AI is everywhere these days, and many marketing agencies are touting its ability to work faster and smarter. While there’s truth to that, even I use AI for tasks like refining my writing and generating images — it’s a real time-saver for someone like me who isn’t a graphic designer.
But it’s important to remember that AI isn’t perfect. Platforms like ChatGPT openly state, “ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.” This disclaimer is especially relevant when applying AI insights to search engine optimization (SEO).
The AI Keyword Conundrum
Let’s consider an example. If you input a website like mine into AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini and ask for keyword suggestions, you’ll likely get a robust list that seems promising at first glance. However, blindly following these AI-generated suggestions can lead to wasted effort.
Here’s what I mean:
| ChatGPT | Google Gemini |
| General Keywords • Marketing consultant • Digital marketing expert • Brand strategy specialist • Communication strategist • SEO and SEM specialist • Campaign performance optimization • Fractional CMO services • Multi-channel marketing • Brand management • Nonprofit marketing • Data-driven marketing | Primary Keywords (Focus of the Website): • Marketing and Communications • Digital Marketing • Brand Development • Content Strategy |
| Industry-Specific Keywords • Faith-based marketing • Humanitarian marketing • Higher education marketing • Nonprofit fundraising campaigns • Community outreach strategies • Donor engagement optimization • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) • Mission-driven marketing | Secondary Keywords (Skills and Services): • Strategic Marketing • Product Marketing • Go-To-Market Strategies • Team Management • Stakeholder Engagement • Corporate Communications • CRM (Customer Relationship Management) • CMS (Content Management System) • HubSpot • Salesforce • Google Analytics • Campaign Performance • ROI Optimization • SEO (Search Engine Optimization) • SEM (Search Engine Marketing) • Social Media Marketing • Email Marketing • Editorial Development • Multi-Channel Marketing • Digital Media |
| Service Keywords • Content marketing strategy • Email marketing campaigns • Social media management • Website SEO optimization • CRM and CMS management • Lead generation campaigns • Paid media and PPC management • Google Analytics performance tracking • Integrated marketing campaigns | Keywords Related to Experience and Achievements: • Donor Engagement • Organic Traffic Increase • Student Recruitment • Fundraising • Marketing Operations |
| Phrases for Website Taglines • “Your Partner in Purpose-Driven Marketing” • “Data-Driven Strategies for Lasting Impact” • “Empowering Brands Through Storytelling” • “Marketing Solutions for Mission-Driven Organizations” • “Unlocking Growth Through Digital Excellence” • “Connecting Causes to Communities” • “Driving Results with Strategic Marketing” | Long-Tail Keywords and Phrases: • “Strategic marketing and brand development services” • “Digital marketing campaign management” • “SEO optimization for increased traffic” • “Content strategy and editorial development” • “CRM and CMS implementation” • “Social media marketing for business growth” • “Email marketing strategies for engagement” • “Multi-channel marketing campaign development” • “Increase donor engagement through marketing” • “Improve ROI on marketing campaigns” |
| These keywords and phrases can help optimize your site’s SEO by naturally incorporating them into your homepage, services pages, blog posts, and meta descriptions. If you’d like further assistance crafting detailed meta tags, alt text, or SEO-optimized blog titles, feel free to ask! | By implementing a well-planned SEO strategy that incorporates these keywords and phrases, Carl Dodgegen can improve his website’s visibility in search engine results and attract more relevant traffic. |
Some keywords may look like clear winners, but they can be deceptive without verification. This is where Google Keyword Planner comes in handy.
Verifying AI Suggestions with Google Keyword Planner
Once you have a list of AI-recommended keywords, it’s essential to cross-check them using Google Keyword Planner. This tool provides data on search volume, competition, and the likelihood of ranking well for a given keyword.
For instance:
- “Marketing consultant” receives around 10,000 to 100,000 searches per month with low competition, making it a solid keyword to target. You’re reading this blog right now, so there’s proof that it works!
- “Faith-based marketing” only garners 10 to 100 searches per month. Despite AI suggesting it, the limited search volume means it’s unlikely to drive significant traffic.
- “Donor engagement optimization” may sound impressive, but Google reports zero searches per month. Devoting hours to building content around a non-existent search term won’t yield results.
AI Is a Tool, Not a Final Decision Maker
This doesn’t mean AI lacks value in SEO. It can accelerate brainstorming, surface unexpected opportunities, spawn blog ideas, and enhance your strategy. However, AI is only as effective as the human who uses it. Combining AI insights with reliable data from tools like Google Keyword Planner ensures your efforts are aligned with actual search demand.
Final Thoughts
AI is a powerful assistant but not a substitute for research and strategic thinking. Always validate AI recommendations before committing to content development or SEO strategy. By balancing AI’s capabilities with human insight, you’ll make smarter, data-driven decisions that truly drive traffic.
So, next time AI hands you a keyword list, take a moment to fact-check it. Your website (and your sanity) will thank you for it.
Our CEO wrote this, and it was originally published on his blog.
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