Be visible on YouTube, Reddit, newsletters, podcasts, even TikTok if your audience hangs there

4. Monitor and Adapt (Don’t Guess)

  • Track how your content shows up in tools like Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, or even ChatGPT
  • Try prompts like “What does [Your Company Name] do?” and see what shows up

Real Talk Example

Let’s say you run a SaaS that helps freelancers with invoicing.

If your current SEO strategy is “how to invoice clients as a freelancer,” you’re 5 years behind.

Instead, you should be:

  • Writing guides like “Freelancer Invoicing for 2025: AI Tools, Tax Tips, and Red Flags”
  • Adding structured FAQs to your pricing page like “Can I automate late payment reminders?”
  • Getting cited in industry blogs, Reddit threads, and even ChatGPT itself with clever prompts

That’s the new SEO. Smart, structured, and everywhere.

So Should You Ditch SEO?

Only if you also want to ditch being found online.

Just stop treating it like a siloed checklist and start treating it like reputation management for robots. You’re optimizing to be understood and referenced — not just clicked.

Need Help Making SEO Work in 2025?

This stuff can get overwhelming — fast. If you’re tired of guessing and ready to make your content work across Google and ChatGPT, let’s talk.

👉 Book a Free 15-Minute Chat With Me

No fluff, no pitch, just real strategy from someone who’s been through 10 years of SEO evolutions.

If you haven’t read it yet, check out one of my most important articles: Your Hidden Conversion Killer. Surprise Shipping Costs (And What to Do About It). It’s just as relevant today.