How to Use AI for SEO: Proven Tactics From SEO Experts

The SEO landscape is shifting faster than ever. With the rise of generative search and smarter algorithms, manual optimization alone is no longer enough to stay competitive.

To keep up, smart marketers are turning to Artificial Intelligence to work faster, smarter, and more efficiently.

At Ethical Backlinks, we believe in using technology to enhance human expertise—not replace it.

In this guide, we’ll dive into 11 proven tactics from SEO experts on how to use AI for SEO to scale your results while maintaining the high quality search engines demand.

How to use AI for SEO

Using AI for SEO isn’t about clicking a “generate” button and walking away.

It’s about leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) and specialized SEO tools to handle data-heavy tasks, brainstorm ideas, and refine technical elements.

Here are 11 ways you can start using AI to transform your search performance today:

1. Competitor research

AI allows you to perform deep-dive competitor analysis in seconds rather than hours.

By feeding AI tools data from your competitors’ top-performing pages, you can instantly identify:

• Content gaps: Topics they cover that you don’t.
• Tone of voice: How they speak to their audience.
• Winning strategies: Summaries of why their top pages are ranking (e.g., better data, more comprehensive FAQs, or unique insights).

2. Keyword research

Beyond just finding high-volume terms, AI helps you understand search intent. You can use AI to cluster keywords by topic or persona.

For example, you can prompt an AI to find long-tail keywords specifically for “small business owners looking for budget SEO” versus “enterprise marketing directors.”

This level of granular targeting makes your keyword strategy far more effective.

To learn more about Keyword Research, click here Keyword Research: Find Keywords to Rank Higher on Google

3. SEO content outlines

Writer’s block is a thing of the past. AI is exceptional at building comprehensive content outlines.

By analyzing the top 10 results on Google for a specific query, AI can suggest the H2s and H3s you need to include to ensure your content is “semantically complete.”

Expert Tip: Use AI for the structure, but ensure a human expert writes the actual insights to keep it ethical and high-quality.

4. Meta tag ideas

Writing unique title tags and meta descriptions for hundreds of pages is tedious.

AI tools like ChatGPT or specialized plugins can generate dozens of creative, click-worthy meta tag options based on your target keyword and page content.

This ensures every page on your site is optimized for Click-Through Rate (CTR).

5. Image creation

Unique visuals are a ranking factor. Instead of using overused stock photos, you can use AI tools like Midjourney, DALL-E, or Canva’s Magic Media to create custom graphics, charts, and illustrations.

These unique assets are more likely to be picked up by Google Images and shared by other sites (potentially earning you those all-important backlinks).

6. Image alt text

Accessibility is crucial for SEO. AI vision models can now “see” an image and write descriptive, keyword-rich alt text automatically.

This improves your site’s accessibility for visually impaired users and helps search engines understand what your visual content is about.

7. Schema markup generation

Structured data (Schema) helps search engines display your content as “rich snippets” (like stars, prices, or FAQ dropdowns).

Writing JSON-LD code manually is difficult for non-developers. You can simply ask an AI to “Generate FAQ schema for these three questions” and paste the code directly into your site.

8. Internal linking ideas

Internal links help Google crawl your site and distribute “link juice.”

By providing an AI with a list of your URLs and their topics, it can suggest relevant places to link from old posts to new ones.

This improves your site architecture and keeps users on your site longer.

9. Data analysis

SEO involves a lot of spreadsheets. You can upload your Google Search Console or Google Analytics data into an AI model to identify trends that might be invisible to the naked eye.

Ask questions like, “Which pages had the biggest drop in traffic last month?” or “Find the correlation between word count and average position.“

10. Project specs

Clear communication is key to SEO success. AI can help you draft “Project Specs” for developers or “Content Briefs” for freelancers.

By clearly defining the technical requirements or editorial standards, you reduce errors and ensure your SEO projects are executed perfectly the first time.

11. Page experience analysis

Google prioritizes websites that offer a great user experience. Tools like Microsoft Clarity now use AI to generate heatmaps and “session summaries.”

This allows you to see exactly where users are getting frustrated or clicking away, giving you a roadmap for improving your Core Web Vitals and conversion rates.

FAQs about AI SEO

What is AI SEO?

AI SEO is the practice of using artificial intelligence and machine learning tools (like ChatGPT, Claude, or Ahrefs) to automate and optimize traditional SEO tasks like keyword research, technical audits, and content planning.

Why is using AI for SEO important?

AI allows SEOs to work at a much higher scale. It handles the repetitive, data-heavy tasks, allowing human experts to focus on high-level strategy and creative storytelling.

In a competitive market, AI is the “force multiplier” that keeps you ahead.

Does AI content work for SEO?

Yes, but with a major caveat. Google’s guidelines state that content should be “helpful, reliable, and people-first.” Content that is 100% AI-generated without human oversight often feels robotic and may be flagged as spam.

The best approach is AI-assisted content—using AI for ideas and outlines, but human expertise for the final draft.

How can I use AI for SEO?

You can start by using AI to:

• Generate topic ideas.
• Analyze competitor backlinks.
• Write technical code (like Schema or Robot.txt).
• Categorize large lists of keywords.

When should I use AI for SEO?

Use AI when you need to save time on repeatable tasks or when you need to analyze large sets of data. However, you should never use AI without a final human review.

Always fact-check AI-generated information, as “hallucinations” (false information) can hurt your brand’s authority.

What are some AI SEO tools to use?

• ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini: General purpose AI for writing and analysis.
• Ahrefs / SEMrush: For AI-powered keyword and backlink data.
• Surfer SEO / Clearscope: For content optimization.
• Canva: For AI image generation.
• Midjourney: For high-end custom visuals.

Get started with AI SEO optimizations

The future of search is AI-driven, but the fundamentals of SEO are quality, authority, and trust – remain the same.

By integrating these 11 tactics into your workflow, you can build a more efficient, data-backed SEO strategy that wins in 2025 and beyond.

Ready to boost your site’s authority? At Ethical Backlinks, we combine cutting-edge technology with ethical link-building strategies to help your site rank higher. Contact us today to learn how we can help you grow your organic footprint.