SEO has changed a lot over the years, and as we head into 2025 and beyond, it will keep evolving quickly. Akshay Patni, the founder of RankHawn, shares his views on the trends, challenges, and chances that businesses need to focus on to remain competitive in this fast-changing digital world.
“SEO isn’t just about making a few changes to rank on Google anymore; it’s about ongoing adaptation, using technology effectively, and prioritizing user experience,” Akshay says. Here are his predictions and strategies for excelling in SEO in the future.
Key Trends Influencing the Future of SEO
1. AI and SEO’s Evolution
Search engines are now focusing on innovation while ensuring they remain relevant to users. The emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT has streamlined processes like content creation, keyword research, and optimization.
“AI isn’t taking over SEO; it’s making it better. Companies that use AI to customize user experiences and anticipate search intent will achieve higher returns,” says Akshay.
RankHawn started as an SEO company in Bangalore now provind AI-enabled marketing strategies to clients:
- Enhance chatbot interactions
- Boost engagement
- Reach target audiences effectively
AI will also enhance the user experience by customizing content and interactions based on individual browsing habits. Brands that adopt AI today will stay ahead as SEO continues to grow more intricate.
Content Remains Key: Finding the Right Balance Between Cost and Quality
Suppose you are having Ecommerce SEO Services than AI tools can speed up content creation, Akshay Patni highlights that quality is still crucial.
“Poor content will never achieve good rankings. The challenge is to produce high-quality content at the lowest cost to enhance ROI,” Akshay explains.
Many companies wrongly believe that AI can fully take over content creation. However, without depth and value, content will struggle in search engine performance.
Main Point: Success in SEO relies on balancing cost and quality. Investing in well-thought-out, engaging, and optimized content is vital for sustainable growth.
2. E-E-A-T Will Be Essential
Google’s emphasis on Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) will become increasingly important. Brands must demonstrate they are credible information sources, not just through quality content but also via:
- Reviews
- Social proof
- A strong reputation
“E-E-A-T is more than just an SEO element; it’s about earning trust from your audience. Brands need to establish themselves as trustworthy leaders in their fields,” Akshay points out.
At RankHawn, methods like:
- Expert-driven content
- Influencer collaborations
- Positive user interactions
…have helped clients enhance their E-E-A-T and improve search rankings.
3. The Rise of Visual and Video Search
AI advancements are improving how search engines interpret images and videos. Visual and video search will become dominant as platforms like TikTok and Instagram evolve and consumer habits shift.
“Brands that aren’t investing in video content will fall behind. Video is no longer optional; it’s an SEO necessity,” Akshay explains.
Strategy: Optimize images and videos with:
- Proper file names
- Alt text
- Schema markup
- Engaging visual storytelling
These efforts will boost visibility in search results.
4. Backlinks Will Evolve
While backlinks remain important for credibility, search engines are becoming more selective due to increased content and rising crawling costs.
“It’s not about having the most backlinks—it’s about having the most relevant ones. Search engines are looking at context, diversity, and natural link-building strategies,” Akshay points out.
At RankHawn, the focus has shifted to earning organic backlinks through:
- Guest blogging
- Influencer collaborations
- Content partnerships
Technical SEO also plays a role. Brands must:
- Ensure their sites are easily crawlable
- Optimize speed
- Fix broken links
- Improve site navigation
5. Paid Media as a Support for SEO
Although paid media does not directly influence SEO rankings, it plays a crucial role in enhancing visibility and brand recognition.
“Companies with a growth mindset recognize that SEO and paid media complement each other. A well-rounded approach will boost your brand’s message and speed up results,” Akshay explains.
Key Benefits of Paid Media:
- Increase traffic
- Generate backlinks
- Broaden reach
These efforts contribute to long-term SEO objectives.
Core Web Vitals: Importance of User Experience
Google’s Core Web Vitals assess key performance indicators such as page speed, interactivity, and visual stability. These factors are vital for both rankings and user satisfaction:
Page load time should be under 2.5 seconds, with quick interactivity and minimal response times. A stable and visually consistent browsing experience is a must.
Mobile-First Indexing Is the Way Forward
Google now emphasises mobile-first indexing, ranking sites based on their mobile versions.
“If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you risk losing both rankings and customers,” Akshay cautions.
Steps to Optimize for Mobile:
- Prioritize responsive design
- Use Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP)
- Ensure smooth user experiences across all devices
Voice Search Is Growing
Voice search is changing how people use search engines. Akshay Patni believes businesses must focus on conversational and question-based keywords.
“Optimizing for voice search means understanding what users want and how they search locally. Brands that adopt voice-first strategies will attract this new audience,” he states.
