Over the past few years, everyone has been talking about artificial intelligence as if it were the only thing that matters anymore. From automated content to AI-driven tools promising to do everything under the sun, there’s a lot of noise. Businesses here in Canada are starting to wonder: “Is SEO still worth it?”
We hear this often during a digital marketing consultation:
“If AI can write and optimize content, why should we spend money on SEO anymore?”
It’s a fair question, but here’s the truth: Google’s Gary Illyes has confirmed that SEO is still very much necessary, even in an AI-powered world. At Folks Digital, we’ve seen the trends and tools come and go, but SEO has always remained a core part of any successful strategy.
Let’s rewind a bit. AI tools like ChatGPT have revolutionized the marketing world. They’re smart, they’re fast, and they can produce content in seconds. But here’s the thing: quantity doesn’t equal quality.
If AI were the magic wand that replaced SEO overnight, we’d all be out of business, right? But that’s not happening, and there’s a reason. AI can assist with content creation and idea generation, but it doesn’t fully comprehend search intent, competition, and Google’s ever-evolving algorithm as SEO experts do.
As a digital marketing agency, we’ve tested AI in many areas. It’s helpful, sure. However, when it comes to performance and rankings, strategy still reigns supreme.
Let’s rewind a bit. AI tools like ChatGPT have revolutionized the marketing world. They’re smart, they’re fast, and they can produce content
Google recently made it crystal clear:
Google Prioritize “Rewarding high-quality content, however it is produced“
They explained that their algorithms are designed to reward content that’s helpful, trustworthy, and created with expertise. AI might generate content quickly, but it doesn’t always understand your audience, business tone, or local market as well as a human does.
That’s especially important here in Canada, where we need content that reflects our local language, culture, and context.
Let’s break this down a bit. SEO isn’t just about stuffing keywords into blog posts or writing meta descriptions. Real SEO includes:
That’s not something AI can manage on its own. When you work with a digital marketing company like ours, you get hands-on support from experts who understand the balance between tools like AI and real human experience.
One trend we’ve noticed across our clients in Canada: people are asking more conversational, long-form questions. They’re not just typing “buy shoes”, they’re asking, “What’s the best running shoe for a weathering a Canadian winter?”
AI tools don’t always know how to target these local, nuanced searches. But we do. That’s where digital agency service makes the difference.
We tailor content that speaks directly to Canadians. That content is optimized not just for Google’s bots, but also for real people reading it in places like Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver.
Here’s a bit of honesty: SEO today doesn’t look like SEO five years ago. It’s always changing. But that’s actually a good thing.
Why? Because your business is changing too. Whether you’re adding new services, launching products, or expanding into new markets, your online presence needs to grow with you. That’s what SEO helps with.
We don’t just “set it and forget it.” As your digital marketing agency online, we continually adjust and evolve your strategy to keep you ahead of the curve.
AI is reactive. It needs prompts. It needs guidance. It can’t look at your brand and say, “Here’s what you need to grow next quarter.”
But that’s what we do during every digital marketing consultation. We examine your business goals, evaluate your current performance, and develop a strategy that aligns with both your goals and performance.
And let’s be honest, strategy is what moves the needle. You can have a dozen AI-written blogs on your site, but without direction, they won’t rank or drive the right kind of traffic.
| Task | Can AI Handle It? | Do You Still Need SEO? |
| Writing a rough blog draft | Yes | Yes – needs optimization |
| Keyword strategy | No | Yes – humans needed |
| Link building | No | Yes |
| Competitor analysis | No | Yes |
| On-page SEO audit | Maybe | Yes – expert review needed |
| Technical SEO | No | Yes |
At Folks Digital, we love trying new tech. But we don’t chase trends, we build results.
Our job as your SEO agency in Canada is to find what works for you and stick with it. Currently, a smart mix of tools, including AI and proven SEO practices, is what works.
We don’t believe in shortcuts. We believe in building a strong, local online presence that reflects your business and connects with your customers.
It’s tempting to believe AI can do everything. We get it. However, Google has made it clear: the best content is still human-generated content.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use AI. Use it to brainstorm, to save time, to test ideas. However, when it comes to SEO, genuine, lasting, Google-approved SEO, you need professionals who understand your business and know how to effectively grow it online.
So if you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to give up on SEO, the answer is simple: don’t. Instead, double down on it, with the right partner by your side.
Let’s talk. We’re Folks Digital, your trusted digital agency service in Canada. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, we’re here to make sure your SEO strategy actually delivers.
AI can help with content creation, but it can’t replace the hands-on expertise of a digital marketing agency online. Tools often lack the strategic insight necessary to rank well in search results, especially in highly competitive local markets.
The best way to start is with a digital marketing consultation. We assess your current online presence, identify opportunities, and create a tailored SEO strategy to help your business rank higher in Canadian search results.
Canadian audiences often search using specific terms, local language nuances, and regional spelling. At Folks Digital, we focus on content that speaks directly to the Canadian user while aligning with Google’s best practices.
Absolutely. Although AI tools are becoming increasingly common, SEO remains crucial for achieving a high ranking on Google. As a digital marketing company in Canada, we utilize AI as a support tool; however, a robust SEO strategy is what drives consistent traffic and growth.
Google has confirmed that helpful, people-first content still ranks best. AI-generated content may lack context, accuracy, or value, which is why collaborating with a digital agency service remains essential for long-term growth.
