Keeping up with Google, AI, and SEO trends can feel like trying to hit a moving target… in the dark… while running your business. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be a tech wizard to win at SEO in 2025.
You do need to understand where search is headed (hint: it’s not just Google anymore) and how to show up where your customers are looking.
I get it. SEO and AI-driven search can sound like a foreign language. But trust me, you don’t need to become a tech guru overnight. What you do need is a clear roadmap of where to focus your time and budget to get the biggest bang for your buck.
So consider this your no-nonsense guide to what truly matters in online visibility right now. I’ve personally seen these strategies work wonders for businesses just like yours, and I’m here to break it down simply, so you can stop stressing and start attracting more clients.
Classic SEO (Still a Big Deal)
Content That Speaks Human (and AI)
Ever ask Siri or Google something like “What’s the best physio near me?” or “How do I stop my dog barking at the mailman?” You’re not alone and your customers are doing the same.
AI-powered search engines are changing how people find info. They don’t just scan for keywords anymore, they’re reading for meaning.
How to get in the game:
- Write like you talk. Add FAQ sections that answer real customer questions (yep, the ones you get all the time).
- Use structured content: clear headings, bullets, tables—make it easy for both readers and AI bots.
- Add schema markup to pages. Sounds nerdy, but it’s like giving Google a cheat sheet for your content. Focus on FAQ, How-To, Product, and Review types.
Local SEO: Be the Big Fish in Your Pond
If you’re a service-based business, Google’s local results are where the magic happens. Most people don’t scroll past the map pack and they’re looking for a business like yours nearby.
Where to focus:
- Keep your Google Business Profile up to date (photos, hours, reviews, etc.).
- Create pages targeting your key locations—“Plumbing Services in Newcastle” beats a generic page every time.
- List your business in local directories and consider sponsoring a community event (those links count!).
Get Your Tech in Check
Google’s getting fussier about site quality. If your site is slow, glitchy, or confusing on mobile – expect to be ghosted.
Quick wins:
- Make sure your website works beautifully on mobile (not just “looks okay”).
- Use free tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or check Core Web Vitals in Search Console.
- Fix broken links and make sure all your pages are indexed properly.
The AI Era Is Here (Don’t Panic)
Search is no longer just about ranking on Google. Tools like ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity are changing the way people get answers. They’re not showing links—they’re giving summaries.
So if you want your business to show up, you need to write in a way that AI tools understand and respect.
Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO): Be the Source AI Loves
AI tools love content that’s clear, scannable, and credible. They’re looking for answers, not fluff.
What to do:
- Use headers to break up your content (H1, H2, H3—it matters).
- Write in a Q&A format when it makes sense. Think FAQs, interviews, etc.
- Earn backlinks from credible sites like Medium, Reddit, Quora, or reputable blogs—AI often pulls from these.
Optimise for Voice Search: “Hey Google…”
More people are searching with their voices—and they use different language when they do.
Make it work for you:
- Use conversational phrases (“best sushi near me open now” instead of “sushi restaurant”).
- Focus on long-tail keywords and “near me” searches.
- Aim to answer questions that could land in voice results or answer boxes.
Pro tip: Think about the way your customers ask questions out loud—then mirror that language in your content.
So, What Should You Actually Do Next?
You don’t need a 50-page SEO strategy to succeed. Start small. Focus on creating helpful content, showing up locally, and making your site faster and easier to navigate.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s what we’re here for.
We’re Method Marketing—a small but mighty team that helps fellow small businesses punch above their weight. We love making complex things (like AI and SEO) make sense—and deliver results that make your phone ring.
👉 Let’s chat about how we can help your business show up and stand out in today’s search landscape.
