SEO Debate: Are Backlinks Still Essential for New Sites in the AI Era?
sujingshen · x · 2026-10-10
A debate on SEO tactics in the AI era. Quoted author @aichuhai argues backlinks aren't essential: use Claude to analyze what top SEO tools (Ahrefs, Semrush, Surfer, Profound, and 20 others) share in common, build workflows via APIs, and focus on PSEO—good content and brand spread naturally.
Replier disagrees: new sites without domain authority may go unseen by Google no matter how good the content, so a few solid backlinks plus directory submissions still work well in the early stage.
The disagreement boils down to cold-start strategy for indie makers: organic brand/content spread vs. actively building links and indexing channels. Useful signal for anyone doing PSEO or shipping products for overseas markets.
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