SEO Kwentuhan

In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan's podcast, we explore these questions and break down the impact of AI on SEO. We cover how AI is enhancing productivity, changing SEO workflows, and where human expertise still has the upper hand. This episode is packed with valuable insights that could change the way both seasoned SEO professionals and newcomers approach AI in digital marketing.

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Key Takeaways

  • AI tools, like ChatGPT and APIs, are reshaping SEO strategies by enhancing productivity, speeding up tasks like content creation, keyword analysis, and link auditing. However, a deep understanding of SEO fundamentals is still essential for effective use.

  • While AI can generate content quickly, it often lacks the personal touch and nuanced understanding that comes from human experience. Experts, especially in specialized fields, bring authenticity and depth to content that AI alone cannot replicate.

  • SEO professionals need to adapt to AI-driven tools to stay competitive. AI will continue to evolve and impact SEO practices, and those who resist it may find themselves outpaced by more innovative approaches.

  • AI can handle repetitive tasks and increase efficiency, such as automating responses to Google reviews or managing SEO tasks. However, businesses must avoid over-reliance on automation and maintain the necessary skills to ensure high-quality outcomes.

  • While AI is transforming SEO, platforms like Google are still the dominant source of search traffic. Understanding SEO fundamentals and how search engines work remains crucial for success, even as AI-driven search engines and voice search are on the rise.

  • AI tools like NeuronWriter, SurferSEO, and Fireflies AI are revolutionizing SEO tasks such as keyword research, competitor analysis, and content creation. However, human insight is still crucial for tasks like keyword selection and trend analysis to ensure quality and relevance.

  • Privacy issues related to AI usage, such as voice search and personal data gathering, are a growing concern. It's important for businesses to implement transparency, such as disclaimers or AI tags, to indicate when content is generated by AI and avoid potential ethical pitfalls.

  • While AI can automate content generation, it often lacks the depth and nuance that comes with human expertise, particularly in fields like travel and specialized industries. AI content may require human editing to maintain authenticity and quality.

  • Tools like Zapier and Make can automate repetitive tasks, such as project management or responding to reviews, saving time and increasing efficiency. These tools are especially helpful for managing multiple websites and clients in SEO workflows.

  • AI-driven tools for SEO monitoring, such as predictive analytics and Google Data Studio integration, help teams track algorithm changes, optimize content, and predict traffic trends, allowing for more data-driven and efficient SEO strategies. 

  • AI tools can integrate with platforms like Google Data Studio to enhance SEO reporting. Tools like SEO crawlers help extend query limits and provide more detailed insights, including tracking ranking drops after algorithm updates.

  • AI can help identify spammy content and improve link-building strategies by analyzing homepage structures and content quality. It also aids in generating topic clusters from keywords, which helps establish topical authority in specific niches.

  • AI speeds up SEO testing and automation, enabling faster data generation and strategy refinement. While AI provides helpful SEO recommendations, human judgment is still critical in validating these suggestions before implementation.

  • AI tools, such as automated reminders and task tracking systems, improve team collaboration, especially across multiple client projects. AI assists project managers in keeping tasks on track and helps streamline communication within teams.

  • While AI can assist in content creation and SEO tasks, human expertise remains essential for ensuring content quality and creativity. AI should complement human input rather than replace it, and professionals need to maintain control over the content creation process to avoid over-reliance on automation.

Quotable Quotes

1. "AI is changing the game in SEO, and it's not going anywhere. Embrace it, or risk getting left behind. The future of SEO is all about adaptation." - Gab

2. "It’s not just about the tools you use, it’s about the mindset. If you’re stuck in old ways, you’ll miss the opportunities AI can bring." - Gelo

3. AI’s here to help with repetitive tasks, but don’t let it replace your expertise. The human touch—creativity, experience, and authenticity—will always be irreplaceable. - Gelo

4. "AI can do more than just crunch numbers—it can automate outreach emails, respond to messages quickly, and even bring data-driven insights into the conversation. It’s all about working smarter, not harder." - Gelo

