iStock Reveals Data-Driven SEO Tips for SMBs in the AI Era
As generative AI reshapes the digital marketing landscape, iStock has released a new, insightful guide for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) on best practices for using visuals in SEO strategies.
Leveraging data from their own visual research platform, the premium stock imagery provider aims to empower brands and individuals to reach target audiences in this new era.
iStock’s Recommendations for Visibility in the AI-Driven Digital Space
The company’s VisualGPS research shows that SEO remains one of the most in-demand skills globally for SMBs. Sixty percent of respondents reported creating or sourcing their own content, with many experimenting with generative AI for ideation and visual production.
“AI is reshaping how SMBs should approach SEO,” said Helen Pollitt, Director of SEO at iStock. The executive highlights the various powerful, cost-effective tools that can take care of everything from blending stock and AI-generated visuals to optimizing for generative search engines, to help brands and businesses boost rankings and drive organic traffic.
iStock’s recommendations include:
- Prioritizing traditional SEO fundamentals: Descriptive file names, alt text, and using the right formats like WebP and SVG
- Leveraging video to engage audiences: 74% of consumers turn to video for learning and inspiration, yet only 11% of SMBs currently use it
- Experimenting with AI tools: Copywriting, keyword research, and content creation, while clearly labelling AI-generated visuals
- Aligning with generative engine optimization (GEO): Improve visibility as AI-powered search engines increasingly influence referral traffic
The complete guidance is available via iStock.
Why This Matters for SMBs and Creatives
iStock’s insights underscore a shift in SEO’s focus, from keywords and links to multi-layered strategies involving visuals, AI tools, and new search technologies. High-quality images and videos, whether stock, AI-generated, or hybrid visuals, are now directly tied to visibility and discoverability online.
Adopting these practices for SMBs and independent creatives competing in crowded markets can mean the difference between being overlooked and reaching the right customers. Creatives, too, stand to benefit: businesses increasingly seek flexible, visually compelling content that is search-friendly and adaptable to AI-driven platforms, creating new opportunities for collaboration.
