Unpopular Opinion: SEO Isn’t Dead—You’re Just Doing It Wrong

Brace yourselves, because this might sting a bit. Every year, without fail, I hear the same tired phrase: “SEO is dead.” Whether it’s because of a Google algorithm update that tanked someone’s blog rankings by 50%, or the rise of a new AI tool, people love to declare the death of SEO. But here’s the truth: SEO isn’t dead—you’re just not good at it.

Let’s talk numbers. Just two years ago, the SEO industry was valued at $1.79 billion. By 2028, it’s projected to hit $6.68 billion. Combine that with the fact that click-through rates for paid search campaigns average around 2%, while organic search hovers at an impressive 28-30%, and it’s crystal clear: SEO still reigns supreme. No matter how many naysayers there are, the data speaks for itself.

If you’re not into numbers, let me break it down from experience. I’ve managed both paid ad campaigns and SEO strategies, and the results are consistent: clients—whether national brands or small local businesses—achieve their best growth and conversions through SEO. Sure, paid ads can work, but the long-term value and trust built through organic search are unparalleled.

So why do so many people call SEO “dead”? Because they’re stuck using outdated methods, ignoring trends, or refusing to adapt. When their rankings drop, they blame the system instead of re-evaluating their strategy. SEO is evolving, not dying—it requires creativity, research, and consistency. If you’re still relying on spammy backlinks and keyword stuffing, of course you’re going to fail.

The bottom line: SEO is more alive and important than ever. But succeeding takes effort. If you’re declaring its demise, maybe it’s time to look in the mirror.

Womp womp.