AI tools keep getting smarter. From writing poems to driving cars, they can do a lot. But can they create SEO-optimized websites right out of the box? We put them to the test to find out!
TLDR: Too Long, Didn’t Read
AI tools can build basic websites fast. They include SEO features like keyword use and mobile optimization. But the results are mixed — some are decent, others miss the mark. So, while AI helps a lot, a human touch still makes a difference.
What Does “SEO-Optimized” Even Mean?
Before we dive into the AI part, let’s pin down what SEO means.
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the practice of making your site easier to find on search engines like Google.
Good SEO means:
- Using the right keywords
- Having fast loading times
- Being mobile-friendly
- Using clean URLs
- Having good internal linking
- Writing helpful content that users love
Which AI Tools Did We Test?
We rounded up some of the most popular AI website builders:
- Wix ADI
- Bookmark
- 10Web
- Durable
- Framer AI
- Zyro
Each promised fast site creation using AI. So, we picked a niche (a bakery!), asked the tools to build a website, and checked how SEO-friendly their results were.
How We Scored Each Website
We didn’t just eyeball the pages. We used free tools like:
- Google’s Lighthouse Audit
- GTmetrix
- Ahrefs Webmaster Tools
- Mobile-Friendly Test by Google
We checked for:
- SEO basics: page titles, meta descriptions, header tags
- Performance: loading speed, image optimization
- Accessibility: readable text, proper color contrast
- Mobile experience: proper design on smartphones
What the AI Tools Got Right
Let’s start with the good stuff. Some AI tools did pretty well!
- Wix ADI: Included meta tags and mobile-friendly design. Pages loaded fast too.
- 10Web: Built on WordPress, it delivered decent SEO structure. Bonus: you can tweak things easily afterward.
- Zyro: Great at optimizing images and text for faster load times.
Most of the tools:
- Used clear navigation
- Created simple, clean code
- Structured pages with header tags (H1, H2, H3)
Sounds pretty good, right? Not so fast.
Where AI Still Falls Short
Things weren’t all sweet and perfect. We ran into some issues:
1. Poor Use of Keywords
While some tools added keywords into headings and paragraphs, it was often random or overdone. One bakery page used the word “cupcake” 15 times — in one short paragraph!
2. Weak Meta Descriptions
Some pages didn’t have meta descriptions at all. Others used generic lines like “Welcome to our website.” That won’t win hearts or clicks.
3. Broken Internal Linking
One tool forgot to even link the logo back to the Home page. Small issue? Maybe. But it counts for user experience and SEO!
4. Too Generic
The AI-generated content often felt bland. Google likes helpful, original content. Most AI tools write safe, robotic text. That’s not good enough to rank high.
So… Can AI Really Do It All?
The short answer: Kinda, but not really.
AI is great for starting your site. It can make things look nice. It lays down the structure. But the final product often needs human edits and SEO love.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix the SEO?
If the AI site is left as-is, here are the risks:
- You won’t show up on Google’s first page
- Your traffic stays low
- Users may bounce due to slow loads or confusing design
Think of the AI like a robot chef. It can cook a decent burger, but a human chef adds flavor, sauce, and style!
How to Improve AI-Created SEO
Here are a few quick fixes anyone can do:
- Edit meta tags: Write catchy, clear titles and descriptions
- Add real keywords: Use tools like Ubersuggest or Google Keyword Planner
- Write human-like content: Talk to your reader, not a search engine
- Test page speed: Compress images and reduce fancy effects
- Improve structure: Use H1 for main titles, H2 for sections
Cool Bonus: AI Plugins & Add-Ons
Some platforms support extra tools to boost SEO:
- 10Web: Uses Rank Math SEO plugin for WordPress
- Wix: Has built-in guides to help add SEO elements
- Framer: Lets you connect to Google tools easily
Add-ons can go the extra mile, helping you cover what the AI misses initially.
The Verdict
So, what’s the final word?
AI website builders are fast and easy — but not magic.
If you need a quick site with decent SEO to get going, go for it. Just don’t expect to rank #1 on Google without any added effort.
Best path? Mix AI speed with your creative touch. That’s the winning combo. Let the bots build the frame. You bring the soul.
Final Tips for AI Website Success
To wrap it up, here’s a checklist for using AI to build your SEO-friendly website:
- Pick a tool that offers SEO customization
- Use your own content or heavily edit AI text
- Check performance with tools like Google PageSpeed Insights
- Make sure it works great on mobile
- Add real images and useful info your visitors care about
And remember: SEO isn’t just about search engines. It’s about making your site better for real humans. Use AI as your assistant, not your boss.
Happy building!