The addition of AI to search engine algorithms has changed the game for digital marketing.
All these changes are exciting, sure - but for many businesses, it’s also a bit terrifying. A recent episode of The Authority Hacker Podcast explored how AI-driven changes are causing businesses to lose up to 30% of their search traffic and, more importantly, what they can do about it.
We listened, we loved it, and we couldn’t wait to share our thoughts. This topic is close to our hearts here at Angelfish Marketing. As a specialist SEO strategy agency, we’ve been advising our clients on how to boost their search traffic for years.
So, without further ado, here’s what you need to know to turn this potential setback into your next big opportunity.
AI Has Changed Search. Here’s What That Means for You
AI isn’t just shaking things up - it’s rewriting the rules. Conversational search, predictive algorithms, and AI-generated answers are reducing the need for users to click on websites. After all, why should they visit your page when Google gives them the answer directly?
Plus, with the rise in AI search tools like SearchGPT and Perplexity, people are finding out about your brand in other ways too.
Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom, though. This shift simply means your SEO strategy has to evolve. The days of relying on informational content and generic keywords to drive traffic are over. Now, it’s about making your content indispensable.
Our Top Takeaways from the Podcast as an SEO Strategy Agency
Bog Standard Content Isn’t Going to Cut It
One thing that stood out to us is the growing importance of depth and relevance. Let’s face it: AI is really good at summarising generic content – but to stand out, your content needs to be more than just “good enough.” It needs to offer unique insights, actionable advice, and value that AI can’t replicate. Think niche expertise, industry-specific data, or solutions your audience can’t find elsewhere.
Go All in on Experience
Finally, let’s not forget user experience (UX). AI isn’t just about content; it’s about delivering the best overall experience. If your site is slow, clunky, or hard to navigate, your traditional and AI search rankings will suffer. If you’ve been putting off making changes to your site, trust us: now’s the time to prioritise speed, mobile optimisation, and intuitive design to make sure you keep hold of your traditional traffic – and win AI traffic too.
How to Bounce Back: Actions You Can Take Right Now
Let’s get practical. If your traffic has taken a hit, the first step is to audit your content. Look at your underperforming pages and ask, “Why isn’t this resonating?” It could be that AI is providing answers before users even reach your site. If that’s the case, make your content impossible to ignore - add visuals, deeper insights, and interactive elements that keep people coming back for more.
Next, refine your keyword strategy. This isn’t about chasing the most popular keywords anymore. Instead, think about the questions your audience is asking at every stage of their journey. For example, instead of targeting “SEO tips,” aim for something like “how to recover from a drop in search traffic.”
You should also invest in building authority. AI values trustworthy content from reliable sources. That’s why, as an expert SEO strategy agency, we love highlighting client success stories, like the time we helped a recruitment agency increase organic leads by 248% and get 3,201% ROI from SEO in just six months! Real-world results build trust, both with users and search engines.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of great UX. A fast-loading, mobile-friendly site isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must. Use tools like Google’s Core Web Vitals to pinpoint areas for improvement.
Why SEO Strategy Matters More Than Ever
The businesses that are going to succeed in this AI-driven world are the ones that treat SEO as a strategic priority, not just a technical fix. It’s about understanding your audience, anticipating their needs, and creating content that delivers value at every touchpoint.
At Angelfish Marketing, we’ve seen this approach pay off time and time again. Take our work in the recruitment sector, for example. By focusing on targeted content clusters and optimised user experiences, we’ve helped clients not only recover but thrive in a competitive digital landscape, ensuring they still get results from traditional SEO in this new AI world.
Turn Challenges into Opportunities with an SEO Strategy Agency
AI may be changing the way we approach SEO, but it’s not the end of the road - it’s a new beginning. With the right strategies, you can adapt to these changes, strengthen your digital presence, and even gain an edge over competitors who are still stuck in the old way of doing things.
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you don’t have to tackle this alone. Here at Angelfish Marketing, we’re here to help. As an expert SEO strategy agency, whether you need a full SEO audit or just some guidance on where to start, let’s chat and figure out how to turn AI’s impact into your next big win.
Get in touch with us today to learn more, and let’s make your SEO strategy work harder than ever, together.