Is SEO marketing on its last legs?
I don’t say this lightly. Both my personal experience and the data suggest it might be.
My Personal Experience:
These days, I rarely click on articles in Google search results. Instead, I find myself reading the AI-generated responses or the questions that Google puts in the SERP (Search Engine Results Page) under the “People Also Ask” section. Why? Because it’s often a better experience:
The information is generally unbiased and reliable.
✔️ No need to scroll through lengthy articles.
✔️ Answers are succinct and to the point.
✔️ No waiting for websites to load.
✔️ No ads cluttering the view.
Of course, there are exceptions where we click to get more info but overall, the snippets are enough.
The Data:
Here are some eye-opening statistics:
- Nearly 60% of Google searches end without a click.
- The top organic result has an average click-through rate (CTR) of 27.6%.
- 44% of Gen Z now use TikTok as their primary search engine.
- Google’s search ad revenue dropped 2% last quarter — the first dip in years.
There are certain warning signs or say change in digital user behaviour
Is There Still Value in SEO?
Absolutely. SEO remains a powerful tool for visibility and traffic.
- 68% of online experiences begin with a search engine.
— 63.41% of all US web traffic referrals come from Google.
- SEO drives 1,000%+ more traffic than organic social media.
However, the landscape is evolving, and so should your strategy. Here’s how to make your content stand out in 2025:
Standout content isn’t easy to produce. It needs to be so compelling that people eagerly await your next drop.
✔️ Strong stances: Don’t be afraid to take a position on industry topics.
✔️Authority: Establish yourself as a thought leader with deep insights.
✔️Personality: Let your brand’s unique voice shine through.
✔️Unique value: Offer something that can’t be found elsewhere.
✔️Original research: Conduct and share your own studies and findings.
✔️Personal experience: Share stories and experiences that resonate.
✔️Community interaction: Engage with your audience and build a loyal community.
✔️ Format: Audio, Video, Text get the right mix of content format. Search is across formats
✔️Embrace AI for Enhanced Content
Instead of viewing AI as a threat, embrace it as a tool to enhance your content strategy. AI can help with data analysis, content optimization, and even generating ideas. By combining human creativity with AI efficiency, you can create content that truly stands out and meets the evolving needs of your audience.
And remember the relevance gets your content featured in SERP and that’s what AI picks up and recommends.
Amplify and accelerate your content marketing with Brand FRND. Connect with me today to kickstart your 2025 goals!
