The Season We Stop and What It Taught Us About the SEO Industry

AEO or GEO New Strategy or Fancy Scam Words

In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo talk about AEO and GEO and whether these are real new strategies or just rebranded SEO terms. They discuss AI search, ChatGPT visibility, client expectations, traditional SEO fundamentals, and what SEO practitioners should really focus on as search behavior continues to change.  Transcript Summary 00:01 - 00:51 Gelo opens the episode by introducing the topic AEO or GEO and asks whether these are real new strategies or just new buzzwords in SEO. Gab mentions that terms like AEO, GEO, and AIO are becoming common not only on social media but also among clients. 00:51 - 02:35 Gab shares that almost all of his clients now ask about AEO and GEO. He also mentions that many job posts already require experience with AI Overviews and LLM optimization. He explains that these terms started gaining popularity around the rise of ChatGPT search, and at first he saw them as buzzwords used for marketing. But over time, the demand became real because clients started looking for these services. 02:35 - 04:16 Gelo talks about how clients now use ChatGPT themselves and ask why their businesses are not appearing in AI search results. Gab says he still prefers traditional Google search and does not fully trust AI Overviews unless the result provides a proper step-by-step guide. If the AI answer is lacking, he checks the sources directly. 04:17 - 07:12 Gab explains the difference between traditional SEO, AEO, and GEO. Traditional SEO focuses on ranking websites in blue link search results. AEO or Answer Engine Optimization focuses on becoming the answer shown in AI Overviews and different search formats like videos, images, and shopping results. GEO or Generative Engine Optimization focuses on visibility inside AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity. Gab explains that even brand mentions without links can help GEO visibility. 07:12 - 11:36 Gelo asks if there is real evidence that AEO or GEO works. Gab shares examples from e-commerce clients where traffic and conversions from ChatGPT or AI tools can already be tracked through UTM parameters and WooCommerce data. However, he also admits that proving exact queries and causation is still difficult. Both hosts agree that many so-called GEO strategies still resemble traditional SEO practices and that the industry is still heavily experimenting. 11:37 - 15:59 Gab says there is still no solid checklist for GEO or AEO because most successful case studies still rely on traditional SEO foundations. He shares that brand mentions and Reddit engagement seem to influence AI visibility. Gelo adds that original studies and datasets can increase the chances of being cited by LLMs. Gab also explains that social media mentions may influence how AI tools recognize and cite brands. 16:27 - 18:40 The conversation shifts to agencies calling themselves AEO or GEO specialists. Gab honestly says many agencies are simply using these labels because the demand already exists. From his perspective, the work is still largely SEO, but clients are actively searching for these services because they want visibility inside AI tools. 18:40 - 21:36 Gelo asks whether SEO practitioners should start studying AEO and GEO. Gab explains that fundamentals still matter the most. Traditional SEO remains the foundation, especially for beginners. He says AI automation and AI workflows are a different skill set compared to offering SEO as a service. 21:36 - 26:14 The hosts discuss the future of content websites in the AI era. They talk about how many purely content-based websites are losing traffic or getting de-indexed, while real businesses and strong brands appear more resilient. They also warn listeners about manipulated traffic metrics, fake authority signals, and low-quality link farms. Gelo encourages SEO practitioners to embrace AI and integrate it into their workflow. 26:15 - 28:47 Gab says they are still testing AI-related workflows before releasing any new course or training. He emphasizes the importance of collecting real case studies first. In the conclusion, Gab explains that AEO and GEO are not necessarily scams, but they are often repackaged SEO concepts with new branding. From a client perspective, these labels work because businesses want solutions for AI visibility. 28:47 - 33:00 The episode closes with advice for SEO practitioners to continue experimenting, stay proactive, and avoid blindly following every new tactic being promoted online. Gab warns listeners to be careful with strategies that promise guaranteed AI visibility. Both hosts encourage listeners to keep testing and adapting as search continues to evolve. Follow us on our community. theseodad.org [theseodad.org] seoworkout.com [seokwentuhan.com] seokwentuhan.com [seokwentuhan.com]

