Episode
43
November 13, 2025

How AI Is Disrupting SEO-and Why Contractors Can't Ignore It

If you’re still clinging to keyword stuffing and backlink chasing, you’re already falling behind.

In a seismic shift that rivals the invention of the printing press—or even the atomic age—artificial intelligence is transforming how homeowners search, decide, and buy. And for contractors in HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and electrical, the time to adapt isn’t tomorrow. It’s today.

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, CI Web Group CEO Jennifer Bagley sits down with Seth Humble, Director of Product & Production, to unpack how SEO has evolved into an AI-powered engine—and what that means for your business.

Why You Should Listen

Seth has spent more than a decade at the front lines of SEO, guiding businesses through massive algorithm shifts and digital transformations. But nothing compares to the impact AI is having right now. From real-time visibility in AI search to rethinking how websites are built, Seth and his team at CI Web Group are not just adapting; they’re reinventing.

This episode is your survival guide.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

1. SEO Isn’t Dead, It’s Been Reborn

Despite the fear-mongering, SEO is not obsolete. It’s just radically different. It’s no longer about pleasing an algorithm—it’s about speaking clearly to AI assistants, real-time search models, and consumers who want answers, fast.

“The SERP has stopped being a question machine and become a solution merchant.” – Seth Humble

To show up in AI-powered results, your content must clearly communicate:

  • Who you are
  • What problem you solve
  • Why you’re the best solution

That’s not a tactic. That’s a transformation.

2. We’re Not Adapting—We’re Evolving

When Google rolled out its AI Overviews (AIO), the SEO world was split—some doubled down on old methods. CI Web Group chose evolution.

“Adaptation isn’t strong enough. You have to evolve.” – Seth Humble

This evolution includes:

  • Ditching bloated CMS systems like WordPress
  • Embracing Webflow for performance, security, and low-code flexibility
  • Rebuilding content strategies with AI-accelerated research and writing
  • Monitoring AI search visibility daily, not monthly

3. Webflow Is the Future

CI Web Group made a bold move: migrating away from WordPress to Webflow. It’s not about trends; it’s about speed, security, and performance.

“With WordPress, you’re always trading security for speed. With Webflow, you don’t have to.” – Seth Humble

Contractors can no longer afford fragile, plugin-heavy websites that slow down or expose customer data. AI-powered ranking systems reward clarity and speed, and Webflow delivers both.

4. Content at Scale = Visibility at Scale

When CI Web Group tested hyperlocal, service-specific content across every city and service a contractor offered, the impact was massive:

  • Millions of new indexed pages
  • Skyrocketing impressions
  • Surges in leads, calls, and booked jobs

“We had over a million pages in our production queue. The results speak for themselves.” – Jennifer Bagley

This is about real estate—digital real estate in AI search engines that don’t rely on traditional "ranking" but on relevance, authority, and breadth of coverage.

5. Real-Time AI Visibility Is a Game-Changer

CI Web Group now tracks how clients show up in AI search across ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. This data fuels daily decisions on content, structure, and optimization.

“It’s like taking a test where the answer key updates in real time.” – Seth Humble

Imagine knowing:

  • Where you show up in AI conversations
  • Which competitors are being recommended
  • What content to build next to win visibility

This is the new SEO dashboard—and if you’re not looking at it, you’re already behind.

From Outputs to Outcomes: SEO Accountability Reimagined

Traditional SEO reports were vague: “Analyzed metadata,” “Optimized content,” “Reviewed site health.”

Now, CI Web Group operates in a world of specificity:

  • Real-time visibility tracking
  • AI-generated action lists
  • Outcome-driven strategy tied to leads and revenue

“We’re no longer guessing—we’re predicting, pivoting, and delivering with precision.” – Seth Humble

What This Means for Home Service Businesses

If you're a home service leader still relying on SEO tactics from 2022, you're playing yesterday’s game.

Here’s what success looks like now:

  • Clarity: Say exactly what you do, where you do it, and why you’re the best.
  • Consistency: Publish comprehensive content across all services and locations.
  • Coverage: Be everywhere your customer searches—on AI platforms, not just Google.
  • Confidence: Track AI visibility like you once tracked keyword rankings.

“It’s not about outputs. It’s about outcomes. And outcomes mean revenue.” – Seth Humble

Final Word: The Future Belongs to the Bold

Whether you’re scaling your business or just trying to survive Q4, this podcast is a wake-up call. Don’t let fear, fatigue, or familiarity stop you from future-proofing your marketing.

“We already rebuilt the rocket ship. You don’t have to start from scratch—we did that for you.” – Seth Humble

Listen to the Full Episode Now

This isn’t theory. It’s a tactical masterclass in surviving and thriving in the age of AI. If you’re a contractor who wants more calls, more leads, and more clarity, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to Catalyst for the Trades on your favorite podcast app.

Meet Your Hosts

Jennifer Bagley
Jennifer Bagley is the CEO and founder of CI Web Group, an AI-enabled marketing agency helping home service businesses achieve exceptional growth. With over 15 years of experience, she has led companies to significantly increase their leads and revenue through innovative strategies and emerging technologies. Her 12 Step Roadmap to Accelerated Results is a trusted framework for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies looking to expand their markets and achieve lasting success.

Chuck Staszkiewicz
Chuck is an accomplished entrepreneur and growth strategist, renowned for scaling All Hours Plumbing into a $20 million industry leader before its successful sale in 2023. A co-founder of The Opus & Golds Group, he helps companies grow through innovative strategies and operational excellence. Through his work, Chuck continues to inspire entrepreneurs to achieve their highest potential.

Don’t Fall Behind. Subscribe Now.

The trades industry is moving fast. If you’re not learning, you’re losing. Catalyst for the Trades gives you real strategies from real experts. No fluff, just what’s working.

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