In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo discuss how AI is changing the SEO industry and the way professionals work. They explore how AI is taking over repetitive tasks, changing client expectations, and affecting job opportunities, especially for entry-level professionals. They also talk about the importance of upskilling, critical thinking, problem-solving, transparency with clients, and staying proactive to remain valuable in an AI-driven workplace.
00:08 - 01:29
Gab and Gelo kick off the episode with a lighter conversation before introducing the main topic: "AI Didn't Take Your Job. It Took Your Easiest Task." They discuss how AI is affecting not only SEO professionals but also other digitally dependent jobs and industries.
01:29 - 04:10
The hosts share their personal experiences with AI and whether they have lost clients or tasks because of it. Gab explains that while he has not directly lost a client because of AI, clients increasingly expect him to handle more tasks using AI tools. Gelo shares a similar experience, noting that clients are becoming more knowledgeable about AI and expect broader services. They also discuss how AI integration has affected hiring plans, particularly for junior staff in agencies.
04:10 - 05:45
The conversation shifts to the challenges facing entry-level SEO professionals and freelancers. They discuss how companies increasingly expect applicants to know how to use AI alongside their existing skills. They also acknowledge that job losses are not caused by AI alone, as economic conditions and global business changes are also affecting employment opportunities.
05:45 - 09:20
Gab and Gelo discuss which SEO tasks AI can already perform, including strategy development, brainstorming, content creation, creative work, metadata, and technical audits. They estimate that AI can handle a significant portion of the work, but human validation, data gathering, and decision-making remain important. They also discuss the limitations of AI in technical implementation and the need to consult developers before making changes that could affect websites.
09:20 - 12:55
The hosts discuss whether SEO professionals are selling tasks instead of actual results. They explain how clients now expect more than deliverables such as articles and backlinks, focusing instead on measurable business outcomes and return on investment. They also highlight the challenge of attribution, especially when customers discover a brand through AI search but eventually purchase through another platform. They emphasize using secondary KPIs such as visibility, traffic, clicks, and conversions to evaluate performance.
12:55 - 15:28
Gelo shares how branding, marketing, and sales work together, explaining why SEO professionals should help businesses build a consistent online presence. He discusses the importance of maintaining accurate business information, including names, addresses, and other business details across search platforms. They also talk about helping clients understand the value of SEO beyond immediate revenue and sales figures.
15:28 - 17:52
Gab explains how some clients already use AI tools to develop their SEO strategies before hiring professionals to review and implement them. He emphasizes the importance of conducting independent audits and using actual business data from tools such as Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, and Google Analytics 4. Both hosts agree that AI-generated recommendations should not be accepted blindly or completely dismissed. SEO professionals should always conduct their own due diligence and validate the information.
17:52 - 21:29
The discussion focuses on whether SEO professionals should disclose their use of AI to clients. Gab explains that transparency is important, especially when producing AI-assisted content or working on websites where accuracy and credibility matter. Gelo adds that professionals should be proactive rather than complacent, finding additional ways to contribute to a client's business. They also discuss the importance of reviewing AI-generated designs, landing pages, and other outputs before presenting them to clients.
21:29 - 25:54
Gab and Gelo discuss how professionals can recognize if their jobs are becoming replaceable by AI. They suggest regularly evaluating personal skills, monitoring changes in responsibilities, and paying attention when companies start documenting and recording existing workflows. They also emphasize the importance of continuous learning and expanding one's capabilities to solve more business problems. The conversation highlights how the industry is shifting rather than simply disappearing.
25:54 - 28:39
Gab shares that people who enjoy learning, exploring new tools, and adapting to changes have an advantage in the AI era. They discuss whether universities are preparing students for an AI-driven workplace, mentioning the growing availability of courses in AI, cybersecurity, and AI-assisted creative work. Both hosts highlight the importance of combining foundational knowledge with practical AI skills.
28:39 - 32:41
The hosts explore whether younger generations who grew up with AI have an advantage over professionals who experienced the transition from traditional work methods to digital tools and AI. They agree that both generations have their own strengths. Gab highlights the importance of experience, while Gelo emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving. They explain that knowing how to think, evaluate situations, and solve problems will remain valuable even as AI becomes more advanced.
32:41 - 35:01
Gab and Gelo discuss whether AI will replace SEO within the next five years. They agree that SEO will continue to exist as long as people use search engines and AI-powered search platforms. However, the way SEO professionals implement strategies may change significantly. They also share examples of businesses that experienced problems after relying too heavily on AI automation without sufficient human oversight.
35:01 - 38:31
The conversation shifts to whether entering the SEO industry is still worth it for beginners. Gab explains that SEO can still be a good career path for people who are willing to learn continuously and adapt to frequent changes. Gelo adds that the industry is becoming more competitive, with fewer opportunities for entry-level applicants who lack AI skills. They encourage aspiring SEO professionals to choose training and courses that incorporate AI into their learning.
38:31 - 40:17
Gab shares advice for listeners who have recently lost a client or project. He encourages them not to lose hope and to focus on upskilling, learning new services, and reconnecting with former clients when they have something valuable to offer. They also discuss how developing additional skills, such as AI-assisted video editing, can create new opportunities to solve clients' problems.
40:17 - 43:48
The hosts discuss financial preparedness and the importance of having an emergency fund, especially for freelancers and those supporting their families. They recommend preparing at least three months' worth of emergency savings. They also encourage professionals to become more proactive by offering additional services, sharing useful insights with clients, and finding new ways to contribute to business growth. Gelo reminds listeners that taking action is just as important as having faith and staying positive during difficult times.
43:48 - 46:08
The episode closes with upcoming announcements, including a planned webinar and a possible course launch in December. Gab also mentions plans to invite different speakers and experts to help professionals develop new skills, with proceeds from the event intended for charity. The hosts wrap up by encouraging everyone to keep learning, adapting, and exploring new opportunities in the changing digital landscape.
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