There are rumours that SEO is dead.
Is it really dead or just fabricated by those who can’t?
As Google says!
We are working to keep search relevant & useful.
Google
To start with, I started my SEO journey in 2015 and faced multiple changes – algorithmic, SERP design and everything in the SEO universe.
But I never cried because of Google Alogiritm.
What Occurs when Google Changes its Algorithms?
- Ranking Fluctuates – Out of all websites & businesses, a good % gets promoted or demoted as per guidelines.
- Frustrations: Frustrations come from 2 directions – SEOs & Business owners. However, SEOs suffer the most as their pay is directly proportional to traffic/sale results – hypothetically.
Noticeably, you will hear SEO is head from losers only.
For instance, I’ve never seen SEOs in my circle crying over SERP changes.
People are still searching and it will keep growing – NO DOUBT.
As correctly said by Nathan Gotch (Founder of Gotch SEO):
When things are going well, everyone is an SEO genius. But when things go wrong, SEOs get emotional & start shouting that SEO is dead, and Google is evil, and sometimes quit SEO altogether.
Nathan Gotch
Meanwhile, did you know that?
Apart from major updates, Google keeps changing or should I say experimenting with SERP.
Other SEO Expert’s opinions!
I’ve looked at what other SEO experts think about the claim. Let’s explore them too!
Here’s what Sourabh Rana wrote in a LinkedIn article:
- SEO is Dead: If you are not ranking in the top 3
- SEO is Dead: If you are not updating and upgrading yourself
- SEO is Dead: If you are not sound in technical SEO
- SEO is Dead: If you are using AI content and don’t know how to work on content
- SEO is Dead: If you can’t analyse the data and present it to clients and management
- SEO is Dead: If you are not working on Leads/Revenue and only on Traffic
- SEO is Dead: If you believe in what Google says and don’t experiment
- SEO is Dead: If you are following other people’s SEO Strategy with a blindfold
- SEO is Dead: If you are following competitor’s footprints
Honestly, the answer really depends on how you define SEO. If, when you say SEO, what you really mean is manipulating search engines to place sites that don’t really deserve to rank well at the top of the SERPs…then yes, I’d say that’s dead (or dying at least, as some manipulative tactics still work quite well).
Sam McRoberts
SEO is definitely not dead; it’s just becoming more competitive and complex. As Google fine-tunes its algorithms, the tactics required for effective SEO also evolve. It’s more about understanding user intent and delivering high-quality content now.
Umair
It’s only dead if you can’t rank. Otherwise, it’s an excuse.
Peter Rota
SEO is dead for those who haven’t optimised a single page.
Akash Singh
SEO isn’t dead, it’s just not what it used to be. You have to understand strategy and adapt.
A Redit User
You won’t believe it!
Discussing the Future of SEO with ChatGPT
Here’s what the GPT advanced version answered:
SEO is definitely not dead, it is evolving according to different requirements.
While the search landscape has changed significantly, SEO continues to be an essential part of digital marketing. The rise of AI, voice search, and changing user behaviours require you to adapt marketing strategies.
Noticeably, important key pillars such as high-quality content, good user experience, and technical SEO remain crucial.
The key is to stay updated with the latest trends and be flexible in adopting new techniques.
Why SEO can’t be Dead?
- Search Engine Usage: As per Statcounter (image shown below), search engines remain a primary tool for users to find information. Google, for example, handles billions of searches per day and leads the market.
- Organic Traffic: Many websites still report a significant portion of their traffic coming from organic search via Google and Bing. This proves that SEO efforts continue to pay off in terms of visibility.
- Investment in SEO: Businesses like D2C, E-commerce, etc. continue to invest heavily in SEO services. You will see demand for SEO professionals and the growth of SEO-related industries keeps growing.
- SEO is on Evolution: Like other marketing channels, SEO is evolving and this also includes content marketing, user experience optimization, CRO & user intent.
What you need to Evolve as per the latest SEO Trends
As an SEO professional, I believe you “just” need to follow the given pointers rather than blaming Google:
- Adapt to Change: So far you have released that SEO is not dead; it has evolved and will continue. It would be best if you learned accordingly.
- Focus on Quality Content: I think you are familiar – Content is always the king. Search engines like Google prioritize high-quality, relevant content. You should research & start investing in creating valuable content.
- Enhance User Experience: All of a sudden SEOs are talking about user experience. Well, it was in the hierarchy and Google will keep increasing the weightage. As Google is trying to provide the best experience – this rule starts with website owners. You should ensure that your website, online store or blog is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Not sure about rankings but it will “100%” help visitors engage.
- Leverage Data and Analytics: What’s the point of doing SEO when you can’t analyse the data? You must use GA or other analytics tools to understand user behaviour & adjust your strategies accordingly. This form of data-driven decisions can significantly improve your SEO efforts as-well-as revenue.
- Technical SEO: Technical SEO is good to have but please don’t obsess about fixing everything. However, you shouldn’t avoid structure data (one-time effort), site structure, and other technical elements.
- Stay Informed: Follow SEO journals, Twitter accounts or Google’s official site to stay up-to-date. You can also subscribe to YouTube channels related to SEO & Marketing. Attend webinars to stay informed about the latest trends and best practices.
To help you out – I’ve listed the SEO knowledge base that I & most of the SEOs follow.
SEO is dead – Is it a fight between you not getting results vs is SEO dead?
As a Business Owner or SEO Professional: Keep in Check!
- Loss of Motivation: I can understand and relate to the frustration/loss of motivation due to the -ve impact of algorithms. Think again and think positive approach. Emphasise learning & change in practices.
- Brother to Brother Advice: Study hard & experiment even harder. Don’t put your money, energy, time, and opportunity in just one basket. Also, use AI in a positive way rather than abusing the system.
- What not gonna change: Medium to large companies will continue to require SEO to maintain their revenue from organic sources.
Point of View
We don’t want to face any challenge.
As SEO, we want rankings and traffic without effort.
Guess what? Someone else is putting efforts to outrank you.
It’s a market of chase and knowledge.
SEO is not DEAD. I believe you are wasting your energy and time on useless claims.
Put your mind, energy and time to populate strategies – You will see the change in GSC.
What do you think?
Drop your thoughts in the comment box below.
Thanks,
Shailesh Thakran