5. "AI is a game-changer for SEO testing. The possibilities are endless, but it’s important to experiment and refine your strategies to see what works best for your goals." - Gab

6. "AI can help with automating delegation—tools like ChatGPT can handle task assignments, reminders, and even internal communication. It’s like having an extra team member who never forgets anything." - Gelo

7. "AI is a huge help when you're juggling multiple client projects. It keeps everything organized and helps the team communicate better, even across different accounts." - Gelo

8. "Custom prompts are key when working with AI. Without the right instructions, AI might not deliver the results you need. A well-crafted prompt can make all the difference." - Gab

9. "AI and automation are changing SEO management for the better, but that doesn’t mean we should fear the future. Upskilling and staying on top of trends is how we stay relevant in the industry." - Gelo

10. "AI is a tool, not a replacement. As the SEO landscape evolves, it’s up to us to learn, adapt, and use these innovations to stay ahead of the game." - Gab

What's Next

As we've explored, AI tools are revolutionizing the SEO field, making processes faster, more efficient, and often more accurate. However, the key takeaway is that while AI can handle many tasks, it still can't replace the essential role of human insight, creativity, and expertise. A deep understanding of SEO fundamentals, coupled with the strategic use of AI, is the winning formula for staying competitive in an increasingly dynamic industry.

Moving forward, the challenge for SEO professionals will be to adapt, leveraging AI to increase efficiency while preserving the human touch that drives meaningful engagement. The future of SEO is bright, but it requires balance. Stay informed, stay curious, and stay ahead of the curve.

We’ll see you in the next episode. 

Transcript Summary

00:00 - 01:11

Gab: Introduction to the episode, with a lighthearted focus on SEO topics. The hosts are setting up for a discussion on lighter aspects of SEO.

Gelo: Humorously questions whether the topic will truly be light, mentioning the recent heavy discussions about AI in SEO.

Gelo: Continues discussing the growing influence of AI, stating that AI is here to stay and expressing that it has significantly impacted SEO, especially with recent shifts in the industry.

Gelo: Expands on the increasing reliance on AI in SEO and hints at the disruption that AI will continue to bring, especially among SEO professionals.

Gab: Agrees and emphasizes that this topic is essential for anyone in SEO, especially those worried about job security in the future due to AI advancements.

Gelo: Adds a brief joke about AI in gaming, referencing its presence in games like Counter-Strike.

Gab: Shares his own experiences with AI, particularly its presence in gaming, but points out how AI's influence has expanded far beyond that into fields like SEO.


01:11 - 02:46  

Gelo: Makes a playful joke about AI in gaming but acknowledges its increasing relevance in various industries.

Gab: Asks if the audience is familiar with AI's basic concept and how it has evolved, touching on the perception of AI as something new but now increasingly familiar.

Gelo: Elaborates that while AI has been around for a while, the recent surge in its visibility is largely due to tools like ChatGPT and various AI-powered APIs.

Gelo: Asks Gab why AI has become so critical in SEO today, leading into a discussion on the increasing reliance on AI-powered tools to aid in SEO efforts.

Gab: Explains his recent experience with introducing AI to marketing students, explaining how professors are emphasizing the need to adapt to AI for the future.

Gab: Shares a motivational motto from the professors: "Learn to adapt to AI, so you won't evaporate," highlighting the importance of embracing change in the SEO field.


02:47 - 04:06  

Gelo: Agrees with the need to embrace AI, referencing a concept about "cheating" or "innovating" instead of clinging to outdated methods.

Gab: Discusses the challenges faced by traditional SEO experts (OGs), particularly those resistant to adopting new tools and techniques as AI grows in influence.

Gelo: Mentions that mindset is just as important as tools in SEO, stressing that a rigid mindset can prevent growth and adaptation in the rapidly changing SEO landscape.

Gab: Explains how old-school SEOs might have trouble adapting to AI-driven tools but stresses that having a deep understanding of SEO fundamentals is still key to making the best use of AI tools.

