We think it’s time to address the elephant in the room… is SEO dead?
The honest answer is no, it’s simply evolving.
As long as people search for information online, SEO will remain crucial in helping them find it. However, the landscape is shifting, and we need to adapt.
We should start redefining SEO from “Search Engine Optimisation” to “Search Everywhere Optimisation.”
Search is no longer limited to Google. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and even AI chatbots are becoming essential search destinations.
Despite the rise of generative AI, 99% of people still use search engines like Google, reinforcing the continued importance of SEO. Much like how social media platforms have coexisted rather than replaced each other, search behaviour is diversifying rather than disappearing.
Beating the key SEO challenges in 2025
SEO is more competitive than ever, with AI overviews, rich snippets, featured snippets, and “People Also Ask” sections dominating search results. While organic clicks may be declining, Google is still driving more traffic, even as zero-click searches continue to rise.
With Google making over 12 algorithm updates daily, SEO is evolving at lightning speed. So, how can we stay ahead of the competition?
Create helpful content
There are over 4.6 billion pieces of content online, which means standing out is tougher than ever.
Remember, you’re not writing for search engines, you’re writing for your audience. Make your content valuable, showcase your expertise, and ensure it has a clear focus.
Leave readers feeling like they’ve gained something after engaging with it and ask yourself if the content you’ve written is something they’d want to share with others?
Review, review, and review some more
Audit your existing content to identify what can be refreshed and what should be removed.
Prioritise evergreen content and consider what will be valuable enough for others to link back to. Is it a study with compelling results that people would reference? Or an interactive asset that users would find genuinely useful?
Help your users achieve what they need
Search intent is more important than ever, meaning you should always consider where your target customer is in their journey when they engage with your content.
Aligning with their intent can boost keyword rankings, lower bounce rates, and improve conversions. It also increases your chances of securing SERP features like featured snippets.
Consider your content type, will you best serve the audience’s query by a blog post, case studies, or product page?
Define your content angle, how will you meet your audience’s needs? And choose the right format, will it be a listicle, a how-to guide, or a comparison piece?
Keep machine learning top of mind
Optimise with machine learning in mind, such as adding structured data (schema markup) to add code to provide more context to search engines.
You can mark up ‘product’ schema to help AI understand the content more efficiently. It helps search engines categorise more effectively.
For more information an AI, read our blog on how it can benefit your SEO strategy.
Utilise your social channels
Google’s data partnerships with platforms like Reddit and TikTok allow it to deliver highly personalised search results. So your website should try to be the same, considering personalised recommendations from the homepage to the checkout.
Use AI chatbots to provide customer support in real time and optimise your local SEO by tailoring content to specific regions.
Make sure you’re making the most of social media platforms. Different channels cater to users who prefer quick, conversational content or highly visual posts.
Focus on creating engaging video content, joining discussions on forums (without sounding overly promotional), and optimising for conversational keywords.
Think about what you’d ask Alexa and how you’d naturally answer those queries.
Consider how people search for reviews on YouTube or compare products on TikTok. I’ve definitely been guilty of deep-diving into comparisons, like trying to find a more affordable alternative to the Dyson Airwrap or debating between a Stanley water bottle and a Hydroflask.
Don’t forget Google doesn’t just give you results from web pages, but also social platforms too.
Get your brand out there
Boost your brand awareness by investing in content that highlights your expertise. Create in-depth guides and case studies that provide real value. Invest in PR campaigns to earn backlinks from reputable, authoritative sources.
Look for ways to engage with your audience. What will showcase your authentic self? Could you host a workshop, be a guest speaker, or join someone’s podcast?
Start with mobile first
Where are people searching? On their mobile phones, of course!
Whether they’re commuting, watching TV in the evening, or doom-scrolling on their lunch break, mobile is where they are at.
Google prioritises the mobile version of web pages for rankings, so optimising for mobile is crucial, making sure it has a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to any device.
Optimise your CTA buttons for mobile by making them the right size and placing them intuitively. Regular mobile testing will help identify and fix any usability issues.
Use large, easy-to-read fonts – there’s nothing worse than struggling to read tiny text on a small screen.
Avoid pop-ups that disrupt the user experience and slow down page loading. Compress images, space out links, and declutter your design – remember, white space sells!
SEO is fast-paced, and the only way to succeed is by continuously adapting. The brands that embrace change, refine their strategies, and remain user-focused will thrive in this ever-evolving digital landscape.
So, rather than asking if SEO is dead, the real question is, are you ready to evolve with it?
If you’d like support with your SEO strategy, get in touch with our team today by dropping us an email at info@thewordagency.co.uk.