The Future of SEO and AI

The more digital technology evolves, the more we start to think about the possibility of us getting replaced. Especially now, one of the most pressing questions in the SEO world is: Can AI tools like ChatGPT replace SEO experts? It is a topic that has been garnering attention globally among businesses seeking for smarter and faster ways to rank on Google. 

In Ahref’s recent video, “ChatGPT changed SEO… But Can It Replace Me?”, SEO veteran Sam Oh examines this topic with refreshing honesty and confidence. He stated that while AI is rapidly changing how we produce content and conduct research, the video concludes that AI can support SEO – but not fully replace the experts behind the strategies. 

For businesses considering to use merely AI for your website’s SEO optimization, think again. Consider making an investment in search engine optimization in Malaysia with us. In this article, let us categorize what AI can and can’t do – and why the right SEO service in Malaysia still requires human expertise. 

How AI is Changing SEO (Not Replacing It)

AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard, Gemini, Bard, and etc are making it easier to: 

• Generate SEO blog content
• Create meta titles and descriptions
• Suggest basic keywords
• Answer FAQs quickly
• Draft ideas

In terms of speed and scalability, we humans are definitely losing. However, as highlighted by Ahrefs, unless they are being fed with information, AI tends to lack human context, local understanding, and strategic decision-making. This is where the role of a SEO specialists shine through with their years of accumulated experience. 

Why SEO Still Need Experts in Malaysia

Local Market Understanding

This might differ in every country but in Malaysia, we are incredibly diverse. For example, people may search online using a mix of languages like English, Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese dialects, and even informal “Manglish” or “Rojak” language. While AI tools are able to process the actual language, they may fail to understand the local context and user intent. 

Hiring an SEO agency in Malaysia to do the work for you means bringing real-world insight into how Malaysians actually search such as:

• The specific phrases local users type into Google
• The cultural and regional differences that affect search patterns
• When to optimize pages for Bahasa Malaysia or English on key pages

Take this as an example:

“Best nasi lemak near me” might be the keyword used by expats or tourists when using English. Locals are most likely going to search for “nasi lemak delivery KL” instead for a more transactional context. 

Strategic Keyword Targeting

An SEO expert would tell you that effective SEO does not mean just blindly inserting keywords. It is strategic in a sense where one would need to use the right terms, in the right places, and for the right reasons (or intent). One of the best SEO strategies is to align your keyword strategy with your business objectives and your customers’ buying journey. This is because you are the one that understands most about your business and your clients. 

Here’s what experienced SEO professionals do that AI cannot: 

Map content to each stage of the funnel

Awareness: “What is SEO in Malaysia?”

Consideration: “Benefits of hiring an SEO company Malaysia” 

Decision: “Top SEO Agency in Malaysia for small business”

Target Keywords with Commercial and Buyer Intent

While some might argue that AI can do for you, it would be more accurate if an SEO specialist were to manually do it. In this case, instead of targeting and ranking for generic terms, a good strategist will focus on queries that drive conversions like “SEO company in Kota Damansara, PJ with proven results”.

Build Keyword Clusters

SEO specialists would group related terms like “SEO Consultant Malaysia”, “SEO company Malaysia,” and “SEO pricing Malaysia” into one cohesive strategy for maximum visibility across search variations. You could use AI to help you generate a list of keywords for ideas. However, unless you have fed the AI with lots of information about your profit margins, business models, and customer personas, you won’t be getting the answers you want. 

Technical SEO and Site Architecture

In this day and age where content is king, we still have to prioritize technical SEO for a fast, visible, and user-friendly website. As Sam points out in the video, SEO isn’t possible without a strong technical foundation. For us, we believe that fixing behind-the-scene elements are equally as important as it affects your website rankings, these include:

Page Speed Optimization

Humans nowadays literally have the attention span of a worm. If someone clicks onto your website and it takes more than 3 seconds to load, you’re done. With so many other alternatives, you could be missing out on an opportunity because your website was slow. Hence, page speed optimization, especially on mobile is important too. 

