AI Search SEO vs Traditional SEO: Why They’re Actually the Same Thing

I keep seeing headlines screaming “SEO is dead!” and course creators trying to sell photographers expensive “AI optimization” training. Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat this – AI search SEO is just regular SEO with a fancy new name, and I’m going to prove it to you.

After 17+ years of helping photographers rank on Google, I can tell you that the same strategies getting my clients found in traditional search are now getting them discovered in ChatGPT and Claude. AI didn’t kill SEO – it gave us another place to show up.

---

---

But before we dive in—Hi! I’m Melissa, and I’m an SEO expert here to help portrait photographers finally get found by their dream clients on Google—without the technical overwhelm. Whether you need done-for-you SEO services, step-by-step coaching through my proven system, or monthly blogging strategies (like my Blogging Club membership!), I’ve got the tools to transform your invisible website into a client-attracting machine. Ready to stop being the best-kept secret in your market?

---

If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to listen to the full podcast episode where Alison & I break down all these strategies in detail. But if you’re ready to get straight to the actionable stuff, this blog post lays it all out for you step-by-step. Either way, you’re going to walk away with concrete strategies you can implement right away to start attracting more of your dream clients through search.

---

Why AI Search Actually Proves SEO Is More Important Than Ever

Here’s the thing that these “AIO experts” don’t want you to know: AI platforms have to pull their information from somewhere. And guess where they’re getting it? From the same search engines where your website already needs to rank.

I recently did a real test that proves this point. I opened ChatGPT (without logging in), and had a conversation like a real client would:

“Hey, I’d like to book a newborn session. I don’t want one of those posed baby sessions. I want someone to come to my home for a more casual, at-home session. I live near Charlottesville. What photographers do you recommend?”

Guess who showed up as the first result? Me. And I haven’t done any special “AI optimization” on my website – just solid SEO that I’ve been implementing for years.

The Four SEO Pillars That Work for Both Google and AI Search

1. Strategic Keyword Research (But More Detailed Than Ever)

Yes, you still need your primary keywords like “Charlottesville photographer” on your homepage. But AI searches allow clients to dig deeper with conversational queries.

In my ChatGPT test, “the client” aka me was specific about wanting:

• Someone to come to their home
• A casual session style
• NOT posed newborn photography

If these details aren’t clearly described on your website, AI might skip over you for a competitor who mentions these specifics.

2. Enhanced On-Page SEO

The same on-page optimization rules apply, but AI really loves well-structured content. Make sure you have:

• Your primary keyword in headers and throughout your copy
• Proper header structure (H1, H2, H3) that Google can easily read
• Substantial copy on your homepage (I see photographers with only 300-400 words – that’s not enough to describe what you offer!)
• Detailed descriptions of your services and ideal client experience

If you don’t clearly state that you’re a “Richmond newborn photographer,” neither Google nor AI will figure that out for you.

---

Ready to stop guessing about your SEO strategy? This is exactly why I created my SEO Group Coaching program – to give photographers step-by-step guidance with accountability to actually get results ranking in both traditional and AI search.

---

3. Off-Page SEO (The Pillar Most Photographers Skip)

This is where I see photographers giving up, but it’s crucial for AI credibility. You need your business mentioned in multiple places online:

• Google Business Profile and Bing listings
• Local chamber of commerce directories
• Industry publications and blog features
• Guest posting opportunities
• Any legitimate business directories in your area

AI platforms look for credibility signals, just like Google. If your business only exists in one place online, it seems less legitimate. If you need help in this are we can help! Check out our Citations & Backlinks services here.

4. Strategic Blogging (AI’s Favorite Content Type)

Here’s where it gets really interesting – AI platforms absolutely love helpful, educational content. When you write blog posts about:

• “What to wear for family photos”
• “Preparing for your newborn session”
• Local venue spotlights
• FAQ-style content

You’re establishing yourself as an expert that both Google and AI can reference when clients ask specific questions. If you get stuck on blogging and don’t know what to say or even what topics to blog about grab our free download! 35+ Blog Post Topics for Photographers

The Social Media Plot Twist You Need to Know

Here’s something new that’s changing the game: social media posts are now getting indexed by search engines. That means your Instagram captions and Facebook posts could start showing up in both Google and AI searches.

This gives your social content a much longer lifespan than the typical 2-3 day engagement window. Your well-written social posts could now work for months or years instead of disappearing into the algorithm void.

Feeling overwhelmed by creating all this content? This is exactly why I created The Blogging Club – to give photographers monthly content strategies that work across all platforms, including the new indexed social media landscape.

My Real Results: Why I’m Not Worried About AI “Killing” SEO

Want proof that traditional SEO works for AI search? Here are my current results:

• My impressions are way up (showing in more searches than ever)
• Clicks are more targeted (fewer total clicks, but higher quality traffic)
• I’m ranking #1 in both Google AND ChatGPT for my target keywords
• My clients are reporting inquiries that list “ChatGPT” as the lead source

The people clicking through from AI searches are incredibly targeted – they’ve had a detailed conversation about exactly what they want, and AI determined I’m the best match.

Don’t Fall for the “New Course” Trap

As someone who teaches SEO for photographers, I have to stay on the cutting edge. If SEO really died and AIO became a separate skillset, I’d need to completely pivot my business. But here’s what I’m seeing:

✗ Don’t buy expensive “AI optimization” courses
✗ Don’t abandon your current SEO efforts
✗ Don’t panic about learning a whole new system

✓ Do continue focusing on solid SEO fundamentals
✓ Do beef up your website copy with detailed service descriptions
✓ Do maintain consistent blogging with helpful content

Your Next Steps: Keep Building on What Works

The secret to being found in AI platforms is the same secret I’ve been using for 17 years: comprehensive SEO that makes your expertise discoverable.

Here’s your action plan:

• Audit your homepage copy – Do you have detailed descriptions of your ideal client experience?
• Review your service pages – Are you talking about the specifics clients mention in AI conversations?
• Start or improve your blogging – Focus on FAQ-style content that positions you as an expert
• Claim your business listings – Make sure you exist in multiple places online for credibility

Want to master the SEO strategies that work for both Google and AI search? Check out my SEO courses in the shop for comprehensive training you can implement at your own pace.

The Bottom Line: Focus on Fundamentals, Not Trends

Here’s the thing. You don’t have to chase the latest trends – just focus on your SEO, whether you work with us or you work on your own. But don’t stress: SEO is not dead.

AI didn’t change the game – it just gave us more places to win. The photographers investing in solid SEO foundations now will dominate both traditional and AI search results while others chase expensive trends that promise shortcuts.

Your expertise deserves to be found. Whether clients discover you through Google or ChatGPT, they need to find the detailed, helpful information that proves you’re the right photographer for them.

Ready to stop being the best-kept secret in your market? My Done-for-You SEO services help photographers dominate search results in any market while you focus on what you do best – photography.

If you liked this post, we think you’ll love these:

The Ultimate Guide to Keywords for Photographers Who Want to Dominate Google

Instagram Hashtags for Photographers That Actually Book Clients (Not Just Likes)