SEO in the Age of Generative Search Engines

“I don’t know how to do SEO in 2025.”
A lot of marketers feel this way right now — and for good reason.

Search has changed. It’s no longer just about ranking on Google. In 2025, people are finding answers through AI-powered search results, voice assistants, social platforms, and even chatbots. Welcome to the world of “Search Everywhere Optimization.”

1. Google isn’t the only game in town

Sure, classic SEO still matters — clean websites, strong content, and solid backlinks. But today, visibility also depends on how your content shows up in AI tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, or Bing’s Copilot.

2. AI answers need better inputs

Generative search engines don’t just crawl websites — they summarize. That means your content needs to be clear, factual, and structured in a way AI can understand and cite. Think: straight answers, organized data, and trusted sources.

3. Being visible = being everywhere

It’s not just about your website anymore. You need a presence on platforms with high authority — Medium, LinkedIn, Reddit, YouTube, Amazon — wherever your audience is searching or asking questions.

4. Brand mentions matter more than backlinks

Traditional link-building is being replaced by brand visibility. If AI sees your name mentioned across trusted sites, forums, and newsletters — even without a link — you start becoming the default answer.

5. Your community is your SEO

Reddit threads, Discord chats, Slack groups, niche forums — they all influence search now. Show up. Add value. Get noticed.

So, what’s the move?

Think of SEO as a long game — a mix of content creation, brand building, and platform strategy. Instead of chasing rankings, aim to be the most helpful, trusted voice on your topic, across every touchpoint.

The goal?
When someone searches for answers — no matter where or how — they find you.

16 Likes

Very Well said. Visibility is the key here.

You need to be visible everywhere, online or offline both.

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well said @Julie0xnana, but how do you recommend balancing efforts between traditional SEO practices and emerging visibility channels like AI tools, social search, and community platforms, especially for small teams or solo marketers who don’t have the resources to be everywhere at once?

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Great question! For small teams or solo marketers, the key is focus and leverage. Start by doing traditional SEO right—optimize your site for core topics your audience cares about. Then pick 1–2 emerging channels where your audience actually spends time, and go deep there.

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does that work for web3 projects? especially this AI era that things are shipped really fast

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