Are SEO Experts Still Needed with AI's Rapid Expansion? Here's What 9 Experts Think
We asked 9 professionals in the SEO industry for their thoughts, and here's what they had to say.
As artificial intelligence continues to grow and experiences rapid breakthroughs, you may wonder if SEO experts are still necessary. We asked 9 professionals in the SEO industry for their thoughts, and here's what they had to say.
- Good Strategy and Execution Require SEO Experts
100%. It's the same reason why there are SEOs that charge $199 a month, and others that charge $20k—it comes down to a good strategy and execution. AI tools are good at giving broad ideas and best practices, but they can't really give tailored advice and certainly can't execute on it.
Isaac Hammelburger, SEO, Search Pros SEO
- AI Enhances, But Doesn't Replace SEO Experts
Absolutely. From my own experience, you cannot automate every aspect of SEO with AI, at least not if you hope to maximize the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.
There is no real-time AI solution for doing keyword research and understanding search volume for keywords. AI can only give you suggestions. Where it can help is to offer suggestions for related keywords and common questions people ask related to your keywords.
I have written over 200,000 words worth of website content with AI, and I can say with certainty that AI can write good content. But it does a poor job of adding that intangible human touch that great content requires. Personal experiences and anecdotes, a point of view, and useful step-by-step examples all fall short of what the average reader will respond well to.
At least for the near future, AI should be used as a tool to HELP with SEO. AI does a very good job of helping us speed up some of the core SEO processes that are most time-consuming: ideating, writing content briefs, writing outlines, summarizing supporting reference content, and writing rough first drafts.
Ryan BeMiller, Founder, All Natural Traffic
- Technical SEO Requires Human Expertise
SEO isn't going anywhere as long as people keep using search engines.
Sure, a lot of content-related SEO tasks are faster now, but you still need someone to do technical SEO audits, spot issues that affect indexing, and figure out which ones are worth fixing based on the client's budget and needs.
Technical SEO is a key part of optimization that AI just isn't ready to handle yet—it's too complex, and every case is different.
As an SEO writer, I also don't see AI fully taking over SEO writing anytime soon. AI tools aren't quite there when it comes to understanding and matching users' search intent. That's where a human touch is still, and will always be, needed.
Victoria Kurichenko, SEO Expert and Content Writer, Self Made Millennials
- SEO Experts Differentiate Content in Crowded Market
I think SEO experts are more valuable than ever.
With AI dehumanizing so much content across the web as businesses try to save money by pushing out copywriting, it creates a situation where content has become more and more similar and, in many ways, less likely to rank. Understanding that missing element that makes Google trust your website and consider it an authority—when everyone else is also writing about the same subject—makes it necessary to have SEOs who are up-to-snuff with how to separate their sites from the rest of the pack. Additionally, with so many suggestions of optimizations or strategies, it takes someone with experience to understand what things actually matter in the circumstances your business is in.
Yes, AI can recommend keywords, it can write blogs, and it can help automate on-page optimizations, but we are a long way out from it killing SEO.
Will Wright, Lead SEO Strategist, Direct Online Marketing
- Human Insight Crucial for Comprehensive SEO Strategies
Yes, SEO experts are still necessary, even with the rapid advancements in AI. Though AI tools can automate and optimize many technical aspects of SEO, such as keyword research, content optimization, and data analysis, they cannot fully replace the strategic thinking, creativity, and human insight that SEO experts bring to the table. AI is great at processing large datasets and identifying patterns, but it lacks the contextual understanding required to create a nuanced SEO strategy that aligns with business goals and user needs.
SEO experts are crucial for interpreting the data AI provides and crafting comprehensive strategies that go beyond algorithmic recommendations. They understand the unique challenges of different industries, user behavior, and search intent—factors that require a human touch to navigate effectively. Additionally, SEO is not just about technical optimization; it's about crafting high-quality content, building relationships for link-building, and making adjustments based on shifting trends, search engine updates, and competitive landscapes.
AI tools are valuable resources that enhance the work of SEO experts, making processes more efficient and data-driven. However, the strategic oversight, adaptability, and creativity required to execute a successful SEO campaign still depend heavily on human expertise. As AI continues to evolve, SEO experts will remain essential for managing the ever-changing digital landscape and translating AI insights into actionable strategies that drive real business results.
John Reinesch, Founder, John Reinesch Consulting
- SEO Experts Offer Critical Human Touch
Absolutely, SEO experts are still essential, even with AI making strides. Sure, AI can handle tasks like keyword research, content creation, and data analysis, but it can't replicate the strategic insight and deep understanding that SEO professionals offer. SEO is more than just algorithms; it's about grasping user intent, studying competitor tactics, and adapting to ever-changing search engine algorithms.
SEO experts are vital in developing a thorough SEO strategy that aligns with a brand's goals. They ensure that content isn't just search engine-friendly but also connects with the audience. They can analyze data to guide decisions, come up with innovative solutions to tricky problems, and keep up with the latest trends in search behavior and tech.
While AI can definitely boost and streamline SEO processes, human expertise is crucial for strategic guidance, creativity, and building trust with clients and stakeholders. So, instead of replacing SEO experts, AI tools are most effective when used as supportive resources that amplify their skills.
Mei Ping Mak, Director of SEO and Web, Weave Asia
- SEO Experts Provide Nuanced Strategy and Adaptation
Even with AI's progress in the SEO industry, SEO experts remain necessary. AI tools are powerful for data analysis, keyword suggestions, and automation, but they often miss the human touch needed for nuanced strategy and adaptation.
SEO experts bring real-world experience and intuition that AI can't replicate, understanding search intent and industry-specific needs beyond just data points. They can adjust campaigns dynamically, build relationships for backlinks, and create engaging content that aligns with a brand's voice and audience. While AI supports the process, it doesn't replace the expertise and strategic planning that a skilled SEO professional provides.
Ramzy Humsi, Founder & CEO, Vortex Ranker
- SEO Experts Craft Nuanced and Long-Term Strategies
As an SEO expert and owner of an SEO agency, I firmly believe that SEO experts are still essential, even with AI advancements. While AI tools can automate certain tasks, like keyword research, content optimization, and technical audits, they lack the strategic thinking and adaptability that human experts bring. SEO is not just about data and algorithms; it's about understanding user intent, behavior, and market trends. An expert can craft a nuanced strategy that considers long-term goals, audience needs, and competitive landscapes—something AI tools are not capable of fully achieving.
Additionally, SEO is constantly evolving, and it requires a deep understanding of search engine updates, content trends, and user experience. AI can help speed up processes, but it cannot interpret the broader picture or anticipate future shifts in the industry. Human SEO experts are still needed to guide, refine, and adjust strategies based on real-world insights that go beyond what an AI can predict or automate.
Greg Walters, Co-Founder, SEO Modify
- SEO Experts Turn Data into Actionable Strategies
Despite the rapid advancements in AI, I strongly believe that SEO experts are still very much needed. Although AI can help speed up data analysis and surface insights that might take a human longer to identify, it doesn't replace the creativity, critical thinking, and experience that come with being an SEO professional. AI can show us what's happening, but it takes a human to understand why it's happening and how to leverage that information for maximum impact.
AI also lacks the ability to understand the context in the way a human does. SEO is more than just following a formula; it's about understanding your audience, staying on top of industry trends, and creating content that engages. No AI tool can fully capture the strategic depth that SEO experts bring to the table. So while AI is a great supplement, it doesn't replace the need for seasoned professionals who know how to navigate the complexities of search algorithms and digital marketing.
Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO
