I asked ChatGTP: “Is SEO dead?”

This article was published on LinkedIn on 24 August 2024

And what is the impact on website builders?

THIS IS THE ANSWER I GOT (from ChatGTP):

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is far from dead but constantly evolving. The idea that SEO is “dead” often comes up when people observe significant changes in how search engines like Google rank and display content. These changes can make traditional SEO practices less effective, leading some to declare their demise prematurely. SEO is still a critical aspect of digital marketing, but its nature and strategies have evolved.

Current State of SEO

1. Content Quality and User Experience: Search engines prioritize content that is high-quality, relevant, and provides a good user experience. This means that simply stuffing keywords into content or using outdated link-building techniques is no longer effective. Instead, creating valuable content that truly addresses user intent is key.

2. E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Google has placed increasing emphasis on E-A-T, particularly for websites in niches like health, finance, and law. Websites that demonstrate these qualities through credible content and reputable sources tend to rank higher.

3. Core Web Vitals: Google’s introduction of Core Web Vitals in ranking factors emphasizes the importance of page speed, mobile-friendliness, and overall site usability. These technical aspects of SEO are more crucial than ever.

4. Voice Search and AI: The rise of voice search and AI-driven algorithms, like Google’s BERT and MUM, are changing how content is interpreted and ranked. Optimizing for natural language and understanding user intent in a conversational context are becoming more important.

5. Local SEO: With mobile searches and location-based queries on the rise, local SEO is critical for businesses. Ensuring accurate and consistent business information across online directories and optimizing for local search terms is essential.

Impact on Website Builders

For website builders, these changes mean that building a site with basic SEO practices in mind is no longer sufficient. Modern SEO requires a more holistic approach that integrates content strategy, technical SEO, and user experience from the start.

– Platform SEO Tools: Website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress offer built-in SEO tools. These tools are evolving to include more advanced features that align with current best practices, such as schema markup, mobile optimization, and page speed improvements.

– Content Management: Website builders must make it easy for users to create and manage high-quality content. This includes support for rich media, easy-to-use content editors, and the ability to implement structured data.

– Technical SEO: Website builders should offer strong performance in areas like mobile responsiveness, fast loading times, and secure connections (HTTPS). Additionally, features like URL customization, alt text for images, and XML sitemaps are crucial for SEO.

– User Experience: Builders should focus on creating intuitive, user-friendly designs that provide a good user experience across devices. This includes easy navigation, accessible content, and interactive features that engage users.

Conclusion

SEO is not dead, but it has evolved into a more complex and nuanced field. For website builders, this means that simply offering basic SEO functionality is no longer enough. The platforms that succeed will be those that integrate advanced SEO features, support high-quality content creation, and emphasize overall site performance and user experience.