9 SEO Trends Shaping Search in 2026

As we look toward 2026, significant changes are happening in the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Here’s an easy guide to the key trends you should watch for.

✨ Quick Summary

Tom Demers, an SEO expert, explains that artificial intelligence (AI), geographic optimization (GEO), and changes in Google’s Search Engine Results Page (SERP) will greatly impact how people find information online. This will affect website visibility, traffic, and how SEO success is measured.

Key Takeaways

• AI Overviews and AI Mode will expand in search results, changing how users find information and reducing clicks on traditional links.
• GEO will grow, but traditional SEO will still bring in the most valuable traffic. A balanced strategy is essential.
• Beware of bad GEO advice and spam, which could harm your SEO efforts if followed blindly.
• Expect major changes in Google’s SERP user experience, affecting both organic and paid listings.
• Measuring SEO results will become tougher. Marketers should focus on leads and sales, not just visibility metrics.

2026 SEO Trends to Watch

Here are the important SEO trends for business owners and marketers in 2026:

1. AI Overviews and AI Mode Will Grow

AI features will continue to change how people search for information. More queries will trigger AI Overviews, which provide summaries instead of links to websites. Business owners need to adapt to this change to maintain visibility.

2. GEO Will Surge, But Traditional SEO Will Remain

GEO tools and AI chatbots like ChatGPT are gaining popularity, but traditional SEO will still play a crucial role in driving high-quality traffic. SEO traffic can be significantly higher than GEO traffic.

3. Terrible GEO Advice Will Be Common

With the rise of GEO, misleading advice is likely to spread. Be cautious about following trends that don’t deliver real benefits to your website.

4. Big Changes to Google SERP User Experience

Google is adapting to new competition. Expect various changes in how search results are displayed, which will also affect your ad clicks and overall traffic.

5. Measuring SEO Results Will Get Tougher

Tracking success in SEO will become more complex due to limitations in data access. Marketers must focus on real outcomes, like website visits and conversions, rather than just rankings.

6. More Focus on Effective GEO Tactics

As interest in GEO grows, marketers will pay more attention to tactics that truly improve GEO performance, such as building quality backlinks and content.

7. Increased Spam on Platforms Like Reddit

With the popularity of certain tactics, spam content will also rise. Be aware of low-quality mentions that could harm your search engine rankings.

8. Rise of Review Ransom and Negative GEO Tactics

As AI becomes widely used, shady tactics like negative reviews may increase. Always report any suspicious activity to relevant platforms.

9. AI Content Needs Improvement

While AI-generated content is increasing, it still needs refining. Businesses must ensure their content remains high quality to stay competitive.

What These Trends Mean for You

Businesses and content creators who can adapt to these trends will thrive. Balancing SEO strategies with new AI tools will be key to success in 2026.

Summary of Key Trends

• AI features are taking over search.
• GEO is rising, but traditional SEO remains essential.
• Beware of misleading GEO advice.
• Google’s search results will change significantly.
• Tracking SEO success will be more challenging.
• Focus on effective GEO strategies.
• Spam content will be more common.
• Expect more negative tactics against businesses.
• Improve the quality of AI-generated content.

SEO is always evolving. Staying informed on these trends can help your business succeed in the digital landscape of 2026!