Next-Gen SEO: How to Dominate Search in 2025

The landscape of search engine optimisation (SEO) continues to evolve, and as we approach 2025, the rules of engagement have shifted significantly. Neil Patel and his team at NP Digital recently delivered a comprehensive webinar on these developments, offering a blueprint for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Here, we distil the key insights to equip your organisation with an SEO strategy ready for the next generation.

Covered in this article

Expanding Beyond Google: A Multi-Platform Approach
The Crucial Role of Content: Quality and Structure
Embracing Generative AI in SEO
Leveraging Trends and Building Authority
The Future is Multi-Channel and Multi-Device
FAQs About SEO in 2025

Expanding Beyond Google: A Multi-Platform Approach

Gone are the days when SEO was synonymous with Google alone. In 2025, search is a multifaceted game played across platforms like Instagram, Amazon, and even AI tools such as ChatGPT. Consider this: Google accounts for only 18% of global searches, while platforms like Instagram handle 6.5 billion daily searches​.

To thrive, businesses must optimise content for a diverse array of platforms:

• Visual Search: Tools like Google Lens are becoming essential, particularly for e-commerce businesses.
• Voice Search: The younger generation increasingly prefers voice commands over typing, highlighting the importance of optimising for conversational queries.
• Social Search: Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are pivotal for brand discovery, necessitating optimised hashtags and engaging multimedia content.

The Crucial Role of Content: Quality and Structure

Content remains the backbone of any SEO strategy, but its form and function have transformed:

1. Conciseness Over Volume: Shorter, more direct content often outperforms lengthy articles. For instance, well-structured 500-word pieces can rank effectively, provided they answer user queries succinctly.
2. Content Refreshing: Updating existing high-performing content yields greater returns than creating new material. According to Patel, refreshing older posts can lead to steep traffic increases​.
3. Multimedia Integration: Google’s emphasis on videos and images underlines the need for optimised visual assets alongside textual content.

To maintain visibility, businesses should prioritise:

• Schema markup for rich search results.
• FAQ and structured formats that cater to both users and AI-driven engines.

Embracing Generative AI in SEO

With the rise of AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT, understanding generative optimisation is paramount. However, as Patel highlights, traditional SEO principles still apply:

• Craft content for human consumption, not just for algorithms.
• Use schema markup and metadata to improve AI understanding of your site.
• Ensure content clarity and relevance to align with AI’s focus on intent rather than mere keywords.

Leveraging Trends and Building Authority

Identifying and acting on emerging trends is vital for staying ahead. Tools like Google Trends and social media platforms are instrumental in pinpointing rising search interests. Patel emphasises focusing on:

• Local SEO: With brands losing billions annually due to poor local SEO, optimising for local searches  should be a top priority.
• Brand Building: Brands that invest in their reputation and authority outperform competitors. Engaging in community discussions and earning high-quality backlinks are key tactics.

The Future is Multi-Channel and Multi-Device

Search behaviour is increasingly cross-platform and cross-device. Whether it’s through Google Lens, TikTok, or traditional desktops, users expect seamless and relevant experiences. Patel advises businesses to think beyond individual channels and consider the customer’s entire journey.

Take SEO Action for 2025

To dominate SEO in 2025, businesses must adopt a holistic approach:

• Diversify optimisation efforts across search engines, social media, and AI platforms.
• Focus on content quality, structure, and regular updates.
• Leverage multimedia and interactive content for greater engagement.

Velocity can assist in implementing these cutting-edge strategies. Our expertise ensures your brand stays visible and competitive in the ever-evolving SEO landscape. Contact us today to learn how we can optimise your digital presence for success in 2025 and beyond.

FAQs About SEO in 2025

1. Why is it important to optimise for platforms other than Google?

Search behaviour has diversified significantly, with platforms like Instagram, Amazon, and AI tools such as ChatGPT now accounting for a large share of global searches. Optimising for these platforms ensures your business reaches users across the channels they frequent most.

2. How can I optimise for visual and voice search?

• Visual Search: Use high-quality images with descriptive metadata and schema markup to enhance discoverability through tools like Google Lens.
• Voice Search: Focus on conversational keywords and concise, natural language in your content to align with how users phrase voice queries.

3. Should I prioritise creating new content or refreshing existing content?

While new content is essential for addressing emerging trends, refreshing high-performing existing content often yields better ROI. Regular updates maintain relevance and ensure your content aligns with current search engine preferences.

4. How does AI impact SEO, and how should I adapt?

AI-driven tools like ChatGPT are reshaping search by focusing on user intent and context rather than traditional keywords. To adapt:

• Structure content with headings and schema markup.
• Prioritise user-focused, high-value content.
• Leverage conversational language.

5. What is schema markup, and why is it important?

Schema markup is a code snippet that helps search engines understand your content better, enabling features like rich snippets in search results. It’s crucial for improving visibility and engagement.

6. How can I identify emerging trends to create relevant content?

Monitor platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Google Trends to spot rising topics. Creating content ahead of widespread search demand can position your business as a thought leader.

7. Is local SEO still relevant in 2025?

Absolutely. With users continuing to search for nearby services and products, optimising for local SEO—including claiming profiles and ensuring consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) data—is critical for businesses with a physical presence.

8. What role does brand authority play in SEO?

Search engines increasingly favour brands with strong authority. Building backlinks, engaging in community discussions, and maintaining a positive reputation through reviews are essential for establishing authority.

9. Do shorter articles work as well as long-form content?

Yes, but it depends on the topic. While succinct, well-structured content often ranks well, in-depth pieces are still necessary for complex subjects. The key is to match content length with user intent.

10. How can Velocity help implement these strategies?

Velocity provides expert guidance to optimise your SEO strategy for 2025. From platform diversification to content enhancement, we help businesses maximise visibility and drive results across all search channels. Contact us today to learn more.