In a recent LinkedIn post, Ross Simmonds discusses a significant shift in the SEO and agency landscape, driven by the emergence of AI agents like Ahrefs Agent A. Simmonds, a prominent figure in digital marketing, shared his experience using the tool, highlighting how it automates time-consuming data analysis and offers direct answers, fundamentally altering the marketer’s workflow.
Simmonds expressed his astonishment at the capabilities of Agent A, noting the immediate value it provided. He described the process:
“I asked it to pull the backlinks our competitors have that we don’t. Then I asked it to surface outreach opportunities based on those gaps. Real Ahrefs data. Direct. Conversational. No clicking through 14 reports. No exporting CSVs. No filtering, sorting, and pivoting for an hour to get to one insight.”
This automation, according to Simmonds, eliminates the hours previously spent on manual data manipulation. He argues that this frees up marketing professionals to focus on higher-value activities.
The Evolution of Agency Models
The core of Simmonds’s argument centers on a bifurcation of agency types that he predicts will emerge. He posits that the traditional model, which sells hours and relies on manual processes, is becoming obsolete.
Introducing the ‘Post-Agent’ Agency
Instead, Simmonds envisions a new category of agencies that leverage AI agents as integral team members. He states:
“Two kinds of agencies are about to exist: 1. Pre-agent agencies. Still selling hours. Still clicking buttons. Still operating on yesterday’s playbook. 2. Post-agent agencies. Using agents as teammates. Freeing humans to do work only humans can do.”
In Simmonds’s view, these ‘post-agent’ agencies will distinguish themselves by empowering human talent to concentrate on strategic thinking, creativity, and complex problem-solving—tasks that AI cannot replicate.
The Widening Gap for Marketers
Simmonds urges marketers to adopt these new tools proactively, warning of a rapidly increasing divide between those who embrace AI agents and those who do not. He draws a parallel to his early adoption of other significant trends.
“I’ve been early to a few things in my career. Reddit for B2B back in 2018. GEO in 2024. This one feels bigger than both.”
He emphasizes the urgency for marketers to engage with these AI tools, suggesting that the pace of change necessitates immediate action. The implication is that staying competitive requires adapting to this new paradigm.
Embracing Change in the Marketing Craft
Ultimately, Ross Simmonds’s message is a call to action for the marketing community. He asserts that the fundamental nature of the marketing craft is evolving and that resistance to these changes will lead to obsolescence.
“The craft is changing. Embrace it or get left behind.”
His analysis suggests that AI agents are not just tools for efficiency but catalysts for a profound transformation, enabling a more strategic and creative future for marketing professionals and agencies that are willing to adapt.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Ross Simmonds on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on May 7, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →