Reading Time: 4 minutes

It feels like every other week there’s a new AI something. It’s hard to tell what’s helpful versus what is just hype. We’ve been getting this question from business owners in all industries, “Does SEO even matter anymore now that we have all of this AI?” The short answer is: yes! 

The Big Question: Is SEO Still Relevant?

If you watch the tech news, see the social media posts, it feels like there’s a giant wave of AI coming for all of our jobs. As a business owner it’s easy to think that all this SEO work doesn’t make a difference now that we have AI wrapped into search functionality. But, the truth is that people are still searching. No matter the time and place, people are searching for something.

Currently, people are still predominantly starting their search via a search engine like Google or Bing. We believe that SEO is alive and well, and still needed, but that it’s all changed in many ways. No longer do we need to stuff keywords into everything just to see what sticks.

Since AI is crawling, indexing, and interrupting all of this data, it has to decide what we believe to be the fundamental question around SEO: “Is this helpful?”. AI has started to help sift through all the noise and nonsense that we see on the internet. It’s helping people find exactly what they need in a shorter amount of time. 

Most searches now end without a click because answers appear directly in search results. While this creates new challenges, it also presents opportunities for businesses that understand how to optimize for those “position zero” placements. You’re a subject matter expert on your business, and there’s lots of ways to highlight that! 

How AI Is Changing the SEO Game

AI is transforming the way search engines work and how we approach SEO. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening:

• Smarter Search Engines: Google’s algorithms, powered by AI, are better at understanding what users want. They prioritize content that’s helpful, relevant, and trustworthy over keyword-stuffed pages. This means your WordPress blog posts or WooCommerce product descriptions need to focus on quality, not just tricks to game the system. Put yourself in the shoes of the potential customer.
• AI-Generated Content: Tools like ChatGPT or Jasper can churn out blog posts and product descriptions in seconds. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s easier to create content; on the other, the internet is flooded with generic, AI-written stuff. Search engines are cracking down on low-effort content, so your site needs to stand out with unique, human-centered value. More is not always better (we get that maybe we should have broken this blog post up into multiple!)
• Voice and Visual Search: AI powers voice assistants (like Siri or Alexa) and visual search tools (like Google Lens). People are searching differently—think conversational phrases like “best running shoes for beginners” or snapping a photo of a product. Your WooCommerce store needs to be ready for these trends with clear, descriptive content.
• Personalized Results: AI tailors search results to individual users based on their location, habits, and preferences. This makes local SEO and user-focused content even more critical for small businesses.

At Built Mighty, we’ve seen how these changes affect WordPress and WooCommerce sites. The good news? You don’t need to be an AI expert to keep up. You just need a smart, practical approach.

What Business Owners Should Do About SEO

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or running a larger operation, here are five actionable steps to make SEO work for your WordPress or WooCommerce site in this AI-driven world:

1. Focus on Helpful Content – Discoverability is Still Key
   Search engines reward content that solves problems. For your WooCommerce store, this means writing product descriptions that answer customer questions (e.g., “How durable is this backpack?”) and blog posts that provide real value (e.g., “5 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Coffee Maker”). Use your WordPress site to share your expertise—whether it’s a how-to guide or a behind-the-scenes story about your business. AI can help draft ideas, but add your unique voice to make it shine.
2. Optimize for Speed and Usability
   AI-powered algorithms love fast, user-friendly websites. A slow-loading WordPress site or a clunky WooCommerce checkout can hurt your rankings and drive customers away. Sites should be fast, easy to use, and quick to convert visitors to customers.
3. Embrace Local SEO
   If you serve a specific area, local SEO is your secret weapon. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across your WordPress site, Google Business Profile, and directories. Add location-specific pages or blog posts (e.g., “Best Pet Grooming in [Your City]”). AI-driven search results prioritize local businesses, so this is a must for small shops.
4. Get Ready for Voice and Visual Search
   Who needs fingers for typing anymore! Sorta kidding…but people are searching via pictures and voice. You need content and website images that are clear, give context, and are visually appealing. 
5. Build Trust with Reviews and Authority
   AI algorithms look for signals that your business is legit. Encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile or WooCommerce store. Share case studies or testimonials on your WordPress site to show you mean business. Partner with reputable sites for backlinks—think guest posts or local collaborations, this is the external validation that the AI needs to see. 

Why SEO Matters for Your Business

SEO isn’t just about ranking #1 on Google (though that’s nice!). It’s about being found by the right people at the right time. For WooCommerce store owners, that means customers ready to buy. For service-based businesses, it means clients looking for your expertise. AI is making search smarter, but it’s also making it more competitive. A solid SEO strategy ensures your WordPress or WooCommerce site stays visible, no matter how the algorithms evolve.

Let Built Mighty Help You Win at SEO

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—you don’t have to do this alone. At Built Mighty, we live and breathe WordPress and WooCommerce. We can optimize your site for speed, craft content that connects with your audience, and set you up for SEO success in this AI-driven world. Whether you’re a small business or a growing brand, we’ll create a strategy that fits your goals and budget.

So, does SEO still matter? Absolutely. It’s not about gaming the system anymore—it’s about building a website that’s fast, helpful, and trustworthy. Let’s make your WordPress or WooCommerce site a magnet for customers. Ready to get started? Drop us a line, and let’s make your business mighty!