How I Use ChatGPT for SEO
I successfully use ChatGPT for SEO every day. Not to write blog posts for me, but to help me write better, faster, and with more intention.
When ChatGPT first started trending, I was skeptical. As a writer, I worried it would make everything sound the same: generic, flat, and soulless. Honestly, I felt that using AI tools was cheating—that it took away from the integrity of what I do. But the reality is, if you don’t adapt, you risk getting left behind. Other people are using tools like ChatGPT to create stronger work, faster. And once I realized that I could use it with intention and control, it stopped feeling like a threat and became a support system.
Now it’s a regular part of my SEO workflow, from editing and polishing to brainstorming and troubleshooting. Here’s how I use it—and the specific instances where I don’t.
Credit: Stock Editorial Photography
Does ChatGPT-Generated Text Hurt Your SEO?
No, not if you’re using it correctly. ChatGPT-generated content only becomes a problem when people copy and paste it without editing, personalizing, or fact-checking. That’s when it turns into thin, unhelpful content that’s unlikely to rank or resonate with readers.
But when you use ChatGPT to enhance your writing, it becomes a tool that strengthens your output. Google prioritizes useful, high-quality content. If you’re adding personal experience, a unique point of view, and accurate research, ChatGPT can absolutely be part of a strong SEO strategy.
How I Use ChatGPT for SEO
Here’s where ChatGPT fits into my process:
Editing for clarity and repetition.
After writing a blog post, I’ll paste it into ChatGPT and ask:
“Are there any repetitive themes or phrases in this post?”
This helps me tighten the writing and cut unnecessary fluff.Refining my tone and structure.
I always tell ChatGPT what I’m aiming for. Whether it’s a warm, helpful tone or a clear, instructional style, I give context before asking for feedback. That way, the provided suggestions are more useful and aligned with what I need.Meta descriptions.
Once the post is complete, I use ChatGPT to draft a meta description that includes my target keyphrase and stays under 145 characters. It’s a simple way to check that I’m hitting all the basics before publishing.Reader-focused additions.
For blog posts that include recipes or how-to guides, I’ll ask:
“What questions might someone have when trying this for the first time? Pose the question and answer it in 2–3 sentences.”
These insights often become my FAQ section or helpful additions that keep readers engaged.Keyword brainstorming.
I don’t use ChatGPT to do keyword research, but I will ask it to help brainstorm related phrases or topic angles before I plug those ideas into tools like Keysearch or Semrush.Troubleshooting technical SEO issues.
While I specialize in on-page SEO, sometimes I need to resolve site errors or formatting problems. I’ve used ChatGPT to walk me through steps like fixing a noindex tag, adjusting page structure, or interpreting search console errors. I always double-check its advice, but it’s often a great starting point when I need quick guidance.
Using ChatGPT to Improve Accessibility
One of the ways I’ve used ChatGPT beyond writing and SEO strategy is for accessibility. When I’m uploading images to blog posts, I use it to help generate clear, concise alt descriptions. I give context about what the image is and who it’s for, and ChatGPT helps turn that into descriptive, accessible alt text. It’s a small step that improves user experience—and ensures my content is inclusive and usable for more people.
ChatGPT Prompts for SEO
These are some of the prompts I use most often:
“Are there any repetitive themes or phrases in this blog post?”
“Can you make this paragraph more concise without losing my tone?”
“Write a meta description under 145 characters that includes the keyphrase ‘XYZ’.”
“What questions might someone have when trying this for the first time? Pose the question and answer it in 2–3 sentences.”
“Suggest related keyphrases or blog post ideas based on this topic: [insert topic].”
Each of these helps me work faster without compromising the quality or originality of my writing.
If you're new to writing content with search in mind, I also broke down my full process in How to Write a Blog Post for SEO. It covers everything from structuring your post to choosing the right keywords—so you can start with strategy, even before ChatGPT comes into the picture.
What I Don’t Use ChatGPT For
AI tools can be powerful, but they do not replace critical thinking, strategy, or lived experience. ChatGPT is a support tool—not a shortcut. I use it to assist and refine my work, not to remove myself from the process.
There are a few clear lines I don’t cross:
I don’t ask ChatGPT to write entire blog posts.
I don’t rely on it for keyword research or analytics.
I don’t trust it to fact-check or replace real expertise.
I don’t publish anything that hasn’t been revised and reshaped in my own voice.
Final Thoughts
ChatGPT has earned its place in my SEO toolkit—not because it does the work for me, but because it helps me do the work better. It’s a writing partner that’s always ready, especially when I need a second opinion, a fresh angle, or a clean-up pass.
If you’ve been hesitant to try it, don’t think of it as a shortcut. Think of it as a way to sharpen your skills, strengthen your content, and save yourself time in the process.
FAQs
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No, it can’t replace actual SEO tools. But it can help you brainstorm ideas, variations, or topic directions that you can then research using platforms like Keysearch or Semrush.
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Use it as a support tool. Ask it to help with editing, drafting meta descriptions, generating reader questions, or brainstorming ideas. Always apply your own expertise and fact-check any suggestions.