Gab: Warns that tools alone won't produce high-quality results if one doesn’t understand the basics of SEO.

Gab: Addresses the question of AI’s importance in SEO, mentioning that Google is still the dominant platform for search, with 2 trillion searches every year.


04:11 - 6:50 

Gab: Provides interesting facts to emphasize why Google and its search ads still drive significant traffic and conversions, making SEO and understanding search engines crucial for success.

Gab: Continues by talking about how AI-powered search engines (like Search GPT) could eventually reshape SEO strategies, but Google’s dominance still requires SEO expertise.

He emphasizes that SEO remains important because users still rely heavily on Google to find information, brands, and products online.

Gab: Talks about the increasing preference for voice search and its effect on SEO strategies, especially as younger users opt for voice search instead of typing.

Gab: Concludes the point by stating that SEO remains important today, even as AI-driven search engines begin to emerge and affect search behaviors.

Gelo: Reaffirms Gab’s point by echoing the necessity to embrace AI, pointing out that businesses will have to evolve or risk being left behind as AI continues to shape the SEO landscape.


07:00 - 10:21   

Gab: Introduces both the good and bad news about AI in SEO, hinting at the growing competition AI is bringing to SEO.

 Gab: Discusses the impact of AI on competition and how SEO professionals can use AI tools to speed up processes like content writing, keyword analysis, and link auditing, making SEO work faster and more efficient.

Gab: Explains how AI is improving SEO productivity, allowing tasks to be completed in shorter time frames, although the quality of the results still depends on the tool used and the user’s expertise.

Gelo: Talks about the integration of AI tools into project management, like using Zapier and ChatGPT for tasks like automating responses to Google reviews and streamlining tasks that would traditionally take a lot of manual time.

Gelo: Gives an example of using AI to handle large volumes of Google reviews for local SEO, explaining how this helps reduce repetitive tasks and allows more time for strategy development. He adds that while AI can handle mundane tasks, it might lead to a loss of jobs if businesses over-rely on automation without the necessary skills to keep up with evolving demands.


10:22 - 15:00   

Gab: Discusses the downside of over-reliance on automation, especially in the creative fields, where AI might replace jobs that require human creativity and expertise. He gives an example of how AI can produce designs or content, but these can often lack the personal, creative touch that a skilled human worker might provide.

Gab: Elaborates on the problem of AI-generated content lacking the depth and personal touch that comes from human experience, especially when it comes to specialized topics like travel guides.

Gab: Compares generic AI-generated content with human-authored work, arguing that AI might miss subtle details or nuances, which an expert in a specific field (like a travel blogger) could include. He discusses how a lack of expertise can lead to superficial content that may lack valuable insight or authenticity, giving the example of a generic AI travel article about beaches.

 Gab: Contrasts AI-generated content with his own experience writing about a location, such as Palawan, where personal experience brings authenticity and depth to the content.

Gab: Concludes that while AI is useful for generating content, it cannot replace the authenticity and nuance that come from real-world experience and expertise.


15:03 - 16:50  

Gelo: Comments on the issue of AI not being able to replicate personal experiences, and how this can impact the depth and quality of certain types of content, like travel guides.

He wraps up by noting that AI’s role in SEO is growing, but human expertise, insight, and creativity will remain essential for high-quality, niche, and deeply authentic content.

Gelo: Mentions a possible issue with privacy concerns when using certain tools, though he is not sure about the details yet.

Gab: Responds, agreeing that privacy concerns are an issue.

Gab: Shares an example of a past situation where they experienced privacy concerns related to account management. Gab had mistakenly logged into an account, and another person on the team noticed and pointed it out.

Gelo: Adds that they don't have any personal problems with the situation.

Gab: Explains that they tried generating an email and sent it, but encountered an issue where the person's details appeared, and the situation was clarified after communication with the team member.


17:01 - 18:38  

Gelo: Shares their experience with voice search, mentioning that their Google Home or Alexa picks up on voice commands.

He shares a funny moment where they mentioned "pizza" around their Google Home device, and suddenly their Facebook feed was filled with pizza-related posts.

