Here are some current tips I’ve been testing:
1. Focus on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) – Prove you’re an actual expert with unique experience, not just rehashed content.
2. Human + AI Hybrid Content – Use AI for speed, but always add personal insights and data to stand out.
3. Core Web Vitals Matter More – Google rewards lightning-fast, mobile-friendly sites with clean UX.
4. Voice Search Optimization – More users are asking Google/ChatGPT questions out loud. Target conversational long-tail queries.
5. Video + Image SEO – Google is showing more multimedia in SERPs; optimize file names, alt text, and structured data.
6. Topical Authority Clusters – Instead of random articles, build interlinked content hubs around specific topics.
7. Zero-Click Search Strategy – Optimize for featured snippets and knowledge panels even if the click-through isn’t guaranteed.
8. Social Proof Signals – More trust factors like reviews, mentions, and influencer links help indirectly with rankings.
1. Optimize for AI-Driven Search (SGE, Perplexity, Chatbots)
Why it matters: Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) and AI search engines like Perplexity, ChatGPT Search, and You.com are changing how results are displayed.
How to adapt:
Create concise, well-structured answers to common questions in your niche so AI models can directly reference your site.
Use clear headings (H2, H3) and bullet points for easy machine parsing.
Focus on fact-checked, trustworthy data with sources cited, because AI search tools prioritize credibility.
2. EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) Is Stronger Than Ever
Author profiles matter — link content to real human authors with credentials.
Showcase experience by adding case studies, examples, original photos, and data.
Update content regularly to keep it fresh and trustworthy.
Get quality backlinks from industry-specific, authoritative sites — general backlinks are losing weight.
3. Voice Search and Conversational Queries
Why it matters: With smart devices and AI assistants, natural language queries are increasing.
How to optimize:
Target long-tail, conversational keywords (“What’s the best way to…”).
Write FAQ-style sections with clear, spoken-language answers.
Use schema markup for Q&A and How-To content.
4. Video and Short-Form SEO
Platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are ranking in Google results more frequently.
Tips:
Use keyword-rich titles, captions, and hashtags in videos.
Include transcripts for accessibility and better indexing.
Create videos that answer trending questions or explain complex topics quickly.
5. Technical SEO for Core Web Vitals 2025
Google’s Page Experience signals now include:
INP (Interaction to Next Paint) — measures responsiveness.
CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) — keep layouts stable.
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint) — aim for under 2.5 seconds.
Actions:
Use a CDN and next-gen image formats (WebP, AVIF).
Optimize JavaScript delivery — avoid render-blocking scripts.
Preload critical assets and fonts.
6. Structured Data and Rich Snippets
Implement schema markup for:
Products
Events
Articles
Reviews
How-To and FAQ
Benefits: Increases click-through rate (CTR) by making your SERP result visually richer.
7. Local SEO + AI Maps Optimization
Google Maps and AI-driven local recommendations are smarter.
To rank locally:
Keep your Google Business Profile 100% complete and updated.
Add geo-tagged images and short videos.
Encourage consistent reviews with keywords naturally included.
8. Content Velocity and Topical Authority
Instead of random topics, own an entire niche.
Create content clusters — one main pillar page with multiple supporting articles interlinked.
Update existing posts instead of just adding new ones to maintain authority.
9. Zero-Click Search Adaptation
Many searches now get answered on Google without a click.
To stay visible:
Optimize for featured snippets (use definition paragraphs, lists, tables).
Create engaging visuals that encourage clicks from image search.
Include strong calls-to-action within previewable content.
10. User Engagement Signals
AI-powered algorithms track time on page, scroll depth, and repeat visits.
Boost engagement by:
Breaking content into digestible sections.
Adding polls, quizzes, or interactive tools.
Using visuals to keep readers scrolling.