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I accidentally discovered why most "SEO experts" are about to become irrelevant (and what's replacing them)
r/Entrepreneur
8/15/2025
Content Summary
The post discusses how AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are changing the way content is discovered and cited. The author noticed that even though their client's website had strong SEO rankings, it wasn't being referenced by AI tools, while competitors were. Through experimentation, they found that AI prefers concise, structured content with technical details, such as 'answer-in-30-seconds' boxes, code examples, and step-by-step guides. The author argues that focusing only on traditional SEO is becoming less effective, as more users turn to AI for instant answers. They suggest that content should be optimized for both search engines and AI, emphasizing clarity, structure, and usefulness.
Opinion Analysis
Different Viewpoints and Opinions
Mainstream Opinion:
- Many users agree that AI is changing the landscape of content discovery and SEO, but there is debate about whether SEO is truly dead or just evolving.
- A significant number of commenters believe that SEO is still relevant, especially for driving traffic to websites, even if AI is becoming more important.
- Some argue that AI optimization is a natural extension of traditional SEO, requiring similar skills but with a focus on structured data and content clarity.
Controversial Views:
- Some users dismiss the post as engagement bait, claiming that the changes discussed are not new and that SEO remains a core part of digital marketing.
- Others argue that AI is not yet a dominant force in search and that traditional SEO still has a major role to play.
- There is also disagreement about the effectiveness of AI citations in driving real traffic and conversions, with some doubting the value of optimizing for AI.
Debates:
- Whether SEO is becoming irrelevant or just shifting focus to AI optimization.
- The extent to which AI is replacing traditional search engines and how this affects content strategy.
- The role of backlinks and domain authority in an AI-centric content ecosystem.
SAAS TOOLS
| SaaS | URL | Category | Features/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | https://chat.openai.com | AI Assistant | Can answer questions and cite content from the web |
| Perplexity | https://www.perplexity.ai | AI Search Engine | Provides concise answers and cites sources |
| https://www.google.com | Search Engine | Traditional search engine with keyword-based ranking | |
| Bing | https://www.bing.com | Search Engine | Used by some AI models for research |
| Schema Markup Tools | N/A | Structured Data | Helps AI understand content better |
USER NEEDS
Pain Points:
- Content not being cited by AI tools despite good SEO rankings
- Fluffy, unstructured content that is not favored by AI
- Difficulty in tracking when content is mentioned in AI responses
- Need to adapt content for both traditional search engines and AI systems
Problems to Solve:
- How to structure content to be more appealing to AI
- How to increase visibility in AI-generated answers
- How to track and measure the impact of AI citations on traffic and conversions
- How to balance SEO for traditional search with AI optimization
Potential Solutions:
- Use concise, structured content formats like "answer-in-30-seconds" boxes
- Include technical details such as code snippets, data tables, and step-by-step guides
- Implement schema markup and structured data to help AI understand content
- Focus on building content authority rather than just domain authority
GROWTH FACTORS
Effective Strategies:
- Creating content that is optimized for AI citation
- Focusing on user intent and providing clear, actionable answers
- Using structured data and schema markup to improve AI understanding
- Building topic authority through high-quality, well-organized content
Marketing & Acquisition:
- Leveraging AI optimization to gain visibility in emerging search channels
- Targeting users who rely on AI for instant answers instead of traditional search
- Engaging with communities where AI-driven content is valued
Monetization & Product:
- Adapting SEO practices to include AI optimization techniques
- Emphasizing content quality and usability over keyword stuffing
- Exploring new revenue streams based on AI-cited content
User Engagement:
- Encouraging interaction through structured, easy-to-consume content
- Building trust by providing accurate, verifiable information
- Fostering a community around AI-friendly content creation