In today’s fast-paced digital world, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is undergoing a transformation. With 71% of consumers worldwide now preferring AI and voice search over traditional typing and AI-driven search algorithms set to influence over 50% of searches by 2025 (Source: PwC), businesses everywhere—including in Bangladesh—need to adapt. But does traditional SEO still work in this new digital age?

The Short Answer: Yes, but it’s evolving rapidly. Let’s explore how AI and voice search are changing the SEO landscape and how businesses—both local and global—can stay ahead of the curve.

How AI and Voice Search are Reshaping SEO

AI technologies like Google’s RankBrain, BERT, and MUM are changing how search engines rank content. These AI systems now focus on user intent rather than just keywords. This means that outdated tactics like keyword stuffing no longer work. Google now evaluates how well content answers user queries by considering factors like relevance, context, and engagement.

Key AI-Driven SEO Trends You Should Know:

1. Understanding Natural Language: AI is getting better at understanding natural, conversational language. So, it’s important to focus on content that answers real customer questions, not just keywords.
2. AI-Powered Content Creation: Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper are helping businesses create high-quality content that aligns with both SEO best practices and user intent.
3. Predictive Search and Personalization: Google’s MUM model predicts what users will search for next, giving them highly personalized search results. This can help businesses target the right customers with the right content.
4. Automated SEO Tools: AI tools like Surfer SEO and Clearscope analyze the top-ranking pages and provide data-driven recommendations to help optimize your content.

How Local and International Businesses Can Leverage AI-Driven SEO

Local brands like Daraz Bangladesh and Pathao can benefit from optimizing content based on user intent, not just keywords. For example, Daraz can tailor its SEO strategy by focusing on specific customer intent such as “Where can I buy affordable smartphones in Dhaka?” rather than just targeting broad terms like “smartphones.”

Global brands like Amazon use AI and machine learning to provide personalized product recommendations based on user behavior. Their SEO strategy isn’t just about keywords; it’s about anticipating what customers will want next. For instance, if you’ve been searching for running shoes, Amazon’s algorithms will show you related products like fitness trackers or sports apparel, improving user experience and boosting sales.

Actionable Tips for Local and Global Businesses:

• Create informative content that answers customer queries directly.
• Use AI tools like Surfer SEO or Clearscope to analyze what’s working for top-ranking pages.
• Optimize content for conversational language that answers real user questions, making your content more relevant.