Gelo: Reflects on how surprising it is that AI tools can pick up on such things, which can raise privacy concerns.

Gab: Acknowledges the growing concerns around privacy and how AI might be gathering more personal data.

Gelo: Asks about ethical concerns when it comes to using AI for content creation, especially in SEO.

Gab: Mentions that while AI usage is common, certain countries and organizations are creating regulations around its use.

Gab: Gives an example of blog posts being generated by AI and the importance of adding a disclaimer to indicate the use of AI. They also mention concerns like misinformation and plagiarism that can come from AI-generated content.


19:05 - 22:16

Gelo: Adds that the health and finance sectors are especially sensitive to AI-generated content, as errors could have serious consequences.

Gelo: Explains how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can automate competitor analysis and topic generation, but emphasizes the need to verify the accuracy of the content generated.

Gelo: Discusses the potential drawbacks of relying solely on AI for SEO content creation, such as the decline in content quality when AI doesn't check for factual accuracy.

Gelo suggests the use of an "AI tag" in the backend of articles to indicate that the content was generated by AI, separating it from the user-facing content.

Gab: Reflects on how some people may have a negative view of AI-generated content, but acknowledges that it can still be useful when the data is accurate and helpful.

Gelo: Adds that a more transparent approach, such as adding AI disclaimers, would be better for users, especially in the backend, without showing them in the article directly.

Gab: Suggests that regulations will likely become more important as AI tools become more widespread, and that companies using AI must disclose it to avoid penalties.

Gelo: Asks Gab for recommendations on AI tools for beginners in SEO, particularly those that are cost-effective.


22:17 - 24:39 

Gab: Recommends using tools with lifetime deals, like NeuronWriter, as they can be more affordable in the long run compared to subscription-based tools.

Gelo: Shares his experience using various AI tools, including NeuronWriter, which has a more affordable version of SurferSEO, and Page Optimizer Pro.

Gab: Talks about how he buys tools with lifetime deals for efficiency but also acknowledges that there are cases when other tools might be a better fit for specific needs.

Gab: Mentions purchasing video editing tools like Canva and FlexClip for content creation, although he notes some drawbacks with tools like Canva.

Gelo: Shares a disadvantage of using Canva, mentioning that it's a bit restrictive for certain uses.

Gab: Introduces Fireflies AI, a tool that helps with transcription during meetings and automatically generates notes for later reference.

He continues explaining how Fireflies AI can be useful in transcribing meeting notes automatically, saving time and ensuring important instructions are remembered.


24:58 - 27:23

Gab: Elaborates on how Fireflies AI can be integrated into tools like ChatGPT to help save time when working with client notes.

Gelo: Mentions that the free version of the tools can still be quite effective for simple tasks, but encourages readers to explore these tools further.

He mentions using tools like Neuron Writer, though he notes that it no longer offers lifetime deals. He advises listeners to keep an eye out for deals or to explore alternatives.

Gelo: Shares that ChatGPT is useful for automation and recommends a few tools for SEO and content writing automation.

Gelo: Talks about how "Make" (an automation tool) is helpful in setting up automatic tasks like delivering files or project updates to clients.

Gelo: Talks about the benefits of using tools like Zapier and Make for automation, mentioning that Make's free version is suitable for many tasks.


27:23 - 30:33  

Gelo: Elaborates on using tools like NeuronWriter and AI for SEO analysis, suggesting they are very useful when working with multiple websites and managing clients. He discusses workflow creation using AI tools like NeuronWriter for efficient content creation and task management.

Gelo: Warns against becoming too dependent on AI, suggesting it’s important to maintain balance with human insight. He talks about the different types of SEO tasks that can benefit from AI, like keyword research, competitor analysis, and automating certain SEO processes.

Gab: Provides examples of SEO tasks like keyword research and trend analysis that AI can automate but also shares that certain aspects, like selecting keywords, still require human judgment.

Gab: Elaborates on how AI can help with trend analysis and competitor analysis, but also explains that there are still limitations to its use in SEO, especially in areas requiring human insight.


