The Optimization Edit × Rhea

In 2025, one of the most common questions I hear is: Will AI kill SEO?

The short answer? No.

But it is changing everything we know about how to rank, optimize, and show up online. If you’re navigating this space like I am, you’ve likely felt the shift from keyword stuffing to context-driven content, from generic blog posts to rich experiences that demonstrate real value.

Let’s break it down.

AI + SEO: A New Era of Search

With the rollout of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) and the overwhelming rise in AI-generated content, the SEO landscape is evolving fast. Google isn’t just pulling data anymore, it’s interpreting intent, context, and credibility.

This is where things get interesting.

Rather than obsess over exact-match keywords, the conversation has shifted to:

• Entity-based optimization
• First-party data strategies
• Topical authority
• EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

What Does This Mean for SEO in 2025?

It means search visibility isn’t about checking boxes anymore. It’s about genuine value.

Here are a few questions I’ve been exploring:

• How will we adapt our content strategies in a world where answers are summarized before a user even clicks?
• What does topical authority really look like when AI tools can generate thousands of articles a day?
• How do we balance automation with originality? AI can assist, but it’s our creativity and insight that build trust and engagement.

SEO in the Age of AI: What You Can Do

If you’re a content strategist, SEO professional, or business owner, here’s how to stay ahead:

• Double down on original thought leadership. AI can’t replicate your lived experience or voice.
• Invest in your EEAT signals. Update bios, include first-hand case studies, and cite real sources.
• Use AI tools wisely. Think of them as assistants, not authors.
• Build topical authority over time. Go deep on themes instead of chasing shallow trends.

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Off-Page SEO Suggestions:

1. Backlink Strategy:

• Pitch guest posts or quote contributions to SEO industry blogs like Search Engine Journal, Moz, or Search Engine Land, linking back to this post.
• Reach out to marketers or SEOs on LinkedIn who have written about AI and SEO, and ask to collaborate or trade backlinks.
• Share the post in SEO-focused Slack communities and Facebook groups.

2. Social Media Distribution:

• Share a short clip or carousel on LinkedIn featuring the three questions from the post.
• Post to X (Twitter) with a hook like “Is AI killing SEO? Here’s what I’m seeing in 2025 👇” and link to the article.
• Turn it into a story-style Instagram Reel or TikTok breaking down “3 ways AI is changing SEO.”

3. Email Marketing:

• If you have a newsletter, tease this blog as a “hot take” or “trend analysis” post with a call to reply and share their take.

4. Internal Linking Plan:

Once your blog grows, link this article internally from future blog posts about:

• Topical authority
• How to use AI for SEO
• EEAT in action

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Let’s Open the Conversation

I’m genuinely curious—what are you doing differently this year in your SEO strategy? How are you integrating AI without losing the human element?

Drop me a message or connect with me if you’re in the trenches of this too. Let’s evolve together.