Google Killed SEO: Here’s what to do next…

Summary

In this video, the hosts debate the current state of SEO, discussing whether niche sites are obsolete and what strategies are thriving post-Helpful Content Update. They explore the performance of new domains, the impact of AI-generated content, and the effectiveness of various SEO techniques, including YouTube SEO and local SEO. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to algorithm changes and emphasizes the potential of AI in content creation when used ethically.

Takeaways

• 🤖 AI and SEO: The conversation discusses the impact of AI on SEO, with a focus on how AI-generated content is still performing well despite updates that were supposed to penalize it.
• 📉 SEO Shift: There is a noticeable shift in SEO strategies, with new domains and niche sites seemingly performing better post-updates, while older, established sites have been hit hard.
• 🔍 HCU Impact: The Helpful Content Update (HCU) has had a significant impact, with some sites experiencing drastic drops in traffic, suggesting that Google is favoring newer sites or those that meet certain criteria.
• 📈 New Domains: New domains, especially those utilizing AI, are ranking well and taking the place of older domains that were negatively affected by the HCU.
• 🛠️ Content Strategy: The script suggests that simply copying top-ranking content may not be effective anymore, and a shift towards more original and user-focused content is necessary.
• 📊 Traffic Sources: Diversifying traffic sources beyond just organic search is crucial, with platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, and SoundCloud being highlighted as areas of growth.
• 🔗 Backlinks: The importance of quality backlinks is reiterated, with a caution against the belief that quantity alone is sufficient for SEO success.
• 📝 User Experience: Enhancing user experience through engaging and diverse content is emphasized, moving away from a single viewpoint to a more community-driven approach.
• 🛑 Black Hat Tactics: The use of black hat techniques for SEO is discouraged, with the script suggesting that Google's updates are designed to counter such practices.
• 🔄 SEO Pivot: There is an opportunity to pivot SEO strategies towards e-commerce, local SEO, YouTube SEO, and leveraging platforms that encourage user-generated content.
• 📈 AI SEO Growth: AI is not dead in the context of SEO; rather, it's thriving when used correctly to enhance content quality and user engagement.

Q & A

Is the speaker suggesting that SEO is dead?

No, the speaker is not suggesting that SEO is dead. Instead, they are discussing whether niche sites are dead and exploring what is currently working in SEO.

What is the speaker's view on the performance of new niche sites?

The speaker has observed that new niche sites, particularly those utilizing AI, are performing well, although they express concern that these sites might be impacted by future updates like the Helpful Content Update (HCU).

What is the Helpful Content Update (HCU) and how might it affect new websites?

The Helpful Content Update is a Google algorithm update aimed at rewarding high-quality, original content and possibly penalizing low-quality or overly optimized content. The speaker speculates that new websites might not be impacted immediately but could be affected in the future as they grow in traffic and are scrutinized by the update.

Why does the speaker believe that older sites with established authority might be negatively impacted by the HCU?

The speaker suggests that older sites, even those with established authority and trust, might be negatively impacted by the HCU if they were relying on strategies like copycat content or over-optimization that the update targets.

What is the speaker's opinion on the use of AI in content creation for SEO?

The speaker acknowledges that AI can be used effectively in content creation for SEO when combined with human editing and originality. They provide examples of AI-generated sites that are performing well.

What strategies does the speaker recommend for those looking to pivot from traditional niche sites?

The speaker suggests looking into expired domains, e-commerce websites, local business websites, and hybrid models that combine content with e-commerce. They also highlight the effectiveness of platform SEO, such as LinkedIn and YouTube.

How does the speaker view the role of user-generated content in SEO?

The speaker believes that user-generated content, such as that found on Reddit or platforms like School.com, can be beneficial for SEO as it provides a variety of viewpoints and genuine user engagement.

What is the speaker's stance on the use of clickbait in content strategy?

The speaker acknowledges that clickbait can be effective in driving traffic, as seen with sites like The Verge, but emphasizes the importance of delivering valuable content after attracting users.

What examples does the speaker provide of platforms that are performing well despite the HCU?

The speaker mentions School.com, LinkedIn, Medium, and SoundCloud as examples of platforms that are performing well and where users can rank within the platform's ecosystem.

How does the speaker feel about the future of AI in SEO?

The speaker is optimistic about the future of AI in SEO, noting that AI-generated content, when properly utilized and edited, is ranking well and continues to be effective.

What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of AI in content creation?

The speaker advises using AI in content creation responsibly, avoiding spammy practices, and focusing on creating genuine, high-quality content that provides value to users.