Let me guess, you’ve heard someone say SEO is dead? Or maybe you’re wondering if all this talk about algorithms and rankings even matters anymore.
Spoiler alert: SEO isn’t dead, but it has changed a lot.
In this blog post, we’ll debunk common myths about SEO, explain the best practices for staying competitive in 2025, and share actionable tips to improve your website’s rankings.
Watch the video below for a full walkthrough, or check out the transcript if you prefer reading.
Why SEO is still alive: Debunking the biggest myths
Every few years the internet declares that SEO is dead.
It’s usually because Google’s algorithms keep changing, and the updates are quite hard to keep up with.
But the reality is, SEO isn’t dying; it’s just evolving. The tactics that worked four or five years ago might not work today, but the core principles of SEO? Those haven’t changed.
Here’s a few myths we need to bust:
Myth #1: SEO is only about keywords
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This is false. Yes, of course, keywords are important, but modern SEO focuses on intent and user experience.
So Google is interested in matching searchers with the best content, not just a website or piece of content that uses a keyword the most. It’s about creating content that genuinely helps people.
Myth #2: You need to pay for ads to rank
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Wrong again. Organic SEO is very much alive, especially for small business owners. Of course, paid ads can supplement your strategy, but with the right practices, you can absolutely rank without spending a dime.
Myth #3: SEO is too technical for small businesses
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False! Of course, there are technical elements, which we make easy for you anyway at Durable, but there are plenty of straightforward strategies you can start using today.
We have an entire video dedicated to helping you set up your SEO strategy!
What Google wants in 2025: Key ranking factors to focus on
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So, what is Google looking for in 2025? It all boils down to one thing: delivering the best possible experience to users. Here’s what they’re focusing on this year
- Quality content
- E-E-A-T
- Mobile-first everything
- Core web vitals
- Local SEO
Quality content: The heart of Google’s algorithm
The number one thing Google is looking for is quality content. Google’s algorithms are better than ever at understanding context and depth. That means your short and long-form content needs to be informative, engaging, and actually helpful.
Think blog posts that answer your customers’ questions, very detailed product pages, and videos that showcase your expertise.
Understanding E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness)
Have you heard of this acronym before? It stands for Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
Google wants to see if you’re credible and trustworthy in your niche.
Mobile-first: Why it’s crucial for SEO in 2025
More than 60% of searches happen on mobile devices. S, if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out.
Test it out yourself: Is your website fast? Easy to navigate? Looks good on a phone? All of those items are super important not only for experience but for SEO too.
Core web vitals: Optimizing your website’s performance
Google cares about your site’s performance. Fast loading times, responsive design, and stable visuals are a must. And with Durable, your website is built with all of this in mind.
Local SEO: How to rank for local searches
Last but not least, if you’re a small business owner, don’t underestimate the power of local search. Google My Business is still a goldmine for driving local traffic to your site and brick-and-mortar store if you have one.
And with Durable, your website is built to complement your local SEO efforts, from automatically integrating location-specific keywords to making sure your site is mobile-friendly and fast, which are extremely important for ranking locally.
SEO best practices for 2025: Actionable tips for small business owners
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Now, let’s talk action. How can you keep your small business competitive in this evolving SEO landscape?
Here are our top 5 tips:
Tip #1: Update your content regularly for better SEO
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The truth of the matter is, is that stale content won’t rank. Make sure you revisit your website and update your blog posts, service pages, and FAQs with fresh, relevant info.
And if you’re short on time or ideas, Durable’s Blog Builder can help. It not only generates SEO-optimized blog posts but can also auto-publish them to keep your content fresh without the extra effort.
Tip #2: Optimize for voice search with long-tail keywords
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With the rise of smart assistants like Siri and Alexa, more people are using conversational phrases in their searches. Include long-tail keywords and question-based phrases in your content.
Learn more about voice search and how to optimize your site for it →
Tip #3: Focus on local SEO to attract nearby customers
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Make sure your Google Business Profile is up-to-date with accurate contact info, hours, and photos.
Don’t forget to encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Reviews are a major ranking factor!
Tip #4: Invest in visual content to engage visitors
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Videos, infographics, and images are not just nice to have, they’re huge for engagement.
Don’t forget to optimize them with alt text and descriptive file names. This helps with your Image SEO and means your website images could appear when someone is searching for images on Google.
Tip #5: Build backlinks to improve your website’s authority
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Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your own. Partner with local businesses or directories to earn quality backlinks.
Backlinks from reputable sites are still a major factor in SEO.
So, is SEO dead in 2025? Absolutely not. But it’s not about gaming the system anymore. It’s about understanding what your audience needs and delivering it better than anyone else. That’s what makes SEO so exciting in 2025.
If you’re ready to take your website’s SEO to the next level, hit the like button, subscribe for more tips, and drop your questions in the comments below.
And if you want an SEO-friendly website that’s ready to go, check out Durable. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you next time!
