Is SEO still relevant heading into 2026 and beyond now that AI answers seems to have taken over?

Yes, SEO is not only still relevant, but it has actually become more critical in a world of AI answers. Heading into 2026, it's best to think of traditional SEO as the mandatory foundation for any successful AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) or GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) strategy.AI models, whether they are providing a direct answer (AEO) or a synthesized summary (GEO), are not inventing information; they are discovering, validating, and summarizing content that already exists on the web. Your traditional SEO efforts are what make your content discoverable and—most importantly—credible in the first place.

This foundation works in two key ways. First, technical SEO ensures your website is fast, secure, mobile-friendly, and structured in a way that AI crawlers can easily find, parse, and understand your content. Second, and most importantly, the authority you build through traditional SEO—earning high-quality backlinks, demonstrating your expertise, and building a trusted brand—is the primary signal AI engines use to determine if your content is reliable. Without a strong SEO foundation, AI models will simply ignore your content and cite your competitors who have proven their authority.

In short, SEO, AEO, and GEO are not separate, competing strategies; they are three layers of a single, modern search strategy. SEO builds the trust and technical foundation that makes you visible. AEO structures your content to be the direct answer to a specific question. GEO positions your deep expertise to be the authoritative source for a complex, AI-generated summary. You cannot be successful in the AI-driven landscape of 2026 and beyond without a strong SEO strategy powering everything you do.