SEOs Might Lose Jobs To Al. What Do YOU Bring To The Table That Al Can't Replace

In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo dive deep into the reality behind AI automation, content generation, SEO careers, freelancing, and the skills that still make humans irreplaceable. From critical thinking and strategy to client communication and relationship building, this conversation uncovers what truly separates valuable SEOs from replaceable ones. If you’re an SEO, VA, freelancer, marketer, or someone worried about AI taking over your industry, this episode is for you. Transcript Summary: 00:00 - 02:37 * Gelo introduces the episode and discusses the growing concern that AI may replace SEO jobs. * Gab shares that the discussion was inspired by a Facebook post asking: “What do you bring to the table that AI can’t replace?” * Gelo explains that AI replacing some jobs is already happening across industries, and SEO professionals should focus on providing value that AI cannot fully replicate. * Businesses are actively exploring AI to reduce manpower costs, making adaptation necessary for marketers and SEOs. 02:37 - 05:26 * Gab points out that many people wrongly believe SEO is only about writing content. * He explains that SEO also involves: * Technical SEO * Link building * Local SEO * Strategy implementation * Gelo says that in the past, being good at content writing alone was enough to be considered an SEO. Now, AI can already generate content, so SEOs need broader skill sets to stay valuable. 05:26 - 09:55 * Gab asks what AI is currently capable of in SEO. * Gelo explains that AI can assist with ideas and content generation, but: * It still needs human judgment * Outputs are often generic without proper context * AI struggles to deeply understand customer pain points and business goals * Gab adds that AI cannot truly experience real-world customer behavior or emotions. * They also discuss how AI cannot fully replace: * Relationship-building * Networking * PR outreach * Human connection with writers and journalists 10:03 - 14:15 * Gelo shares that AI can already handle around 80% of article creation, especially grammar and optimization. * The remaining 20% still requires: * Unique insights * Original research * Real-world expertise * Added depth * Gab emphasizes the importance of: * Subject matter experts * Fact-checking * YMYL (Your Money Your Life) content accuracy * Legal and regional compliance * He also recommends using AI project knowledge bases in tools like ChatGPT or Claude to improve outputs using: * Brand guidelines * ICPs * Industry-specific information 14:15 - 18:28 * Gab stresses that people who refuse to learn AI are more likely to struggle in the future. * Both speakers agree that AI should be embraced as a tool rather than feared. * They discuss AI-powered SEO tools and automation platforms but note that: * Most tools still have limitations * Human implementation and oversight are still needed * AI-generated strategies are not always reliable 18:28 - 27:08 * Key Skills Discussed: * Technical implementation * Backend/server knowledge * Communication skills * Sales and client-facing abilities * Critical thinking * Storytelling using data * Prompt engineering * Chain prompting and follow-up questioning * Curiosity and continuous learning * Gelo says implementation skills are extremely valuable because AI still cannot execute everything properly. * Gab highlights the importance of: * Connecting data to business outcomes * Explaining SEO results clearly to clients * Communicating value even when attribution is difficult * Both speakers repeatedly emphasize: * Critical thinking * Connecting the dots * Human judgment * Gab ends the section by saying curiosity is one of the most important traits to develop in any industry. 27:09 - 32:39 * Gab asks whether AI helps beginners compete with experienced SEOs. * Gelo describes AI as a “double-edged sword.” * AI helps newer SEOs: * Learn faster * Strategize quicker * Compete with traditional SEOs * However, AI also creates: * Information overload * Fake expertise * Low-quality automation content * Confusing online advice * Gab warns that many people online are simply copying AI-generated templates and pretending to be experts. 33:21 - 36:46 * Gab asks about the biggest misconceptions spread by AI doomers. * Gelo says exaggerated claims like: * “I replaced my entire marketing team with AI” * “SEO is dead” * are often just clickbait. * They agree that: * AI still needs human experts * SEO continues evolving rather than disappearing * The discussion also compares: * Highly technical SEOs * Client-facing communicators * Both agree that different skill sets can survive if paired properly. 37:23 - 42:49 * Gelo believes almost every industry will be affected by AI, especially: * Marketing * Education * Customer service * BPO * Coding and engineering * They discuss: * AI-assisted healthcare consultations * AI passing professional exams * Real-time AI translation replacing multilingual support roles * Gab mentions recent layoffs in tech companies and how global freelancing competition may become tougher. 43:33 - 46:36 * Gelo explains that without AI: * Organic clicks would likely remain stronger * Content production would be much slower * Research and development would take longer * AI has dramatically sped up: * Research * Coding * Website implementation * Tool creation * However, the downside is the rise of mass-produced low-quality content and AI-generated spam. 46:38 - 55:44 * Learn AI tools properly instead of fearing them * Focus on SEO fundamentals * Develop judgment and accountability * Learn how to connect strategies with business outcomes * Improve critical thinking and communication skills * Gab warns beginners not to blindly believe social media success stories about freelancing and AI automation. * The episode closes with encouragement to: * Keep learning * Adapt to change * Stay curious * * Use AI as leverage instead of viewing it purely as competition Don't forget to follow us on our socials and platforms. Let's make this community grow together! seoworkout.com [seoworkout.com] theseodad.org [theseodad.org] seokwentuhan.com [seokwentuhan.com]

