SEO is dead (kind of) so here's what to do now
Last week, I saw something that stopped me mid-scroll: a brilliant blog post didn’t even show up in the top Google results but it dominated in the AI Overview. The kicker? The author didn’t do anything traditional for SEO.
That’s when it hit me: if you’re still optimizing only for keywords, you’re already behind.
AI isn’t scanning for metadata alone. It’s evaluating content like a high-IQ, context-loving, question-asking human. Which means your content needs to be smarter, richer, and more useful than ever before.
Here’s how to do it—and how I’m evolving everything from blog posts to course pages to actually reach real people (and their AI assistants).
The Problem: SEO Optimization Isn’t Enough Anymore
Google’s new AI-powered search isn’t just about serving ten blue links. It’s answering layered, human questions—like “How do I automate my business onboarding with AI?” or “What’s the fastest way to create SOPs with ChatGPT?”
The catch? Generic content dies in this system.
If your post reads like a keyword-stuffed tutorial from 2012, it won’t rank in AI Overviews, let alone earn clicks.
Google’s AI is now judging:
How unique and useful your content is
If your media supports different formats (text, image, video)
Whether your site delivers a strong experience across devices
If users engage meaningfully—not just bounce.
This is not just an algorithm update. It’s a paradigm shift.
The Solution: Optimize for AI Discovery, Not Just Search Rank
Let’s break down the new playbook into 7 tactical moves:
1. Write for Questions, Not Keywords
Today’s AI search engines reward clear, complete answers to real-world queries. That means:
Ditch vague “how-to” intros. Start with a story or specific outcome.
Use natural language, like how people ask questions in conversation.
Answer follow-up questions proactively—what comes next, why it matters, how to implement.
Example: Instead of titling a post “AI for Business Automation,” go with “How I Saved 12 Hours a Month by Automating Client Onboarding with AI.”
2. Make Your Content Multimodal
Google’s AI Mode thrives on visual + text synergy. Your posts should include:
High-quality images with descriptive alt-text
Embedded videos or Loom-style walkthroughs
Annotated screenshots or process diagrams
These assets feed the multimodal engine—and boost dwell time, which AI rewards.
3. Clean Up Your Site UX
Great content loses all power on a clunky page. Run a 5-minute audit:
Is your page mobile-optimized?
Does the content load fast and stay readable?
Are CTAs visible but not aggressive?
If the answer isn’t yes to all three, fix it now. AI weighs page experience more than ever.
4. Use Structured Data (But Don’t Fake It)
Schema markup helps Google “understand” your content. But it only works if your visible content matches what the structured data claims. That means:
No fake reviews or testimonials in code
Label FAQs, tutorials, events, and product info properly
Validate with Google’s Rich Results Test
5. Treat AI Like a Reader—Because It Is
AI Overviews aren’t just snippets—they are the new front page. To get featured:
Write in short, scannable paragraphs
Highlight bold takeaways and quotes
Use bulleted lists (like this one)
Make it easier for AI to grab, organize, and recommend your insights.
6. Measure More Than Just Clicks
AI traffic is different: users come pre-qualified. They’ve read part of your answer already. So optimize for:
Conversion rate (not just traffic)
Time on page
Content shares, saves, or comments
Look at value per visit, not volume alone.
7. Evolve Every Month (Because Search Is Changing Weekly)
The best performers in AI search are iterators. Audit what worked last month. Refresh intros, titles, and CTAs regularly. Add visual layers or embed a new case study.
This isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it game anymore.
The CTA: Ready to Optimize for AI, Not Just SEO?
If your content isn’t AI-visible, you’re missing the next wave of discoverability. The playbook just changed—and now’s the moment to jump ahead of your competition.
Want help adapting your site or content strategy for the new AI Overviews era?
→ Book a 1:1 Strategy Session
Let’s make your content future-proof—and way more human too.