2025 is just around the corner, and if you’re a small business owner, now is the time to jump on new SEO trends that can help you stay competitive. SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it strategy, especially with how fast the landscape changes. Small businesses in particular need to pay attention to new trends, as they can give you the edge over larger competitors and help you make the most of your digital marketing budget.
In this report, we’ll cover the following SEO trends:
- AI Overviews
- Zero-Click Searches
- Increased Traffic to Forums
- Digital Presence and Trust
- Experience-Oriented SEO
So, what does the future hold? Here are five must-know SEO trends for 2025 that will keep you ahead of the curve.
1. AI Overviews
Artificial intelligence is increasingly powering search engine results, and we’re seeing a huge impact on how snippets are generated. Gone are the days when SEO was just about keyword placement. Now, AI algorithms analyze the intent behind searches to provide users with quick, informative answers right on the search results page.
AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experiences) appear above organic rankings in search results. These are AI-generated answers to questions, pulling insights from the highest-ranking sources across the web.
Currently, only 7% of searches include AI Overviews, but content focused on answering common questions might still see a drop in traffic. Why? AI Overviews are handling those questions right in the search results, leading to more “zero-click” searches where users don’t need to click through to a site for answers.
So, how can you make your website stand out when AI results are taking center stage?
Think of your content as a resource for AI to summarize in snippets—focus on giving clear, to-the-point information that captures a reader’s interest in a few seconds.
For small businesses, this means your content must answer common questions about your services directly. For instance, if you’re in Little Rock, optimize for keywords like “Little Rock SEO” to show up in local snippet overviews.
2. Zero-Click Searches
Zero-click searches, where users get the answer to their query directly on the results page, are increasing year over year, largely due to the prevalence of AI in search. Google is now focusing heavily on keeping users on their platform rather than sending them off-site, with answers often provided in the form of snippets, knowledge graphs, and even direct AI-generated summaries. While this trend might seem like it hurts web traffic, it’s an opportunity to establish a brand presence.
To be successful in a zero-click environment, you must create helpful content that puts users first. Optimize your site with content that directly answers common questions. Use keywords related to your specific location and services, like “Little Rock SEO for small businesses” or “digital marketing strategies for local businesses.” The key is to answer these questions concisely and ensure the content is formatted for quick consumption. The more precise and well-organized your content, the more likely it is to be used by Google in a zero-click result.
3. Increased Traffic to Forums
Forums are making a comeback as people look for more personalized answers from real humans rather than general information from businesses. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and industry-specific forums are seeing a surge in search traffic as users trust community insights for niche topics. In fact, Google has a spot dedicated to forums in SERPs.
Google’s focus on featuring first-hand insights from real users has already shaken up SEO, redirecting traffic away from traditional organic results. This trend is only expected to pick up speed in 2025.
For small businesses, tapping into this trend means you should try boosting your presence on forums through organic posts—building or engaging with communities related to your industry. By joining or even creating forums, you can drive traffic to your site and build credibility at the same time. Answer questions in relevant forums, especially those focused on your local area, and link back to your website. This is especially powerful for local SEO and digital marketing as people trust real experiences and peer reviews over traditional advertising.
4. Digital Presence and Trust
Trust has become a core part of SEO, especially for small businesses looking to compete in local markets. Google now takes into account various factors that contribute to your site’s trustworthiness, including reviews, social proof, and user engagement metrics. Building a trustworthy online presence is essential for a robust digital marketing strategy, and it can significantly impact your SEO rankings.
To build trust, ensure your business details are consistent across all platforms, from Google Business Profile to Yelp and other review sites. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and respond thoughtfully to any feedback—positive or negative. Engaging content, authentic brand storytelling, and transparent customer interactions can go a long way in building trust.
It’s also worth noting that small businesses with high local visibility often get a boost in local SEO rankings, so don’t overlook any opportunity to establish a strong, reliable online presence.
5. Experience-Oriented SEO
User experience has always been a ranking factor, but in 2025, it’s taking center stage as SEO becomes more experience-oriented. Google now measures how visitors interact with your website and how long they stay. Factors like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and intuitive navigation contribute to what’s known as “Core Web Vitals,” which heavily influence search rankings.
Small businesses need to ensure that their websites are user-friendly and responsive on all devices. This means faster load times, engaging design, and an easy-to-navigate layout. A clean, optimized site not only attracts more visitors but also keeps them on the page longer, increasing the chances of conversion. Focus on creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for your users, with clear calls to action, fast-loading pages, and valuable content that encourages users to explore further.
Stay Ahead of SEO Trends with Hawp Media
Staying on top of SEO trends is crucial for small businesses to stay competitive in today’s crowded digital space. Optimizing for AI-powered snippets, engaging in relevant forums, and adapting to zero-click searches can keep your business visible and relevant. Focus on building trust online and creating a great user experience to stay in line with Google’s latest standards.
SEO is an ongoing process—it doesn’t end once you’ve implemented these trends. It requires continuous time and effort to monitor and adjust, which can feel overwhelming when you’re already managing a business. That’s where Hawp Media comes in.
Contact Hawp Media today to discover how our local SEO services can help you leverage the latest SEO trends and drive results.