Developer Relations in the World of Agents - Michelle Duke
Forget SEO. In a world of AI agents, your content now needs Agent Engine Optimization to build the human trust that cuts through the noise.
#1about 3 minutes
How AI is changing the focus of hackathons
AI-assisted coding tools accelerate prototyping in hackathons, shifting the focus from pure coding to better problem-solving and user experience design.
#2about 2 minutes
Avoiding AI-driven mediocrity by mastering fundamentals
To stand out from generic AI-generated content, developers must first learn the fundamentals of problem-solving and user needs before using AI tools.
#3about 2 minutes
The hidden costs of democratized AI development
While AI tools can democratize development, the rising cost of tokens creates a barrier that can be mitigated by using open-source models and tools.
#4about 2 minutes
Why AI tools won't replace software engineers
The accessibility of AI for development is like giving everyone a camera; it doesn't replace the deep expertise and systemic understanding of a professional software engineer.
#5about 2 minutes
Navigating IP ownership with AI-generated code
Developers using AI must carefully review their employment contracts to understand company policies on intellectual property for code generated on work hardware or for side projects.
#6about 3 minutes
Protecting your personal brand from AI deepfakes
The rise of AI-powered voice and video cloning creates challenges for personal branding and authenticity, leading to legal actions to protect one's likeness and voice.
#7about 3 minutes
Finding a DevRel role that values your authentic voice
Developer advocates should seek companies that encourage their authentic voice, as this is what cuts through the noise of generic AI-generated content.
#8about 4 minutes
How to address low-quality AI content internally
When other departments produce low-quality "AI slop," it's best to ask questions to understand their constraints and offer constructive feedback rather than simply criticizing.
#9about 3 minutes
Shifting from SEO to Agent Engine Optimization
Developer relations must adapt from traditional SEO to Agent Engine Optimization (AEO), as developers now get their initial product information directly from AI agents.
#10about 6 minutes
The human role in a world of AI-driven information
In an AI-driven world, the key value of a human expert is to validate information, correct AI hallucinations, and provide specific context that an agent cannot.
Related jobs
Jobs that call for the skills explored in this talk.
With AIs wide open - WeAreDevelopers at All Things Open 2025Last week our VP of Developer Relations, Chris Heilmann, flew to Raleigh, North Carolina to present at All Things Open . An excellent event he had spoken at a few times in the past and this being the “Lucky 13” edition, he didn’t hesitate to come and...
Chris Heilmann
Exploring AI: Opportunities and Risks for DevelopersIn today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in development presents both exciting opportunities and notable risks. This dynamic was the focus of a recent panel discussion featuring industry experts Kent...