Search engine optimisation (SEO) is always evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is doing the same! AI-based SEO tools have become increasingly popular, as they offer automated solutions for keyword research, content generation, and link building. That said, traditional agency-led SEO still holds value, as it leverages human expertise and strategic thinking.
This confronts today’s businesses with a crucial decision – do they rely on AI-driven SEO tools, or do they partner with an agency that employs traditional strategies?
In this blog, we will guide you through the pros and cons of each.
AI and SEO
AI-driven SEO relies on algorithms and machine learning to automate various aspects of SEO optimisation. Common AI functionalities include
- Automated Keyword Research: AI analyses search trends and user behaviour to identify relevant keywords.
- Content Generation: AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Jasper and Murf create articles, blog posts, and product descriptions based on given prompts.
- Automated Link Building: AI identifies potential backlink opportunities and automates the outreach process.
The key appeal for businesses of AI-driven SEO lies in its speed, scalability, and reduced need for expensive ‘human’ manual input.
What is Traditional Agency-Led SEO?
Traditional agency-led SEO involves a team of skilled, creative, and experienced digital experts that use human insights and experience to develop and execute customised marketing strategies for a brand.
Key processes in traditional agency-led SEO typically include:
- In-Depth Keyword Research: Analysts identify the most relevant and profitable keywords for your target audience and brand.
- Customised Content Creation: Experienced writers create engaging, informative, and relevant content that resonates with your target audience and echoes your brand voice.
- Strategic Link Building: Agencies build relationships with reputable websites to acquire high-quality and relevant backlinks.
Of course, you do not have to pick one over the other! Agencies such as Ruby Digital use a variety of SEO tools accompanied by AI tools to complement our expertise, not replace it. We use a customised blend of strategies to optimise our services and ensure you get nothing but the best techniques, crafted uniquely for your business.
AI SEO vs Traditional SEO – Key Considerations
In this section we will focus on the main differences between AI SEO vs traditional SEO
- Strategy Development: AI relies on historical data and trends. This may cause it to struggle with niche or highly unique markets. Traditional tailored strategies, however, are based on specific industry nuances and trends with a specific eye on your business goals and identity.
- Content Quality: AI generates large volumes of content very quickly, which can be very advantageous. However, this content can be superficial and lack depth, creativity, authenticity, and human insights. Traditional content generation, on the other hand, focuses on quality, and audience involvement, as well as being authentic and true to your brand voice.
- Adaptability to Trends: AI tends to be reactive to data, which gives it a limited capacity to predict emerging trends. But traditional strategies can adapt proactively and incorporate creativity and foresight.
- Client Engagement and Reporting: AI generates reports from raw data but offers limited actionable insights. The traditional approach, however, provides context, strategic recommendations, and ongoing client collaboration and engagement.
Risks of Relying Solely on AI for SEO Decisions
Relying solely on AI for your SEO decisions holds some risks
- The Creation/Adoption of Generic Strategies: AI-driven SEO may lead to generic, non-specific approaches that fail to differentiate your unique brand and its distinctive qualities.
- Missed Opportunities: AI lacks the human touch, sensitivity, and the creative insights to, first, identify and then capitalise on emerging and potentially lucrative trends and business opportunities.
- Over-Optimisation: In trying too hard to rank high in search results, AI-driven tools may over-optimise websites by using keyword stuffing and building unnatural links. This affects the quality of the content and may lead to penalties from search engines.
Why a Strategy from an Agency is a Better and Safer Investment
Working with an experienced digital marketing, SEO, and web development agency offers significant benefits. As a tech-enabled agency, Ruby Digital combines expertise with cutting-edge technology, including AI, to maximize results across all areas of your business. Good agencies strategically use AI to optimize both creative and data-driven aspects of marketing, ensuring efficiency and precision. By blending human expertise with innovative tools, we deliver secure, measurable, and sustainable success.
The benefits of working with such an agency include:
- Customisation: Agencies create bespoke strategies tailored to your unique business goals and brand voice.
- Collaboration: Agencies work closely with their clients to ensure alignment with brand values and objectives.
- The Benefit of In-Depth Expertise: Our human specialists understand search engine algorithm updates and make informed adjustments accordingly.
- Sustainability: Traditional strategies focus on long-term growth rather than quick fixes. As a result, these strategies tend to be more sustainable and fruitful in the long term.
And finally, it is important to remember that AI is a valuable tool, but it is not the driver!?Agencies like Ruby Digital use AI to enhance processes, but human experts always maintain control over the strategy developed for your company.
Partnering with an agency ensures a more comprehensive SEO strategy. It brings you the benefit of human expertise, experience, strategic thinking, and wide-ranging insights. At Ruby Digital, we know that AI can be an extremely valuable tool, but that it should never replace the human touch.
Contact us to unlock the full potential of your online presence. We will help you develop a customised SEO strategy that drives organic traffic to your website and improve your brand visibility. We will ensure your strategy aligns with your business goals and delivers sustainable, long-term growth.
