In this podcast, SEO expert Mohammad Faruk Khan argues that SEO is not dead but has evolved. He explains the shift from chasing clicks to securing brand mentions within AI-generated answers, emphasizing the need for a presence on both Google and Bing. The conversation also covers his journey building Khan IT, landing major clients like Hatil, and the importance of proving value through data and case studies.
A short editorial from the VEONIB team on why this content matters.
SEO is not dead, but its success metrics have fundamentally changed. The new battleground is being the cited source within AI-generated answers, not just ranking a blue link.
This video provides a practical, on-the-ground perspective from an agency owner who has landed major clients through personal branding and proven results. SEONIB's platform is built for this new reality, helping you create content that is structured and credible for AI citation.
Agency owners and SEO professionals should watch this to understand the shift toward AEO and GEO. Your next step is to audit your content for 'proof' elements and begin optimizing for Bing.
The practice of optimizing content to be the direct source for AI-generated answers in search results.
A strategy to ensure a brand is cited or mentioned by AI models when they generate responses to user queries.
A search result where the user's question is answered directly on the search engine results page, without requiring a click through to a website.
When a brand or its content is referenced by an AI system in its answer, which is becoming a key metric for visibility.
The practice of marketing oneself and one's career as a brand, which is a powerful tool for attracting clients in the SEO industry.
The use of data, statistics, case studies, and verifiable examples in content to establish credibility with AI systems and users.
Is SEO dead?
No, SEO is not dead. It has evolved from focusing on ranking blue links to being cited by AI systems. The core goal is still to be visible, but the methods and metrics have changed.
Why is traffic decreasing even if SEO is not dead?
Traffic is decreasing because of the rise of zero-click searches. AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews provide direct answers, so users don't need to click through to websites for basic queries.
What is the main difference between traditional SEO and AEO/GEO?
Traditional SEO targets ranking on a search engine results page (SERP). AEO/GEO focuses on being the source of information that an AI model uses to formulate its direct answer to a user's query.
If clicks are down, how can a business measure success?
Success should be measured by brand mentions within AI answers. If an AI recommends your brand when a user asks for a product or service, that is a success, as it influences the buyer's decision-making process.
Why is Bing optimization important in the age of AI?
ChatGPT uses Bing to search the web for real-time information. Therefore, to be cited by ChatGPT, your content needs to be visible and well-optimized on Bing, not just on Google.
How can a new SEO professional build a portfolio?
Start by building a personal brand online and creating a website for yourself. Then, offer your services for free to a friend or family member's business to create a case study and gain real-world experience.
Should business owners learn to use AI tools for SEO?
No, business owners should focus on business development. They should hire skilled professionals or an agency to handle SEO, as experts are needed to guide AI properly and catch strategic errors.
What is the most significant change in content creation due to AI?
Content must now be backed by proof. Instead of just making claims, you must provide data, numbers, case studies, and examples to give your content value in the eyes of AI systems and users.
Why do local SEO clients often have low budgets?
A major reason is that many freelancers underprice their services to get work. This devalues the industry, and clients come to expect low budgets, making it difficult for professionals to charge fair rates.
How can an SEO freelancer win bigger clients?
By focusing on personal branding and establishing an agency presence. When clients find you through their own research and see proof of your work, you have more negotiating power than when you pitch to them directly.