As AI transforms how users search for and consume content, many e-commerce brands are left wondering: is SEO still worth the investment? Is it better to use apps like Plug in SEO or SEO Manager to stay on top of organic performance—or is all of this becoming obsolete in the age of ChatGPT and generative AI?

Is SEO Really Dying?

The rise of AI-first search experiences has led to a wave of concern among marketers. Tools like ChatGPT, Google SGE, and Claude are changing how users get answers—often bypassing websites completely. This trend has led some to claim that SEO is on its way out.

But the truth is, SEO isn’t dying—it’s evolving. While traffic from traditional blue links may decline, new forms of visibility are emerging. Brands must now optimize for both traditional search engines and AI-powered answer engines.

Plug in SEO vs SEO Manager – The Practical SEO Tools

For e-commerce stores, particularly those on Shopify, apps like Plug in SEO and SEO Manager are vital tools to help maintain search performance.

  • Plug in SEO: Known for its ease of use and automation, this app audits your store and suggests fixes for meta tags, speed, broken links, and schema. It’s excellent for beginners.

  • SEO Manager: Offers more customization and control for advanced users. You can manage structured data, 301 redirects, Google search previews, and more.

Which is better? It depends on your level of SEO experience and how hands-on you want to be. But both apps are still relevant—even in an AI-driven world.

SEO in an AI-Driven Strategy

Instead of abandoning SEO, smart brands are adapting. They’re combining tools like Plug in SEO with new strategies aimed at visibility in AI-generated content.

This includes:

  • Publishing structured, expert-level content that AI tools can reference.

  • Optimizing content for answer engine optimization (AEO) alongside traditional SEO.

  • Using first-party data to train or fine-tune their own AI tools.

SEO isn’t dead—it just demands a smarter, multi-channel strategy.

Final Thoughts

In 2025 and beyond, e-commerce SEO will be a blend of automation, strategic content, and AI adaptability. Tools like Plug in SEO and SEO Manager aren’t going away—instead, they are evolving to support this new era of discoverability.

At Modonix, we help digital brands navigate both the legacy SEO world and emerging AI-powered search ecosystems. The winners won’t be those who abandon SEO—but those who understand how to evolve it.

How AI is Changing the SEO Landscape

AI has dramatically transformed how search engines understand content, user behavior, and search intent. Tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s BERT, and Gemini are shifting the focus from keyword stuffing to content relevance and user satisfaction. Many advertisers worry that AI-generated content may saturate search results, diminishing the value of traditional SEO practices. But this concern overlooks one key truth: AI is a tool, not a replacement for strategy.

What still matters is the quality of your content and how it’s optimized structurally for both bots and users. That’s why tools like Plug in SEO and SEO Manager still play a pivotal role.

When SEO Isn’t “Dead”—It’s Evolving

Some argue SEO is “dying” because AI can auto-generate content in seconds. While partially true, ranking highly on search engines still requires technical optimization, strategic linking, and a deep understanding of user intent—things AI tools alone can’t guarantee.

As noted in Modonix’s SEO strategy blog, a smart SEO system includes structure, human insight, and tools that scale with your business. That’s where SEO plugins come in.

Using tools like Plug in SEO or SEO Manager helps teams track broken links, optimize metadata, and boost page speed—critical for ranking in today’s Core Web Vitals–focused environment. External tools like Ahrefs and Google Search Console are also essential complements for monitoring real-time performance.

Final Recommendation

SEO isn’t dying—it’s demanding smarter tools and strategies. For lean teams or scaling e-commerce brands, both Plug in SEO and SEO Manager provide powerful ways to automate and streamline SEO without losing control. Match the tool to your workflow and goals—and keep adapting as the algorithms evolve.
To learn more about building a lean SEO infrastructure for growth, contact the Modonix team.