We’ve been exploring strategies to navigate the changing landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) heading into 2025. Specifically, we’ll discuss the impact of Google’s Helpful Content Update (HCU) and how it’s reshaped search results. At Centsr, we strategize how to optimize performance marketing objectives
Moving forward, SEO professionals may need to adapt to an omni-channel, multifaceted role. Offering a range of services to cover the evolving landscape is essential. By staying informed about the latest updates, leveraging media buying, collaborating with forums and publications, and maintaining a focus on domain authority, you can effectively navigate the changing SEO landscape and ensure your clients’ success in 2025 and beyond.
Almost a year since the HCU, Google’s ranking algorithm update, we’ve witnessed a significant shift in search results. Brands, Reddit forums like Quora, and niche forums And a major publisher sites now take precedence over traditional affiliate sites. Additionally, sponsored posts have become more prevalent above the fold, affecting organic rankings.
What does this mean for you as an SEO professional? Here are some options to consider:
- Embrace Media Buying: Sponsored posts now dominate the top search results. Potentially work on your media buying chops or consider investing in it as part of your strategy for you or your client
- Collaborate and Partner: If you can’t beat them, join them. Reach out to editors and publications, pitch your products or services, and try to get your client’s product or service featured on existing lists. This could involve negotiating partnerships, trading backlinks, or other collaborative efforts. You have to get creative
- Engage with Forums: Forums play a significant role in search results. While manipulating forum results can be challenging, there are strategies to engage effectively. Research forum engagement strategies and consider partnering with a community manager to promote your brand on forums. There may be opportunities for longtail forum results beyond the traditional SEO approach.
- Focus on Domain Authority: Despite the prominence of brands and forums, Google still considers domain authority in its ranking factors. Building organic traffic, diverse traffic sources, and attracting visitors beyond search engines is crucial. Backlinks, content, structure, and traffic remain important elements of SEO.
In a seminar hosted by renowned SEO expert Neil Patel, he introduced the concept of “Search Everywhere Optimization” (SEO) as a potential evolution of SEO in 2025. Patel emphasized that Google’s recent Helpful Content Update has shifted the focus from traditional SEO strategies to a more comprehensive approach that considers the entire digital landscape. This aligns with the ideas we are discussing now, highlighting the need for SEO professionals to embrace a multifaceted role that encompasses media buying, forum engagement, brand partnerships, and a renewed focus on domain authority. Patel’s seminar underscores the significance of adapting to the changing SEO landscape and adopting a holistic approach to ensure long-term success for clients.