AI answers reduce clicks, but SEO isn't dead, it's the foundation AI builds on. Here's the nuanced truth.
Key takeaways
The headline 'AI killed SEO' is clickbait. The reality is more useful: SEO is becoming the foundation that feeds AI answers, while a new layer, GEO, decides whether those answers cite you.
Should I cut my SEO budget?
No. Reallocate some toward GEO/AEO, but SEO foundations still feed AI answers. Cutting them removes you from the sources AI cites.
Will AI search reduce my traffic?
It can reduce top-funnel clicks, but the remaining clicks are more informed and higher-intent. Visibility inside answers offsets the loss.
What should I prioritize now?
Keep SEO healthy, then layer AEO (structure, schema) and GEO (third-party presence, citable data) on top.
Head of GEO & Growth, Aiporate
Marco leads generative engine optimization and organic growth at Aiporate. He has run search and content strategy through the shift from ten blue links to AI answers, and helps SaaS brands stay visible where buyers now decide, inside the models.
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