What Is Generative SEO?
Let’s start with the basics.
Generative SEO is a new way of doing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) using AI tools that can write, answer questions, and create content — like ChatGPT or Google Gemini.
Instead of only relying on keyword research and traditional blog writing, marketers now use these smart tools to create:
- Helpful articles
- Product descriptions
- FAQs
- Location pages
- Snippets that answer questions quickly
It’s called “generative” because AI is used to generate the content — not just edit or optimize it. This saves time and helps websites rank faster when done properly.
Why It Matters Now
Search engines like Google, Bing, and even AI platforms like ChatGPT are changing how people find information. Some users now ask questions directly on AI tools instead of going to a website. So your content has to be good enough to:
- Rank on Google
- Show up in AI answers
- Stay useful for real people
Generative SEO is how brands are staying ahead in this new search world.
The Core Tools You Need for Generative SEO
To do Generative SEO right, you need a smart mix of AI and traditional SEO tools. Here’s a breakdown of the must-haves:
1. AI Content Generators
These are tools that can write blog posts, answers, product descriptions, and more:
- ChatGPT
- Jasper.ai
- Claude
- Google Gemini
You give them a prompt, and they generate content. But you still need to guide them properly and edit the output.
2. Keyword Research Tools
Even with AI, you still need keywords to help your content show up in search results.
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ubersuggest
- AlsoAsked or AnswerThePublic (great for question-based search)
Use these tools to find:
- What people are searching for
- How hard it is to rank
- Related questions people ask
3. SEO Optimizers
These tools help you check if your content is search-friendly:
- Surfer SEO
- Frase
- Yoast SEO (for WordPress users)
- On-Page.ai
- MarketMuse
They scan your content and suggest improvements like:
- Keyword use
- Sentence length
- Content structure
- Internal linking
4. Analytics & Tracking
Once content is published, you need to track what’s working:
- Google Search Console (free, shows how your pages perform in search)
- Google Analytics
- Microsoft Clarity or Hotjar (see how people interact with your pages)
These help you adjust and improve your SEO over time.
How to Create Generative SEO Content That Actually Ranks
Using AI to write content is easy. Getting that content to rank? That’s where the real skill comes in.
Let’s break it into steps.
Step 1: Pick a Real Search Problem to Solve
Before writing anything, ask:
- What is someone really trying to find?
- What question are they asking?
- What do they want to do next?
Example:
If someone searches for “best shoes for flat feet UK,” they’re not just browsing—they’re ready to buy. Your content should help them decide and guide them to products.
Use tools like:
- Google Autosuggest
- AnswerThePublic
- Reddit or Quora (see what people complain about)
Step 2: Find the Right Keywords
Use a keyword tool (Ahrefs, SEMrush, Ubersuggest) to:
- Find the main keyword (e.g. “running shoes for flat feet”)
- Get related questions (e.g. “are flat shoes bad for your back?”)
- Look at what’s already ranking
You don’t need to stuff these keywords—just make sure they fit naturally into your content.
Step 3: Plan the Content with AI’s Help
Now bring in your AI writing tool. But don’t just say “write a blog post.”
Instead, guide it like this:
“Write a helpful guide for someone looking to buy shoes for flat feet in the UK. Include pros and cons, FAQs, and what to look for in a good shoe.”
This gives the AI focus and keeps it from writing generic fluff.
Step 4: Make It Human
AI writes fast, but not always well. So:
- Cut out boring parts
- Rewrite robotic sentences
- Add real examples, stats, or links
- Include images or videos when possible
AI can’t replace your point of view. That’s what makes your content stand out.
Step 5: Optimise the Page
Once the content is ready:
- Use headings (H1, H2, H3) properly
- Add internal links to your other pages
- Write a strong meta title and description
- Compress images so your page loads fast
- Check readability with tools like Hemingway or Grammarly
Step 6: Publish Fast, Improve Later
Get the content out there. Don’t wait for perfection.
Once it’s live:
- Monitor with Google Search Console
- Check which queries it ranks for
- Update it every few weeks with better answers or fresh info
This is how you keep climbing the rankings over time.
Common Mistakes in Generative SEO (And How to Avoid Them)
Generative SEO can speed up your content game—but done wrong, it can tank your rankings or even get your site penalised.
Here are the most common mistakes and how to stay clear of them:
Mistake 1: Relying 100% on AI Without Editing
AI can help you move faster, but if you just copy and paste its output, you’ll end up with:
- Repetitive content
- Boring or off-topic sections
- Wrong facts or outdated info
Fix it: Always edit like a human. Add your voice, your brand tone, and correct any nonsense before publishing.
Mistake 2: Writing for Bots, Not Humans
Some people still write like it’s 2010—stuffing in keywords and ignoring what real readers care about.
