ADAPT YOUR SEO STRATEGY IN THE AGE OF AI (and Actually Get Seen Online)

It’s probably pretty obvious by now: the digital landscape is shifting again, and in some big ways that directly affect us as small business owners. AI isn’t just a shiny new tool. It’s reshaping the rules of visibility, especially when it comes to how people find products online. And if you’re trying to build a digital product business, ignoring that shift is no longer an option. I’m not just talking about using AI to write your captions or create digital products. I’m talking about search — and how every major platform is now powered by AI when determining what to show first. Let's talk about how to adapt your SEO strategy in the age of AI (and actually get seen online.)

You've likely noticed it: even Google has started prioritizing their own AI-generated answers at the top of search results. The previously highest ranked businesses are now halfway down the page, if they show up at all. And they're now competing with YouTube videos, Reddit threads, Quora comments, AI snippets, and a flood of paid ads.

In other words, simply having strong SEO for your blog or Etsy digital downloads page isn’t enough anymore. But here’s the good news: content that is deeply relevant, keyword-aware, and purposefully distributed still performs. You just need a smarter approach.

"The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing." -Tom Fishburne (The Marketoonist)

Here’s how we’re adjusting — and what I recommend for creative entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and digital sellers who want to stay visible and profitable in 2025 and beyond.

1. Clarify your Brand Keywords. Start with this foundational question: What do you want to be known for online?

Your brand keywords are the consistent, strategic terms you’ll build authority around. These are NOT the same as product tags. These keywords help your brand show up in Google search, Pinterest, YouTube, and even in suggested content algorithms.

Your brand keyword strategy should include:

-Big-picture identity words (what kind of business you're building): digital product business, online business, Etsy shop, print on demand store

-Specific business model terms (what you're selling): print on demand clothing, digital greeting cards, Canva templates, editable planners

-Style or niche descriptors (what sets your products apart): funny coworker gifts, sarcastic mugs, minimalist budget templates, vintage-style wall art

-Audience-intent keywords (what your customer might type into a search bar): Mother’s Day gift for dog mom, funny gift for coworker who hates meetings, customizable wedding invitation template, printable daily planner for ADHD, Christian wall art download,

retro t-shirt for book lovers, home office decor digital download, digital budget tracker for Notion

ACTION: Choose 6–8 brand keywords that represent your business clearly, then use them consistently in your short-form and long-form content.

2. Optimize every piece of content you publish. Whether you're posting on Instagram, writing a product listing, or publishing a blog post, weave in 2–3 brand keywords every time. Don't force them in — use them naturally in your voice.

This simple shift helps Google (and AI-powered search engines) associate your content with the things your audience is actively searching for. And don’t forget: visuals count too. Your descriptions, titles, and alt text should reflect these keywords as well. Want to get found? Start treating everything like a search result.

3. Identify Niche Keywords for Products + Content Topics

Once your brand foundation is solid, branch out by researching high-traffic, low-competition keywords that:

-Relate to your niche or product category

-Match the style, tone, or occasion your audience shops for

-Solve a problem your audience is searching to fix (ex: funny teacher mug, home office wall art, wedding budget spreadsheet)

These are the product and content keywords you’ll use in your listings, blog posts, and video titles. (Want help identifying these? I teach this exact strategy inside my membership, including how to find and test keywords that actually bring traffic.)

4. Leverage Collaboration + Mentions. This Matters for AI. AI rewards authority, and authority is built through connection.

That means it’s not enough to simply publish your content. You need people talking about your content and products or linking to it. When others mention your brand or link to your site, you build credibility and improve your search visibility.

-Join communities of like-minded creators.

-Do collaboration posts.

-Get others to share your content.

-Be generous first.

The more you're mentioned, shared, linked, and saved, the more search engines believe you're the real deal.

"The companies that thrive in the age of AI are those that understand people better than machines do." -Paul Roetzer (Marketing AI Institute)

Want More Strategy Like This?

If you’re tired of trying to figure this all out on your own, you’ll love my membership: Designed Simply. Inside, I’ll walk you step-by-step through building a business with digital or print-on-demand products — using simple systems, effective keyword strategy, and low-pressure marketing that actually works.

Warmest regards,