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seo ai · · 2 min read · By Anthony McGrath

Keep Technical SEO Strong as AI Search Advances

Google's John Mueller confirms technical SEO remains crucial with AI Search growth. Focus on solid SEO foundations and watch your SEO providers closely.

Quick answer

Google’s John Mueller confirms that technical SEO remains a core part of SEO as AI Search grows. Focus on solid SEO foundations, not short-term AI tricks like listicles.

Key takeaways

  • Technical SEO fundamentals stay important despite AI advances
  • Avoid overused short-term tactics, especially listicles
  • Keep a close watch on SEO vendors’ methods and ethics

Google’s John Mueller recently explained that traditional technical SEO remains essential despite the rise of AI Search. In an interview with Search Engine Journal, he pointed out that chasing short-term AI-related SEO tricks like listicles usually backfires (source).

Mueller emphasised that investing in a strong, stable website foundation is better than relying on tactics that lose effect quickly. AI search systems may crawl websites differently but these are just variations on familiar SEO principles. So technical SEO will stay important just as before.

He also warned business owners to carefully monitor what their SEO companies do. Shady tactics have existed since SEO began and some unethical providers are now using questionable AI SEO shortcuts. You should never take your SEO vendor’s claims at face value but inspect their methods yourself.

## Why is technical SEO still important for AI Search?
Technical SEO makes your site easy for search engines to crawl, understand and index. This helps your website show up well in both classic and newer AI-powered search results.

It includes elements like fast site speed, clean coding and mobile friendliness. These factors build a solid SEO base that search engines and AI value.

## What it means for you
This week, focus on shoring up your technical SEO. Use my free site speed checker to find performance issues. Also, review what your SEO provider is doing and ask for clear explanations. Avoid trendy but risky tactics like listicles or link schemes.

A solid foundation in SEO offers steadier traffic and lasts longer through search updates.

For more on SEO strategy, see my post on SEO, GEO and AEO differences.

Questions and answers

Is technical SEO relevant with AI Search?

Yes. Google’s John Mueller says AI Search relies on classic SEO factors, so maintaining good technical SEO is key to staying visible.

Are listicles good for AI SEO?

Not really. Although listicles can add value, overuse leads to poor quality. It’s better to build meaningful, well-structured content and a solid website foundation.

How can I check my site’s SEO health?

Start by using tools like my free site speed checker to find technical issues. Regular audits help keep your SEO effective amid changing algorithms.

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