Fix it:
- Put user intent first
- Make the content easy to skim
- Answer questions quickly, then go deeper if needed
Mistake 3: Skipping Original Insights
Google and AI systems favour fresh, useful content. If your page looks like 20 others, why should it rank?
Fix it:
- Add personal experience, data, quotes, or expert opinions
- Include comparisons, mini case studies, or real reviews
Mistake 4: Publishing Too Much, Too Fast
Some sites push out hundreds of AI-written pages in a week. Google notices, and not in a good way.
Fix it:
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Start with your top 10–20 most important pages
- Improve and re-publish them before moving on
Mistake 5: Ignoring E-E-A-T
That stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust—Google’s way of deciding if your content should rank.
Fix it:
- Use author bios
- Show your qualifications or client success stories
- Link to trusted sources
- Include first-hand experience where possible
How to Use Generative SEO for Different Types of Content
Generative SEO isn’t just for blog posts. You can use it across your entire site to create content that ranks, converts, and saves time.
Here’s how to apply it based on the type of content you’re building:
1. Blog Posts
This is the most common use. AI helps you write fast, but your job is to:
- Target a clear search question
- Structure it with headings, bullet points, and real answers
- Update the post as rankings and trends change
Example:
A travel site might generate a post titled “Best Places to Visit in Spain in Winter” using location data and real traveller reviews.
2. Product Descriptions
Perfect for e-commerce sites with hundreds of items. AI can help scale content for each product page.
What works well:
- Unique benefits of the product
- Answers to common buyer questions
- Search-friendly wording (size, colour, features, etc.)
Tip:
Feed the AI a prompt like:
“Write a short, clear product description for a men’s waterproof hiking boot in the UK. Include benefits, size range, and materials.”
3. Category Pages
These pages often get ignored, but they’re great for SEO. Use AI to:
- Write helpful intros
- Add buying guides or filters
- Include internal links to products or blogs
Example:
A page for “Dog Food for Puppies” can include feeding tips, best-selling products, and answers to puppy-related food questions.
4. Location Pages
If you run a service-based business (cleaning, plumbing, coaching, etc.), you can use generative content to scale for each area you serve.
Structure it like this:
- “We offer [service] in [location]”
- Mention local landmarks, problems, or neighbourhood names
- Include testimonials or reviews from that area if possible
Tip:
Don’t copy-paste the same content with city names swapped. Make each page feel local and specific.
5. FAQs and Knowledge Bases
These help with SEO and customer support at the same time. AI can turn your product info or customer queries into short, helpful answers.
What to include:
- Clear questions as headers
- 1–2 sentence answers
- Internal links to relevant blog posts or pages
6. Landing Pages for Campaigns
Running ads or special offers? Use AI to draft quick landing pages that match search intent.
Tip:
Make sure the AI output matches your ad copy, includes one clear CTA (call to action), and answers common objections or questions.
The Future of SEO with AI – What Comes Next
SEO is changing fast. The old rules aren’t gone, but the game is different now—and generative AI is driving most of that change.
Let’s look at where things are headed and how to stay ready.
AI Will Power the Search Engines Themselves
Google’s moving toward AI-powered search experiences like Search Generative Experience (SGE). Bing is already doing it. Even TikTok and YouTube are becoming “search-first” platforms, using AI to suggest answers, not just links.
What this means:
- You’re no longer just writing for Google
- You’re writing for AI systems that answer questions directly
- Your content needs to be clear, structured, and trustworthy
Ranking Is Now About “Being the Best Answer”
It’s no longer about who used the keyword the most. AI search systems look for:
- Clear answers in plain language
- Original info, data, and experience
- Authority and trust (reviews, backlinks, citations)
Your job: Make your content the best possible answer to what someone is asking.
“Human Touch” Will Matter More Than Ever
As AI gets better at writing, Google will get better at spotting content written only by AI. You need to bring what AI can’t:
- Real stories
- Real expertise
- Fresh thinking
- A clear voice
The winners will be the ones who use AI as a tool, not a shortcut.
Smaller Brands Have a Real Shot Now
With the right tools, small businesses and solo marketers can now compete with big brands:
- Faster content creation
- Smarter SEO targeting
- Personalised content at scale
But you have to be strategic. Don’t just publish for the sake of volume. Focus on quality, usefulness, and relevance.
What to Do Next
Here’s how to future-proof your SEO:
- Learn to work with AI tools, not against them
- Keep testing what works on your site (track performance weekly)
- Focus on building topical authority—be known for something specific
- Regularly update and improve your top pages
- Always write for the reader first, not just the algorithm
To wrap things up:
Generative SEO isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about meeting real needs faster and better—with a smart mix of AI efficiency and human insight.
That’s how you stay ranked, relevant, and trusted in this new era.
Wole Oduwole, an SEO & Digital Growth Expert is the Founder of SEOGidi. Harnessing with over 10 years of experience to scaling startups and emerging businesses.
