SEO Trends to Dominate 2025: What You Need to Know

Non-Click Search Rankings – Why They Matter More Than Ever

Ever noticed how Google answers your question right there on the search results page, without you needing to click a link? These are called “zero-click searches,” and they’re becoming more common. In fact, nearly 65% of Google searches in 2024 ended without a click.

It was found that 37% of searchers ended their session entirely, indicating they found the information they were looking for, and 22% changed their search query to something else, indicating they didn't get what they were looking for.

To make the most of this trend, your content needs to aim for featured snippets, knowledge panels, and other rich search result features. This means structuring your content for Google to grab the best bits, like clear definitions, numbered lists, and concise answers to common questions.

Pro Tip: Use schema markup (structured data) to help search engines understand your content better. Mark up FAQs, reviews, and product details to increase your chances of showing up in non-click search results.

Content Quality Over Quantity (Finally!)

If you’ve been churning out blog posts for the sake of it, stop now. In 2025, search engines will reward quality content over sheer volume. This doesn’t just mean well-written pieces; it’s about creating relevant content that’s original, engaging, and genuinely useful.

Google’s algorithm updates are increasingly favouring “people-first content” – the kind that solves problems or answers questions, rather than content designed just to hit a keyword target. So, check over your content strategy and make sure your focused on valuable content like long-form, well-researched articles, videos, and guides that showcase your expertise.

And although AI-generated content is on the rise, don't be lured by this shortcut. As we discuss in our blog Are AI-generated blogs actually any good, it's a shortcut that could end up costing you a lot of traffic.

Did you know? Blogs that are over 2,000 words long rank higher in organic search results, according to HubSpot. That’s because longer content tends to provide more in-depth answers, keeping users on the page longer - which search engines love!

Smarter Link-Building Strategies for 2025

Gone are the days of building hundreds of low-quality backlinks and hoping for the best. In 2025, link building is all about earning high-quality backlinks naturally by creating content that people genuinely want to share.

Here’s how to do it smarter:

• Focus on quality over quantity. A single backlink from a high-authority site can be worth dozens of low-authority ones.

• Build relationships. Collaborate with influencers, bloggers, and other businesses in your niche to earn links naturally.

• Leverage data. Create unique reports, infographics, or surveys that others will want to cite in their content.

Pro Tip: Guest blogging is still effective – but only when done right. Write for relevant, high-quality sites and focus on providing value instead of cramming in your links.

Voice and Visual Search Are Taking Over

With smart speakers like Alexa and Google Home found in most homes, as well as smart assistants on our phones, optimising for voice search is no longer optional. People aren’t typing “best Italian restaurants near me” anymore; they’re saying, “Hey Google, where’s a great place for pizza tonight?” Voice search queries are longer and more conversational – so your content should match.

Visual search also can't be ignored, with over 20 billion visual search queries made every month on Google Lens. Google Lens makes it easy for users to search using images instead of words and Google reports that a huge 1 in 4 visual searches using Lens have commercial intent. For ecommerce businesses especially, this is a huge opportunity. Make sure your images are high quality, optimised with alt text, and compressed for fast loading.

Pro Tip: Add FAQ sections to your site with natural, conversational language – it helps with both voice search and Google’s featured snippets.

Video Is Still King (and It’s Here to Stay)

We’ve been hearing it for years, but it’s truer than ever: video content is dominating the internet. In 2022, video made up a huge 82% of all internet traffic. I think it's fair to say this number is huge and really goes to show, if your SEO strategy doesn’t include video yet, it’s time to rethink things.

As well as over 82% of traffic coming from video, it's shown that viewers retain 95% of a message when watching it on video - opposed to 10% through text. Another astonishing fact that really should change the way you think about video marketing.

Short-form videos, in particular, are growing rapidly thanks to platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels. Not only do they engage audiences better than text or images as mentioned above, but Google also loves embedding videos in search results.

Action Step: Create short, educational videos that answer common questions in your industry. Then, embed them into your site and optimise their titles and descriptions for keywords.

Google Trends for Keyword Research – A Must in 2025

Staying on top of search trends can be tough, but Google Trends makes it easier. This tool allows you to track rising topics and keywords in real time, helping you spot opportunities before they become saturated.

For example, if you’re a fitness brand, you could use Google Trends to spot increasing interest in “low-impact workouts” and create content around it before your competitors do. Pair this with long-tail keywords – specific phrases like “best low-impact workouts for beginners” – to target niche audiences effectively.

Local SEO is More Important Than Ever

If you run a local business, listen up. Google is prioritising local search results like never before, and mobile searches are driving the change. According to Statista, 60% of global online traffic now comes from mobile devices, which means your site needs to be optimised for mobile users.

Make sure your Google Business Profile is fully updated, complete with accurate contact info, photos, and customer reviews. Encourage happy customers to leave glowing reviews – they can make or break your rankings in local search results.

The Bottom Line – Staying Ahead in 2025

SEO in 2025 is about being adaptable, creative, and human-focused. It’s not just about pleasing algorithms anymore – it’s about creating a seamless, valuable experience for your audience. From leveraging AI to prioritising user experience, the trends are clear: put people first and the rankings will follow.

Need help navigating the latest SEO trends?

At Monday Clicks, we specialise in creating SEO strategies that work – no jargon, no shortcuts, just real results. Let us handle the hard work so you can focus on growing your business. Get in touch today to future-proof your SEO!