Ang Daming AI Tools Ngayon, Pero Ano Talaga ang Kailangan Para sa SEO

There are so many AI tools available today, and everywhere you look, there’s a new platform, feature, or workflow being promoted as something you “need” for SEO. But instead of making things easier, this constant stream of tools often leads to confusion, wasted time, and unnecessary spending. It becomes harder to figure out what actually matters and where you should focus your attention. In this episode, Gab and Gelo break down that reality. They share their personal experiences with trying, testing, and even dropping tools, and talk about how to decide what’s truly worth using. This is not about chasing every new AI trend. It is about understanding how to use the right tools in a way that actually supports your work and delivers real results. Transcript Summary 00:00 - 00:25 Gab: Introduces the episode and the topic about the overwhelming number of AI tools and what is actually necessary for SEO. Gelo: Points out the problem of information overload from social media and how it confuses people on what tool to use first. 00:25 - 01:28 Gab: Talks about how clients also suggest tools, adding to confusion. Gelo: Shares that he has tried many AI tools, possibly 30+, due to experimentation and access to platforms like AppSumo. 01:28 - 03:26 Gab: Shares a negative experience with a fake AI tool that caused a virus, making him more cautious. Gelo: Explains his system of trying tools quickly and removing them if they don’t fit the workflow. 03:26 - 04:20 Gelo: Uses free trials and tracks subscriptions to avoid charges. Avoids tools with steep learning curves. Gab: Prefers tested and reviewed tools instead of experimenting early. 04:21 - 05:59 Gelo: Mentions hyped tools like GHL and N8N but did not stick with them due to complexity. Prefers simpler tools like Zapier or Make. Gab: Only subscribes to tools when necessary. 05:59 - 07:54 Gelo: Shares he allocates a monthly budget for tools and learning. Uses AI to explore coding despite not having a coding background. Gab: Asks how Gelo chooses tools. 08:18 - 10:33 Gelo: Uses Reddit, YouTube reviews, and Discord communities to validate tools. Focuses on real use cases for clients before buying. 10:33 - 12:40 Gab: Shares his 3 criteria for tools: Helps the agency directly Improves income Speeds up processes 12:40 - 14:17 Gelo: Adds that the team’s usability matters and uses the 80% rule. Gab: Agrees and highlights verification as the main role after AI output. 14:17 - 17:55 Gelo: Shares daily tools: Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, NotebookLM, and voice tools. Each has specific use cases. Gab: Also leans toward Claude for strategy and ChatGPT for general use. 17:55 - 22:14 Discussion on managing multiple subscriptions and organizing tools in a spreadsheet to track usage and costs. 22:14 - 24:14 Gab: Recommends focusing on ChatGPT and Claude. Gelo: Explains Claude models (Haiku, Sonnet, Opus) and their use cases. 26:11 - 28:28 Gelo: Introduces the 80-10-10 AI philosophy: 10% input and strategy 80% AI work 10% review Gab: Suggests collaborative prompting instead of full reliance on AI. 30:34 - 33:53 Gelo: Explains avoiding generic outputs through better data input, connectors, and chain prompting. Gab: Emphasizes reviewing outputs and avoiding templated strategies. 33:53 - 36:18 Discussion on what should not be automated such as implementation and technical SEO tasks without proper knowledge. 36:18 - 40:18 Gab: Highlights link building and outreach as areas that should remain personalized. Gelo: Notes declining open rates possibly due to AI-generated outreach. 40:18 - 42:40 Advice for beginners: Gelo: Start with one or two tools like ChatGPT and master them. Gab: Focus on SEO fundamentals first before using AI. 42:40 - 45:05 They recommend creators to follow for learning AI and SEO. 45:05 - 47:46 Closing thoughts: focus on results, KPIs, and continuous learning. Invite listeners to follow their content and stay tuned. Stay connected with us on our socials and let’s grow this community together!  thesoedad.org [thesoedad.org] seoworkout.com [seoworkout.com] seokwentuhan.com [seokwentuhan.com]

