Many people are saying that SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is dead. They think tools like ChatGPT and other AI are taking over. But is this true? Let's examine the current state of Google and its impact on SEO.

Google's Numbers Tell a Story

Google recently shared its Q1 earnings report. The numbers indicate that their ad revenue is up 8.5% compared to the same period last year. Overall revenue is up 12%. This means Google is still making money from ads.

If SEO were genuinely dead, Google's ad revenue would be down. The fact that it's up suggests that SEO is still important for businesses.

My Experience in SEO

As the owner of an SEO agency, I can attest that we've been consistently growing for the past five months. Our clients' businesses are also thriving. This is a clear indication that SEO is far from dead.

Breaking Down Google's Report

Here are some key points from Google's Q1 report:

• Total revenue: $90.2 billion

• Ad revenue: $66.9 billion (over two-thirds of total revenue)

• AI overviews are used by 1.5 billion people monthly

It is worth noting that the increase in ad revenue is year-over-year. Q4 is always Google's and e-commerce's best time of the year, thanks to Black Friday and holiday shopping.

SEO is Changing

AI overviews are answering many questions that people used to search for on Google. This means that informational searches are becoming less important for SEO. People are now utilizing AI to obtain quick answers and learn about various topics.

If you're trying to use basic blog content to gain visibility with AI, it will be challenging.

Two Types of SEO

I believe SEO is splitting into two main types:

1. Informational SEO: This is becoming harder because AI is answering many informational searches.

2. Commercial SEO remains effective because people continue to use Google to find and purchase products.

Commercial SEO is Thriving

People are still using Google to:

• Research products

• Read reviews

• Buy products

• Book services

This means that businesses can still make money through commercial SEO.

How to Succeed with Commercial SEO

Here are two things you should do to take advantage of commercial SEO:

1. Rank your product and category pages: Ranking these pages on Google is the best way to get more sales.

2. Adapt to AI: Create content that helps people decide which products to buy.

To adapt to LLMs, focus on content that is mid-to-bottom funnel. Create articles like competitor comparisons or solution alternatives. This type of content is being cited more in LLMs compared to top-of-funnel content.

AI Overviews and How to Deal With Them

AI overviews are changing how people see search results. They are not changing how much people buy things. AI overviews show up in some searches, but not all.

Google is also adding more ad spots to search results. This helps them make more money.

When AI overviews first emerged, many SEOs sought to rank for them. Now, many SEOs don't care about ranking in AI overviews. This is because AI overviews can reduce the number of clicks you get.

The best way to deal with AI overviews is to focus on keywords that are not affected by them. These are usually commercial keywords.

What This Means for Your Business

SEO is not dead, but it is changing. The best way to get the most out of SEO is to:

• Focus on commercial pages

• Build links to your website

Also, focus on paid ads. SEO is not a replacement for paid ads. Many successful brands use Google Ads to drive revenue. Paid ads can also help you learn about your SEO strategy.

Adapt or Be Left Behind

SEO is evolving, but it's also becoming more manageable as you can now focus on fewer aspects. By shifting your focus from informational content, you can concentrate on the strategies that truly matter. It's crucial to adapt to these changes in SEO. If you persist with outdated methods, you risk falling behind.

Ready to adapt your SEO strategy and stay ahead of the curve? Contact my agency, New Seas, to schedule a consultation.