SEO is Finally Dead! 💀

Gotcha! Happy April Fool’s Day! 🙃

SEO is far from dead.

Different? Yes.
Dead? Absolutely not.

Despite Google losing some market share, they still control 90% of search traffic, with around 140 billion visits per month. So, let’s put aside the doom and gloom and focus on the positives.

If you're only in the blogging game for quick cash—yeah, SEO might seem dead. But if you're passionate about your blog or business—whether B2B or B2C—there’s still plenty of opportunity.

Will everyone succeed with organic traffic? No.

But many are still thriving, and with the right mindset, you might be able to as well.

Orbit Media’s 11th annual blogger survey revealed some valuable insights about blogging.

Driving Traffic is the #1 Challenge for Bloggers

Only 20% of bloggers report strong results in driving traffic these days, down from 30% in 2019. While search traffic is dropping, concerns about email and social media traffic are also rising. Traffic hoarding from social and search platforms is reducing clicks. Smart bloggers need to regroup and strategize!

80% of Bloggers are Using AI (up from 65% in 2023)

It's great to see bloggers embracing AI, though only 6% are using it to write entire drafts—something I wouldn't recommend. The top use case is idea generation, with 54% using AI for that. Headlines, outlines, and editing suggestions are also popular uses. AI is helpful, but using it the right way is even smarter.

In future newsletters, I’ll be sharing AI prompt examples to help you with SEO!

43% of Bloggers Conduct Original Research

Original research is essential. It’s great to see so many bloggers incorporating this. If you have a dedicated following, gathering data from them can set you apart and boost your search and social presence.

Bloggers Who Use More Visuals Get Better Results

Bloggers who include 7+ visual assets in their content report stronger results. Yet, less than 4% of bloggers do this. Visuals—like graphs, images, and videos—are essential. Don’t just add AI-generated images to fill space; ensure they add real value for your readers.

Long-Form Content (2000+ Words) Performs Better

According to 37% of bloggers, content between 2,000-3,000 words shows better results. Long-form content still works if you provide value.

Only 25% of Bloggers Use Video

Video adoption among bloggers has stalled since 2019. If you’re not using video, you're missing out on building your brand, improving organic reach, and engaging new audiences. Video is crucial for bloggers and businesses alike.

Collaborations Yield Results

Bloggers who collaborate on 50-90% of their posts report better results than those who don't. Collaborations help you expand your audience and offer unique value.

Analyzing Data is Essential

Only 29% of bloggers consistently check their analytics, but 31% of those who do report strong results. Knowing what works (and what doesn’t) is critical to refining your content strategy.

Find GA4 overwhelming? Try Clicky (my personal tool of choice) for easier tracking, then use Clarity (free tool) for deeper insights into user behavior.

Bloggers with SEO Skills Report Stronger Results

Bloggers who consistently research keywords see stronger results. Using the right terms and adding semantic relevance with variations can make a huge impact!

What’s Working Best Right Now?

According to the survey, here are the top five strategies blogger say are working:

• Collaborating with influencers

• Publishing 2000+ word articles

• Using 10+ images per article

• Always conducting keyword research

• Regularly checking analytics

I am here to tell that blogging can still be successful, even with strategies that have been around for a while—long-form content, collaborations, keyword research, etc.

Stay tuned for deeper dives into some of these topics in future newsletters!

Now, get out there and create something great today! 🌼

Jill