Iran War Crisis How SEO Freelancers Founders Are Surviving This Economy

In this episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo dive into the real impact of the Iran war crisis on freelancers and agency founders. From rising expenses to losing clients, they share how they’re adapting, cutting costs, leveraging AI, and finding ways to stay afloat in a tough economy. If you’re feeling the pressure, questioning your next move, or simply looking for practical ways to survive (and even grow) during uncertain times—this conversation is for you. Tune in and discover how to stay resilient when everything around you is changing. Transcript Summary 00:00 – 00:40 * Gelo opens the comeback episode of SEO Kwentuhan. * Gab introduces the topic: the Iran war crisis and its economic impact. * Focus: how SEO freelancers and agency founders are adapting and surviving. 00:41 – 01:22 * Discussion begins with rising fuel prices (diesel potentially reaching ₱150–₱200/liter). * Gab highlights uncertainty in pricing. * Gelo notes transportation costs as one of the first major impacts. 01:23 – 03:05 * Reduced travel and more time spent at home. * Shift in food consumption: * Less meat, more fish and vegetables * Energy-saving habits: * Limiting appliance use * Setting aircon to 24°C * Early monitoring of electricity bills. 03:06 – 04:19 * Gelo emphasizes awareness of: * Electricity usage * Water waste (e.g., open faucets) * Small habits can lead to significant savings. 04:20 – 06:13 * Discussion on fuel “price lock” strategies. * Pros: * Protection from price increases * Cons: * Risk if prices drop * Observation: smaller gas stations often have longer queues. 06:13 – 07:29 * Gab shares mindset changes: * Teaching kids to avoid waste * Buying only what is necessary * Focus on eliminating excess consumption. 07:30 – 08:37 * Gab (agency perspective): * Focus on long-term clients * Avoid clients expecting quick SEO results * Prioritize resilient industries: * Strong: solar, essentials * Weak: luxury, non-essential sectors 08:37 – 12:08 * Gelo’s strategies: * Increasing emergency fund (up to 12 months) * Using high-yield savings accounts * Cutting unnecessary AI/LLM subscriptions * Strong shift to AI automation: * 80% execution via AI * 10% strategy * 10% validation * Goal: save time and reduce costs. 12:08 – 13:33 * Importance of health during crisis: * Illness increases financial burden * Rising healthcare costs * Advice: prioritize physical health and consistency. 13:34 – 16:12 * Water-saving approach: * Installing deep wells (province setup) * Electricity-saving approach: * Exploring solar panel installation * Goal: reduce dependence on utilities. 16:12 – 18:02 * Aircon optimization techniques: * Set to 24°C * Use timers (off at 4 AM, on at 7 AM) * Balance between comfort and efficiency. 18:02 – 20:08 * Community tips: * Meal planning * Avoid unnecessary purchases * Reduce subscriptions * Start home gardening or aquaponics * Key idea: reduce expenses while increasing income. 20:08 – 23:14 * Gelo: * Lost a client and chose to reassess * Exploring collaborations and new opportunities * Gab: * Evaluate client industries before accepting work * Focus on essential sectors * Avoid vulnerable industries like travel * Target stable markets. 23:14 – 25:38 * Advice to freelancers: * Upskill, especially in AI * Improve systems and workflows * Market becoming more competitive due to layoffs * Shift toward an AI-first approach. 25:38 – 27:40 * Lifestyle changes: * Fewer outings * More home-based activities (e.g., board games) * Cost-saving habits: * Brewing coffee at home * Cooking instead of ordering. 27:40 – 30:19 * Gab (agency adjustments): * Slight price increases due to inflation * Providing team support/allowances * Less flexibility in negotiations * Focus on sustainability. 30:19 – 32:58 * Emotional challenges: * Frustration with rising costs and policies * Personal struggles: * Health issues affecting productivity * Emphasis on resilience. 32:58 – 35:54 * Discussion on taxation: * Comparison with lower-tax countries * Concern over heavy tax burden in the Philippines * Impact on small businesses. 35:54 – 37:23 * Strong emphasis on emergency funds: * Personal savings * Business buffer (3–6 months). 37:23 – 40:05 * Introduction of “FU Money”: * Fund for opportunities or emergencies * Advice: * Save consistently * Prepare for client loss scenarios. 40:05 – 43:23 * Investment perspectives: * Conservative approach: hold cash * Opportunistic approach: invest in declining markets * Examples: * Solar-related stocks * High-yield savings accounts. 43:23 – 45:04 * Advice for overwhelmed freelancers: * Read mindset-focused books * Improve skills and portfolio * Explore alternative career paths. 45:04 – 47:13 * Actionable steps: * Audit finances and skills * Reflect on past performance * Take ownership and act * Avoid victim mindset and focus on solutions. 47:13 – 48:28 * Closing encouragement: * Stay resilient * Continue learning and adapting * Podcast sign-off and invitation to follow their content. Let's connect and help each other grow. Follow us on our community! theseodad.org [theseodad.org] seoworkout.com [seoworkout.com] seokwentuhan.com [seokwentuhan.com]