30:51 - 31:45

Gab: Discusses uploading large datasets to tools like ChatGPT, even millions of data points, for analysis. Mentions challenges with uploading large files.

Gelo: Acknowledges the challenge and mentions that sometimes errors occur when attempting to upload large spreadsheets.

Gab: Talks about the need for filtering data and the difficulty of managing large datasets, including re-uploading them at times.

Gelo: Responds with an understanding of the error that occurs during uploading large files.

Gab: Mentions how AI tools can help with quick analysis, like offering suggestions for improvements based on data sets.

Gelo: Talks about AI tools for SEO analysis, especially those that help identify trending keywords and analyze ranking changes after algorithm updates.

Gab: Discusses using tools for SEO monitoring, which can show trending keywords, optimize SEO, and help track algorithm changes.

Gelo: Recognizes the usefulness of the tool for SEO purposes.


32:12 - 35:11

Gab: Shares how tools like AI-driven predictive analytics help SEO teams improve their workflow.

Gelo: Discusses the use of Google Data Studio for SEO reporting, linking it with Google Analytics (GA) and Google Search Console (GSC).

Gab: Suggests that AI can integrate with tools like Google Data Studio to enhance SEO reporting. He also affirms the capability of integrating tools.

Gelo: Mentions using SEO crawl tools to extend Google Search Console’s query limit, allowing for more detailed analysis of thousands of queries beyond GSC's default limits.

Gelo: Shares how crawling tools help analyze why certain queries drop in ranking, typically linked to algorithm updates. He talks about using AI (like GPT) to automate outreach emails, including replying to messages efficiently, with data-driven insights about offerings.

Gelo: Elaborates on using AI for link-building, detecting spammy articles through SEO analysis, especially analyzing homepage structures and content quality. He discusses the application of AI in identifying whether articles are considered spammy, emphasizing the importance of proper article structure and content quality.

Gelo: Describes using AI to generate topic clusters from keywords to establish topical authority in a niche, providing a real-world example of generating clusters for specific industries.


35:30 - 37:44

Gab: Highlights how AI aids in SEO testing and automation, emphasizing the importance of trying out different strategies and refining processes.

He encourages experimenting with AI-driven solutions, stressing that the possibilities are almost limitless.

Gab: Explains how AI enhances productivity for SEO teams, such as reducing the time spent on data generation and suggestion interpretation, leading to more efficient workflows.

He talks about how AI-generated SEO recommendations can be useful, but decisions still need to be based on a team's expertise to validate and refine the suggestions.

Gab: Points out that AI can speed up the process, but human judgment is still crucial in making the final call on SEO decisions and strategies.

Gelo: Mentions how the use of AI can help automate delegation, with tools like ChatGPT assisting with task assignments, reminders, and communication within the team.

Gab: Talks about the importance of AI suggestions being reviewed thoroughly by team members, emphasizing the need for validation before implementation to ensure quality.


38:07 - 41:31

Gab: Discusses how AI has transformed collaboration, especially in cases where reminders and automated task tracking improve team efficiency and communication.

Gelo: Responds with an example, showing how AI-assisted reminders help streamline task monitoring across teams.

Gelo: Describes how AI aids project management, using automated reminders and task tracking systems to keep the team on track with deadlines and task completion. He talks about how having a systematic approach with AI reminders and progress updates has improved overall team efficiency and collaboration.

Gelo: Mentions how the use of AI for reminders and updates has made collaborating across multiple clients much easier.

Gab: Discusses how using AI tools for better task delegation helps improve team productivity, especially when working across multiple client projects that require consistent communication.

Gab: Reflects on how AI can help project managers and account managers streamline processes and improve coordination within teams, especially for long-term projects.


41:32 - 42:55

Gelo: Asks, "How can we avoid over-reliance on AI when crafting content?" (referencing what Gab mentioned earlier).  

Gab: Explains that AI should not replace human expertise but should complement it.  

