SEO is Dead - SMO is the New King¶

The Future of Digital Visibility¶

Have you noticed a change in the way Google has started responding to the user queries?

We all do!!

The very first answer that gets displayed is from "Generative AI".

You can check out the example given below. It clearly gives a good idea with regards to the search query.

The detailed answer is enough to give any user an overview of the search query. Only if you want to get a deeper knowledge, you will try to search for other links or videos.

Back in the days when Generative AI or ChatGPT was not there, the competition among the websites was to get a good position on Google SERP - 1st Page (Google's Search Engine Result Pages).

But now the scenario has completely changed. Now websites have to compete against the answers generated from AI or commonly called as Generative AI.

And where is this answer coming from???

Behind the scenes, your website data is getting scraped by AI and is being shown on the display. Now this situation raises a question in my mind

"Will Anyone Read My Content If Generative AI Is Providing All The Answers??"¶

It has led to this thought that no matter how hard you try to focus on the Search Engine Optimization, it will not be as fruitful as it was a few years back.

Currently, I think that even the significance of Google Algorithmic changes has lost its value. Since last one year, I really didn't care about the Google Algorithm changes happening.

The thing is I am more worried about the website traffic. Even if I try to implement all the SEO tactics, the visitors will not be able to reach my website.

My biggest concern is even if My website is ranking on the first page, the probability of visitors reaching my website will be extremely low.

I kept looking at my Google Search Console and Google Analytics just to get disappointed results.

Moreover, I would read about the Digital marketers, SEO specialists and Websites owners constantly complaining about dropping website ranking. I used to check Barry Schwartz website to get the latest updates on how the ranking of websites is dropping and how many people are being affected by it.

Caption - The Image shows a constant drop in the website ranking due to AI generated content. Source:Search Engine Land

What's the Biggest Reason For This Happening? Why Do You Think Traditional SEO is Losing Its Edge¶

• Google's AI and Algorithm Updates - With AI-driven search results (e.g., Google's SGE), fewer users are clicking on traditional website links.
• Declining Organic Reach - Organic rankings are harder to maintain, and paid ads dominate SERPs.
• Rise of Zero-Click Searches - Users get answers directly from Google, bypassing website visits.
• Voice Search and AI Assistants - More people use voice search, reducing the effectiveness of traditional SEO tactics.
• Social Media's Influence on Buying Decisions - Consumers now rely more on social media recommendations, influencer marketing, and short-form video content.

ALSO READ: Are Google Ads More Preferable Than Organic Traffic For a Website¶

What Could Be The Possible Solution To This?¶

Here's my answer to it. It'll try to reap in my potential visitors through social media - Hence, from now on, I am shifting my focus to Social Media Optimization!

Before I show you how to use Social Media Optimization to improve your website traffic, here is something that you should know.

Why SMO (Social Media Optimization) Should Be The Current Solution?¶

• Algorithm-Friendly Content - Social media platforms prioritize engagement, making well-optimized content more visible.
• Virality & Shareability - Unlike SEO, where ranking takes time, SMO allows brands to go viral instantly.
• Influencer and Community Power - Engagement from influencers and niche communities builds trust faster than search rankings.
• Diversified Traffic Sources - SMO provides multiple entry points for users through posts, stories, reels, and live sessions.
• Direct User Interaction - Unlike SEO, which depends on search intent, SMO enables direct engagement through comments, shares, and DMs.

How to Leverage SMO for Maximum Visibility And Generating Website Traffic?¶

Short-Form Video Dominance - Focus on Reels, Shorts, and TikTok.

Interactive Content - Polls, Q&A, and live sessions boost engagement.

Hashtag & Trend Optimization - Align content with trending topics.

User-Generated Content (UGC) - Encourage customers to create content.

Cross-Platform Content Strategy - Repurpose content for maximum reach.

ALSO READ: If you are interested in turning around your SEO efforts, read Does SEO Off-page Activities Still Work¶

Final Thoughts: SEO vs SMO - The Reality¶

While SEO isn't entirely dead, its effectiveness is diminishing in a world driven by real-time content and social interactions. Brands that fail to adapt to SMO trends will struggle to maintain visibility. The future belongs to those who can create engaging, shareable, and interactive content that thrives on social media.

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