SEO Is Not Dead. Learn How to Rank for AI Searches.

Every few years, someone declares SEO is dead. The truth is the opposite. SEO is not only alive, it is more critical than ever for driving traffic and leads. With the rise of AI-powered search engines and Google’s evolving algorithms, businesses with strong SEO strategies are consistently winning more visibility and customers.

If you are in a service-based industry such as pest control, roofing, or plumbing, ignoring SEO could mean falling behind competitors who are investing in it. In this article, we’ll break down why SEO is thriving, how it connects with AI search results, and what strategies work today.

The Myth That SEO Is Dead

People often assume SEO is outdated because:

• Paid ads and Google Local Service Ads are taking up more space on search results.
• AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews are changing how users search.
• Voice search and “near me” queries are becoming more common.

However, 70% of online experiences still begin with a search engine. Google alone processes over 8.5 billion searches daily. AI search tools depend on optimized websites to deliver accurate answers, meaning SEO is now directly influencing both traditional and AI-driven search results.

Real Proof: SEO Drives Leads & Revenue

Strong SEO directly impacts business growth. Service businesses that invest in content, technical optimization, and local SEO consistently see measurable results.

Take our Pest & Termite Consultants case study as an example. By implementing a targeted SEO strategy focused on service pages, local optimization, and keyword-rich blog content, we achieved:

• 48% increase in website traffic
• 206% more leads generated
• Improved rankings for high-intent local search terms such as “pest control near me” and “termite inspection Raleigh NC”

This is a clear reminder that SEO is not a thing of the past. Businesses actively optimizing their websites are still capturing more qualified traffic and converting visitors into customers.

How SEO Works with AI-Powered Search

AI-powered search tools, including Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), are trained on billions of web pages. If your website is not optimized, you will be invisible to these tools. Here is how SEO plays into AI search rankings:

1. High-Quality Content Feeds AI Models

AI tools rely on websites with well-structured, authoritative content. Google’s Helpful Content update rewards sites that answer user questions thoroughly. For service businesses, this means writing content that directly addresses customer concerns such as:

• “How much does roof replacement cost in Anderson, SC?”
• “What are the signs of a termite infestation?”

AI search tools are more likely to pull answers from websites that already rank well in traditional search results.

2. Technical SEO Improves Indexing

Page speed, mobile responsiveness, and schema markup remain essential. According to Google, 53% of users abandon a page if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load. AI tools also rely on structured data to understand page context.

3. Authority Signals Build Trust

Backlinks, citations, and brand mentions remain key. Websites with a strong backlink profile are more likely to be referenced by AI search engines because they are considered reliable sources.

4. Local SEO Still Matters

AI search tools pull data from local sources such as Google Business Profiles. Consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) listings, local keywords, and customer reviews remain crucial for “near me” queries.

SEO & AI: Statistics That Prove the Connection

• AI search relies on existing search data. A study by BrightEdge found that 65% of AI-generated answers cite pages already ranking in the top 10 search results.
• Local SEO is influencing voice and AI search. 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information (GoGulf), and AI tools often reference Google Business Profile listings.
• Content is still king. Websites publishing consistent, high-quality blog posts earn 67% more leads per month than those that do not (DemandMetric).