He says knowledge sharing and constant training are essential for mastering the craft and preventing over-reliance on AI.

Gelo: Praises Gab’s point, expressing enthusiasm about AI and innovation.  

Gab: humorously adds that there’s always room for improvement in both AI and human collaboration.  

Gab: Discusses how people often still prefer writing articles themselves because they understand the process and the nuances of their audience.

He says, AI can aid in this process, but human insight is still needed to ensure quality content creation.

Gab: Continues by explaining that knowing how to edit and craft content properly is important to maintain high SEO standards. He emphasizes that AI alone can't guarantee content success—human knowledge and editing are still essential.


43:25 - 47:17  

Gab: Shares how using standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regularly updating them ensures consistent content quality.  He says, AI is useful in certain contexts but still needs guidance from experienced professionals to be effective.

Gelo: Jokes about acting like a seasoned SEO professional.  

Gab: Explains that AI is helpful, but custom prompts are needed to achieve the best possible outcomes.  He says, creating the right set of prompts ensures AI can generate high-quality, relevant content.

Gab: Stresses that combining expert knowledge with AI tools leads to better creativity and personality in the content.  He says, AI can support, but human expertise drives true creativity.

Gelo: Advises writers to avoid simply copying and pasting AI-generated content. He suggests that using AI for inspiration is fine, but it’s important to retain creativity and originality, especially for ghostwriting or content creation.

Gelo: Continues, encouraging content creators to not become complacent and let AI completely take over the writing process. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining creative control and enhancing expertise while using AI to beat writer's block.

Gab: Talks about how the role of AI in SEO is still evolving, making it difficult to predict the exact changes it will bring in the next few years. He shares that experts are still trying to figure out AI’s long-term impact on SEO and content creation.


47:22 - 50:28 

Gab: Reflects on the rapid pace of technological advancement, especially in AI, and the possibilities it holds for the future of content creation. He mentions how AI can improve personalization and content generation, but human oversight will always be important for optimal results.

Gab: Elaborates on how AI can assist in keyword research and traffic prediction, offering SEO specialists new ways to target and optimize content effectively.  

He says the collaboration between AI and SEO experts can lead to more efficient and personalized content creation.

Gab: Discusses the potential of AI to forecast SEO trends, including traffic growth and content performance, allowing for more accurate and data-driven predictions.

Gelo: Shares a tool by Ryan Stewart, a traffic projection tool that integrates AI to help predict SEO outcomes and content performance. He mentions how these tools make it easier to optimize and forecast SEO strategies.

Gab: Talks about his experience with AI in SEO, mentioning that AI tools like Ryan Stewart’s are useful but still need human analysis for the best outcomes.  

He says AI tools can provide insights, but professionals must evaluate and implement them.


51:02 - 55:49  

Gelo: Continues discussing how AI and automated tools are changing content creation and SEO management, especially in platforms like WordPress.  He compares AI-driven content scheduling and keyword targeting with more traditional methods.

Gelo: Humorously comments on the fear of AI taking over jobs but emphasizes the value of upskilling and staying current with technological advancements in SEO and content creation.

Gab: Talks about future trends, particularly with AI, automation, and the potential for robots to take on more tasks, including in content creation. He discusses the need to prepare for these changes by embracing both AI tools and traditional skills in SEO.

Gab: Mentions the launch of his new SEO Sprint course, which includes AI-driven strategies for future-proofing SEO. He shares the importance of staying updated with industry changes and continuing education.

Gab: Elaborates on how his course integrates AI tools and strategies to help content creators and SEO specialists stay competitive in an evolving landscape.

Gelo: Shares that he is launching a Local SEO Masterclass, focusing on strategies to boost Google My Business rankings using AI and other advanced SEO techniques. He mentions the importance of combining AI with content creation for more effective SEO.

Gelo: Wraps up by encouraging listeners to follow them on various platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify for more insights into SEO and AI.  He thanks the audience and ends the episode with a reminder to stay updated on the latest trends.

Gab: Concludes the podcast by saying goodbye to the audience.