7 SEO Trends and Predictions for the Remainder of 2025

Many people say that “SEO is dead,” but it’s clear that many websites are still getting important traffic through SEO. However, SEO is changing. Each quarter, search results are different, and what is important today may not be by the end of 2025. Let’s look at seven key trends and predictions for SEO for the rest of 2025 and how businesses can adapt.

1. SEO and GEO

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is evolving with what some call GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). This means optimizing websites for visibility in AI tools like ChatGPT.

• Traditional SEO brings more traffic than GEO right now.
• However, AI tools will likely gain more traffic quickly.
• Some SEO best practices will also help with GEO, but not all.
• Businesses will need to balance their efforts between traditional SEO and GEO.

2. Importance of Schema Markup

Schema is special data that helps search engines understand website content better. It will be crucial moving forward.

• Big names in tech like Microsoft and Google are emphasizing structured data to enhance AI interpretations.
• Businesses will increasingly use schema types like FAQs, How-To, and Data Sets.

3. Brand Mentions in Listicles

As AI tools grow, businesses will prioritize being mentioned in listicles (articles that list something, like “Top 10…”).

• Listicles can improve SEO traffic and visibility.
• AI tools often cite listicles, making them more valuable to brands.
• Focusing on listicle mentions will become a common strategy for businesses in 2025.

4. Optimizing for AI Overviews

AI Overviews provide summaries or answers to searches and are becoming more common.

• Traffic may increase for sites getting featured in AI Overviews, but actual clicks may drop.
• Businesses will need to find ways to attract clicks from these AI-powered placements.

5. Mid-to-Lower Funnel Content

With some top-funnel content losing traffic, sites need to shift focus.

• Businesses should prioritize lower to mid-funnel content, which has better conversion rates.
• This content type will be critical as traditional informational pages may not provide the same traffic as before.

6. More AI Tools from Businesses

Creating tools using AI is becoming easier.

• Businesses can introduce interactive tools like calculators or planners.
• These tools not only solve user problems but can also enhance SEO efforts and attract links from other sites.

7. Increasing Value of Link Building

As businesses adapt to these trends, link building will become more important.

• High-quality links from reputable publications will help with both SEO and visibility.
• Deep links targeting mid-to-lower funnel pages will support new strategies.
• Links from listicles, critical for GEO, will also benefit traditional SEO.

Conclusion

For the rest of 2025, businesses need to adapt to the rapidly changing SEO landscape. The focus should be on strategies that maximize both SEO and GEO traffic. This may include link building, brand mentions, mid-to-lower funnel content, and using tools. The right mix of tactics will help businesses thrive in this evolving environment.