SEO in 2025: Still Alive, Just Playing by New Rules 🚦

Think SEO is no longer worth your time because of AI and social apps? Think again. With all the scary headlines and changing trends, it’s easy to feel lost. Here’s what’s actually happening and how you can keep delivering results for your clients and business.

Let’s Clear the Air: SEO Isn’t Going Anywhere 🌍

Despite all the changes, SEO remains one of the best ways to connect with lots of folks online. Sure, AI-powered summaries now pop up at the top of search results, and it might feel like websites are losing traffic. But even as search gets smarter, people (and the tech they use) still rely on well-made web content.

What’s Changing: Less Clicks, Higher Quality Traffic 📉➡️💎

AI-generated answers appear in about 16% of US searches, up from earlier this year.
When these summaries show up, website clicks can drop by about a third.
Total search traffic fell by 21% over the past year.

But here’s the plot twist: folks who do visit your site after seeing an AI summary are often ready to read more, take action, or sign up. They’re not just looking for quick info—they want the real deal.

Everyone’s Creating with AI… But So Can You 🤖✏️

About three-quarters of new web content now use generative tools. That means the playing field is busier than ever. The trick isn’t to crank out more text; it’s to offer something people and algorithms both value: unique ideas, helpful resources, and relatable stories.

Search Is Everywhere—Not Just on Google 🔎➡️📱

Gen Z and Millennials are searching differently. Nearly half of younger users (and over a third of Millennials) look on social apps like TikTok and Instagram instead of traditional search engines.

People want:

Short, punchy videos over long articles
Authentic opinions and real-life experiences
Quick tips instead of big blocks of text

But don’t count out Google—it's still responsible for almost 90% of global searches and drives way more visits than AI bots or other discovery channels.

Build a Brand, Not Just Content 🏗️✨

The biggest winners today aren’t just writing articles—they’re turning their business names into trusted sources. AI systems and search engines give more attention to websites that keep popping up in search results and user conversations. That means:

Showing up repeatedly wherever your audience hangs out
Focusing on a few topics you know inside and out
Publishing guides, tools, videos, and original research

Brands that score more mentions are shown to users more often by both search engines and AI assistants.

Where to Show Up? Just About Everywhere! 🛒🤓

Buyers now check out brands across a bunch of places:

YouTube: 70% of viewers say videos convinced them to buy
Reddit: Appears in almost 8 out of 10 review searches
TikTok: Nearly 40% bought after discovering something—#tiktokmademebuyit is real!
Pinterest: Millions are searching for new ideas and purchases
AI Assistants: Traffic is up and converting much better than before

The takeaway: Be present on the platforms your audience uses, not just on your website.

Tips for Agencies & Small Businesses 💡

Give people more than just text: try free tools, calculators, or templates
Share survey results or insider knowledge that bots can’t copy
Be the go-to spot for answers in your corner of the market

Keep Your Head Up: SEO Still Works 🕺🎉

Clicks might be down from earlier years, but those still coming through are more likely to stick around, take action, and tell others. Don’t ditch your efforts—just shift with the times. Focus on becoming the trusted voice in your space, and you’ll keep winning, whether the traffic comes from Google, AI, or the latest social craze.

And remember: as search habits keep changing, being visible and helpful wherever your community gathers is the name of the game. Now get out there and make your brand the one everyone’s talking about! 🚀

1 comment

SEO Success Academy

skool.com/seo-success-academy

Welcome to SEO Success Academy – the ultimate destination for business owners, digital marketers and agencies to master the art and science of SEO.