- Digital Marketing Mix
- Posts
- 🎯 Is SEO Dead in 2025? Google Weighs In
🎯 Is SEO Dead in 2025? Google Weighs In
Discover Google's take on the future of SEO, how AI is shaping search, and tips for thriving in 2025.
Shane Barker
January 03, 2025
In partnership with
Disclosure: This content may contain few affiliate links, which means if you click on them, I will get a commission (without any extra cost to you).
Hey there, and Happy New Year! 🎉
As we step into 2025, the digital marketing world continues to evolve, sparking questions about the future of SEO. With AI dominating search engines, many are wondering: Is SEO dead? This question took center stage in Google’s Search Off the Record podcast released on December 31, 2024.
Google insiders shared their thoughts on whether SEO is still relevant or on a “dying path.” In this newsletter, we’ll explore their insights, discuss what RAG means for SEO, and unpack the impact of AI on the industry—with actionable tips from me to help you thrive in this new era.
What You’ll Find in This Week’s Newsletter:
Is SEO dying in the era of AI? Google’s surprising take on the debate.
What is RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation), and how it ties SEO to AI.
The impact of AI on SEO and tips to adapt for 2025.
Featured tool of the week
Is SEO Dead? Google Weighs In
Google’s recent Search Off the Record podcast tackled a burning question: “Is SEO on a dying path?” As AI becomes a dominant force in search, many wonder if traditional SEO practices will survive.
John Mueller, Gary Illyes, and other Googlers offered reassurance, emphasizing that SEO remains essential. As Gary noted, “SEO has been dying since 2001,” pointing to the industry’s long-standing adaptability to changes in search technology.
The takeaway? SEO isn’t dead—it’s evolving alongside AI. But understanding the connection between AI and SEO is key to staying ahead.
What Is RAG and Its Role in SEO?
One of the standout topics in the podcast was RAG—Retrieval Augmented Generation. RAG allows AI search engines to provide real-time, accurate, and contextually grounded answers. It works by pulling data from search indexes and knowledge graphs to inform responses.
John Mueller highlighted that RAG ties AI search to traditional SEO practices. SEOs still play a vital role in ensuring content is crawlable, indexable, and optimized for AI-driven search results. As Mueller explained, AI search engines still rely on the foundational SEO processes of crawling, indexing, and ranking to retrieve relevant information.
In simpler terms: RAG reinforces that SEO remains necessary, even as search evolves.
The Impact of AI on SEO
While crawling and indexing haven’t changed significantly, AI’s influence on ranking and user behavior is reshaping SEO. Here’s how:
1. Organic SERPs Are Changing
The traditional “10 blue links” are fading. AI-driven answers and summaries are dominating search results, reducing the prominence of organic listings.
Tip: Adapt your strategy to focus on featured snippets, structured data, and creating content that AI can easily surface in summaries.
2. Natural Language Queries Are Rising
Users are asking more conversational, complex questions. AI tools like ChatGPT and Bing AI excel at understanding these queries, which challenges traditional keyword-based optimization.
Tip: Focus on content that addresses user intent with depth and clarity. Optimize for question-based keywords and conversational phrases.
3. Algorithms Are Becoming More Dynamic
AI-powered ranking systems can feel unpredictable. Changes to ranking criteria happen faster and more frequently, making stability a challenge.
Tip: Regularly audit your content for relevance, freshness, and authority. Stay agile and ready to adapt to algorithm updates.
Shane’s Tips for Thriving in an AI-Driven SEO World
Embrace Structured Data: Use schema markup to help AI identify and rank your content effectively.
Leverage Long-Form Content: AI values detailed, well-researched content. Go deep into topics to provide value.
Optimize for Voice Search: As conversational AI grows, focus on natural language keywords and concise answers.
Update Content Frequently: AI prioritizes freshness. Regular updates signal relevance to search engines.
Build E-E-A-T: Showcase Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Highlight credentials, cite reliable sources, and earn backlinks from reputable sites.
While AI is reshaping the search landscape, SEO remains a crucial part of the equation. The strategies and principles of SEO are evolving, not disappearing. By understanding AI’s role in search and adapting your approach, you can stay ahead in this ever-changing digital world.
Want to dive deeper into SEO and AI? Check out our blog posts on the topic!
The Featured Tool of the Week
SE Ranking
SE Ranking is an all-in-one SEO platform designed to elevate your digital strategy in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re tracking keyword performance, auditing your website, or analyzing competitors, this tool has everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.
Key Features:
Keyword Rank Tracking: Monitor your rankings in real time across multiple search engines.
Comprehensive Website Audits: Identify technical issues holding your site back and get actionable fixes.
Competitor Analysis: Discover what’s working for your competitors and refine your strategy.
Backlink Monitoring: Keep tabs on your backlink profile to ensure high-quality, relevant links.
Marketing Plan: A step-by-step guide tailored to your goals to boost your SEO success.
Get Started in 2025: SE Ranking equips you with the insights and tools needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of modern SEO. Take your strategy to the next level with SE Ranking today!
Let’s make your brand a household name.
In 2024 & 2025, influencer marketing is the best way to grow your business—if you do it right. Do it wrong and it’s a great way to waste money fast. To succeed, you need the right creators (for you), an expert-led creative strategy, and seamless execution of all the moving parts involved in a campaign. That’s where Ubiquitous comes in. We run full-service, end-to-end influencer marketing campaigns with white glove service for brands like Crocs, Lyft, and GNC. We handle it all—you just grow.
Looking for more in-depth strategies and exclusive content?
Check out my Gumroad page for courses, guides, and tools that can help take your digital marketing to the next level. Whether you're looking to master SEO, influencer marketing, or content strategies, I've got resources to get you there. Plus, you'll find some free content to help you get started right away!
Visit my Gumroad page and explore everything I have to offer!
Must Reads From the Blog!
1. Found the insights helpful? Forward this email to help fellow business owners or marketers.
2. Spread the word. Encourage your friends or followers to sign up.
3. Sponsor a newsletter issue to get your SaaS product in front of over 10,000 SEOs, marketers, and entrepreneurs.
4. Have us test and review your marketing or business tool on ShaneBarker.com. We can write a product review, comparison, or industry listicle for you ⇒ Find the details here.
If you have any specific questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future newsletters, please feel free to reach out. We'd love to hear from you!
To your content marketing success,
Shane Barker