SEO in the Age of AI

Kevin Schdrant of KYBREE Marketing hosted the fourth session in his insightful marketing workshop series, titled "SEO in the Age of AI: Navigating the Future of Search." This engaging and interactive session focused on helping business owners and marketers unlock the power of artificial intelligence to supercharge and revolutionize their Search Engine Optimization (SEO) efforts.

The session explored the game-changing potential of AI in marketing. Emphasizing how building a custom AI—or Brand AI—can become a company’s digital team member, trained specifically in the business's voice and brand tasks. This kind of tailored technology empowers businesses to maintain consistent, effective messaging while streamlining their content creation process.

Participants learned that while AI is a powerful tool, the fundamentals of SEO still matter—especially how a website is structured. There are key elements every business should address:

• Backlinks are vital. Other websites linking to your website helps signal authority to search engines.
• Website layout matters. A clean, clear structure boosts both usability and search rankings.
• Showcase authority and expertise. Your content should express credibility in your field.
• Speak your audience’s language. Use wording that resonates in your unique brand voice.
• Be mobile-first. A responsive design is no longer optional—most users are on their phones.

Participants learned the concept of a Custom GPT, a type of AI trained on your specific business content, tone, and workflows. This Brand AI isn’t just a chatbot—it’s a virtual team member that can help with:

• Running assessments and analysis
• Delivering strategic recommendations
• Generating content—from blogs to ads, emails, and more

1. Pick your platform - Choose where your AI will live (chatbots, web tools, content systems).
2. Create your AI model - Set up the structure, interface, and core function.
3. Train it - Feed it your brand voice, values, past content, FAQs, and tasks.

Once built, your AI can be integrated into your four core marketing pillars:

• Google Business Profile (GBP)
• Local SEO
• Digital Advertising
• Content Creation

Your Brand AI isn’t just smart—it’s practical. It can:

• Perform SEO and marketing assessments
• Offer recommendations
• Generate on-brand content across multiple platforms

Most importantly, it ensures consistent messaging—a critical factor in building trust and recognition.

One of the major takeaways? AI can help maintain consistent messaging across every touchpoint. From social media to email to web copy, your AI ensures the voice stays on-brand, the message is clear, and the calls to action drive results.

The workshop wrapped up with a simple formula for powerful messaging:

• Grab attention
• Connect with interests
• Guide to a decision
• Include a clear call to action

The CATALYST offers a wide array of workshops. Continue to check out the calendar for all the offerings, which are open to all Gilbert Businesses and anyone looking to start a business.