Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: Voices of Search

Episode: Optimizing for AI Agents over Traditional Methods?

Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Killian Dunn (Telepathic)

Overview

This episode explores the growing relevance of AI agents in the context of search engine optimization (SEO) and digital content strategy. Tyson Stockton and guest Killian Dunn from Telepathic discuss whether optimizing for AI-driven agents is a passing trend or the imminent future of SEO, comparing its significance to traditional optimization methods. They provide actionable insights into how SEOs should adapt their strategies as web browsing habits shift toward automation and agent-based search.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Shift Toward AI Agents in Web Search

[00:25-01:15]

Killian Dunn predicts that the use of AI agents to navigate the web will surpass human-driven browsing in the next few years.
- Quote:
  - “The number of users navigating the web will shift from being mostly people to mostly agents in about two years, I think.” – Killian Dunn [00:32]
Both Tyson and Killian agree that AI agents are set to become the default user experience in the near future.
- Quote:
  - “Yeah, I think AI agents is going to be the default very soon.” – Killian Dunn [00:30]

Google’s Continued Importance

[01:16-01:35]

Google is expected to remain dominant, possibly even benefiting from the rise of AI agents as they integrate these technologies.
- Quote:
  - “Google will definitely, maybe even be the winners of it.” – Killian Dunn [01:20]

When Should Businesses Optimize for AI Search?

[01:36-02:50]

Tyson asks if 2026 is too soon to plan strategies around AI agent optimization.
Killian emphasizes the necessity of mastering traditional SEO fundamentals before advancing to AI search.
- Quote:
  - “I would say don't do AI search before doing SEO. I think SEO is still more fundamental and still covers more of the basics.” – Killian Dunn [01:45]
AI search optimization is described as an advanced step, suitable only for mature organizations or niche, high-tech startups.

The Foundational Role of SEO

[02:51-03:20]

Both agree that technical SEO (indexation, health, crawlability) forms a non-negotiable baseline.
- Quote:
  - “If you don't have that fundamental, it's like you're not even in the game to begin with.” – Killian Dunn [03:05]
AI search enhancements are likened to advancing from “level two to level three” in optimization; without a strong foundation, these efforts are premature.
- Quote:
  - “Yeah, AI search can take you from level two to level three, but if you're not at level one, then don't worry about it.” – Tyson Stockton [03:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I think AI agents are going to be the default very soon.”
– Killian Dunn [00:30]
"The number of users navigating the web will shift from being mostly people to mostly agents in about two years.”
– Killian Dunn [00:32]
“Don't do AI search before doing SEO. SEO is still more fundamental.”
– Killian Dunn [01:45]
"AI search can take you from level two to level three, but if you're not at level one, then don't worry about it."
– Tyson Stockton [03:13]

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:25 – Are AI agents a trend or trash?
00:32 – Prediction: Majority web use by AI agents in two years
01:20 – Google’s ongoing relevance in the AI era
01:45 – Why SEO must come before AI search strategies
03:05 – The primacy of SEO fundamentals
03:13 – AI search as an advancement, not a starting point

Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a clear consensus: while AI agents are rapidly shaping the future of search, solid SEO fundamentals remain the bedrock for any successful content strategy. Businesses should prioritize building a robust SEO foundation before venturing into advanced AI agent optimization, reserving such tactics for later stages of maturity or highly specialized contexts.

Guest Info:

Killian Dunn (Telepathic) – LinkedIn | telepathic.com

Host: Tyson Stockton

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Transcript1 lines

[00:00]
A
The Voices of Search Podcast is a proud member of the I Hear Everything Podcast Network. Looking to launch or scale your podcast, I Hear Everything delivers podcast production, growth and monetization solutions that transform your words into profit. Ready to give your brand a voice then visit iheareverything.com welcome to the Voices of Search Podcast. A member of the I Hear Everything Podcast network, ready to expedite your company's organic growth efforts. Sit back, relax and get ready for your daily dose of search engine optimization wisdom. Here's today's host of the Voices of Search Podcast, Tyson Stockton. Next one Trend or trash? Optimizing for AI agents over traditional methods? Trend or like Very, very bullish now maybe, obviously. But yeah, I think AI agents is going to be the default very soon. I think that'll be in a couple of years. The number of users navigating the web will shift from being mostly people to mostly agents in about two years, I think. I think that's absolutely going to stay and I think Google will be important and Google will definitely, maybe even be the winners of it. But absolutely, I think this is the way forward and maybe in a shorter time interval going into 2026 planning, would that already be kind of like the target or the assumption in creating your strategy? Well, as a company that specializes in AI search, I would say don't do AI search before doing SEO. I think SEO is still more fundamental and still covers more of the basics. Before you kind of reach a level of sophistication to do AI search, there are maybe a few exceptions in terms of very high tech startups, very kind of like niche areas can, can have a bit of a difference audience and so maybe it's worth it then, but that's rare. I think most SEOs would be best focusing primarily on SEO and then as they kind of like mature in their journey, then you can move towards AI search. 100% like fundamentals are still there. We're still looking at indexation, health, crawlability, then layering in the optim on top of it. But yeah, if you don't have that fundamental, it's like you're not even in the game to begin with. Yeah, AI search can take you from level two to level three, but if you're not at level one, then don't worry about it. Absolutely. Well, with that, that's going to wrap up this episode of the Voice of Search podcast. Thanks again to Killian Dunn from Telepathic for joining us. If you'd like to contact Kilian, you can find a link to his LinkedIn profile in the show notes or go on over and check out his company's website@it's telepathic.com if you haven't subscribed yet and want a daily stream of SEO content marketing knowledge in your podcast, hit the subscribe button on your podcast app or on YouTube and we'll be back in your feed soon. So with that, that's all for today. Thanks for stopping by and we'll see you in the next episode. Sam.