Crawlability and Indexing

Proper use of robots.txt, XML sitemaps, and indexing rules ensures search engines can discover and rank your pages. 

Google Search Console Error

To maintain your website’s visibility, one would need to be able to fix issues like excluded pages, duplicated content, or broken redirects. 

Site Structure & Internal Linking

Clean architecture helps both users and search engines navigate your site efficiently which helps improve user experience and page authority flow.

Core Web Vitals & Mobile Experience

Google now uses performance metrics like LCP, CLS, and FID as ranking signals. Now, just imagine how poor scores would affect your website in the SERPs.

These technical elements are not things AI tools can resolve on their own. Sure, they can guide you, but implementing them is another topic for another day. They require hands-on audits, real-time testing, and expert implementation. All of them all within the expertise of a qualified SEO Agency in Malaysia. 

Backlink Building and Outreach

Backlinks remain one of Google’s top ranking factors—but earning high-quality, relevant links is also one of the most difficult parts of SEO. And it’s exactly where AI falls short. For example, while AI can suggest outreach templates or find generic directories, it can’t:

• Build relationships with local webmasters, bloggers, and media
• Negotiate real guest posting opportunities tailored to your industry
• Assess backlink value based on local authority and relevance

An experienced SEO agency in Malaysia brings something AI cannot: real human outreach, local network connections, and the ability to secure backlinks from trusted Malaysian sources like:

• Local business directories (with actual SEO value)
• Industry-specific blogs or forums
• News portals or lifestyle platforms with Malaysian audiences
• Strategic PR placements and influencer collaborations

These links not only improve your search engine visibility but also build trust among local users. A strong SEO service Malaysia includes effective link-building campaigns —something no AI can authentically replicate. In short, backlinks that move the needle require human effort, local context, and relationship-building—not just automation.

AI + SEO: A Winning Combination 

The future of search engine optimization in Malaysia isn’t about choosing between AI or human expertise — it’s about leveraging both to build a smarter, more effective SEO campaign. AI can save time and streamline repetitive tasks, while an experienced SEO company in Malaysia applies context, strategy, and precision to drive results. Here’s how the best agencies balance the two:

Blog Drafting

AI can quickly generate an initial draft of your article. However, an SEO specialists would refine this draft — adapting its tone, structure, and language for a local audience and aligning it with your brand voice.

Keyword Ideas

AI is ideal for generating long lists of potential keywords. An experienced SEO expert then evaluates these ideas based on actual search volume, user intent, and conversion potential, focusing on what will work best in the Malaysian market.

Meta Tags

While AI can draft meta titles and descriptions within seconds, it lacks the nuanced understanding required for higher click-through rates (CTR). A proper SEO service in Malaysia would ensure professional tailors these tags to appeal to local searchers and drive qualified traffic.

On-Page Suggestions

AI tools can run basic on-page audits and point out common optimization areas. However, a human expert applies these recommendations within the context of site structure and user experience.

Data Reporting

AI can quickly compile performance data and visualize trends, making it ideal for routine reporting. A human SEO strategist goes further — interpreting the data, extracting actionable insights, and reshaping the campaign to stay aligned with your business objectives.

Final Thoughts: Can AI Replace SEO Experts?

The short answer? No — but it can certainly improve SEO efforts.

In a competitive digital market like Malaysia, AI can streamline repetitive tasks, surface valuable insights, and speed up execution. Yet, when it comes to truly ranking, converting, and growing, it’s the human element — deep strategy, local market knowledge, and technical precision — that separates successful campaigns from forgettable ones.

If you’re serious about dominating search results and building long‑term trust, consider partnering with an experienced SEO service in Malaysia. We harness AI tools effectively, while providing the strategic oversight your business needs to outperform competitors and stand out among the masses.

Want to understand how SEO fits into the bigger picture? Check out our article on the Importance of a Full Funnel Marketing Strategy in 2025 — and learn how to align marketing strategies and nurturing campaigns for maximum results.