The Season We Stop and What It Taught Us About the SEO Industry

What happens when you hit pause for months in a fast-moving industry like SEO… and come back to a completely different game? In this comeback episode of SEO Kwentuhan, Gab and Gelo share what really happened during their quiet season and the unexpected lessons they uncovered about today’s SEO landscape. From AI taking over workflows to traffic drops, changing client expectations, and why branding now matters more than rankings, this episode is packed with honest insights. If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind or unsure how to stay relevant in the AI era, this conversation will give you a clearer perspective—and a reason to keep going. ️ Transcript Summary: 00:00 - 00:33  Gab opens the comeback episode of SEO Kwentuhan. Gelo explains that after months of silence, they want to talk about why they stopped recording and what that season taught them about SEO, especially in today’s AI-driven landscape. 00:33 - 03:23  Gab shares that he became busy improving his agency, handling trainings, client work, and their fitness challenge, while also prioritizing rest on weekends. He also mentions spending time building their new home and sourcing materials personally. Gelo says personal matters, the holidays, new client strategy work, and stepping back from social media also contributed to the pause. 03:23 - 06:58  Gab admits he worried that no one would still listen after such a long break and that they might fall behind in the fast-changing SEO industry. Gelo reassures him, sharing that the podcast still brought in consulting opportunities. Both reflect on how listeners and community members continued to remember and value the show. 06:58 - 10:25  Gab says the pause reminded him to focus on what is already on his plate, especially the business, which improved significantly during that time. Gelo says one key realization is that the busiest and most experienced SEO practitioners are often too busy doing the work to constantly produce content or courses. He also highlights how much AI now handles in SEO workflows, making adaptation necessary. 10:25 - 13:51  Gab says he now focuses less on execution and more on strategy, client acquisition, and retention, while also taking his health more seriously. Gelo says he relies less on Ahrefs and more on Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools, especially as those tools become more useful in the AI era. 13:52 - 17:50  Gab explains that while SEO fundamentals remain the same, they have added newer tactics such as Reddit optimization, broader query research, and work that can help with AI citations. Gelo says he now sends more regular updates to clients and even leads, including SEO news translated into practical business impact using AI. 17:50 - 24:54  Gab says the biggest shift he noticed is that organic traffic has dropped in many industries because of AI Overviews, though conversions have often stayed more stable. He also notes that “AI optimization” is now a strong selling point for clients. Both discuss how AI-generated content is flooding the web, which makes authenticity and human input more important. 24:55 - 30:43  Gelo says SEO fundamentals still matter, but branding is becoming even more important because search results are more crowded and AI makes it easier for anyone to launch websites quickly. Gab agrees and says SEO is no longer just about ranking for a keyword. It now has to support a stronger brand and a better customer journey. 30:43 - 35:55  Gab says SEO is now both more competitive and more open. AI makes it easier for newcomers to offer SEO-related work, but real expertise and results still matter. Gelo adds that since SEO is often one of the first services cut when budgets get tight, professionals need to show value beyond traffic, such as leads, signups, and revenue impact. 35:55 - 42:52  Gab says if he were starting again, he would still use AI but would not rely on it too much for strategy. He would focus on creativity, human understanding, and firsthand experience. Gelo says he would start by following the right people, learning how they think, testing ideas, and building his own system instead of depending too much on AI alone. 42:52 - 48:41  Both agree that AI has lowered the barrier to entry in SEO, but long-term success still depends on learning, decision-making, communication, and delivering real results. They close by thanking listeners, joking about their fears of being forgotten, and announcing that SEO Kwentuhan is back. Let's connect and make this community shine! theseodad.org [https://theseodad.org/] seoworkout.com [https://seoworkout.com/]