In our ever-changing digital world, if there's one thing for sure, AI is here to stay. And if you've been paying attention, you've probably noticed that it's shaking things up, especially when it comes to how we search for and find information.

This is a big deal for small businesses because they must rethink how they use business information and show up online to stay relevant in search engines. In other words, AI is rewriting the SEO rules we once knew.

Don't get me wrong, SEO is still quite relevant, but the playbook we used to follow has gotten a bit of an update. This post dives into everything you need to know to optimize your website and social media while keeping your small business brand fun, approachable, and budget-friendly in 2025.

It's Not Just About the Text Search: Say Hello to Voice Search

Gone are the days when text searches like "best Italian restaurant near me" were the only way to get the information we needed. With AI on the scene, voice search is on the rise. Just think about how popular tools such as Siri and Alexa have become over the past few years.

So what does this mean? It means that besides optimizing your pages for text searches, you will need to optimize for voice search queries such as, "Where can I find good Italian food tonight?"

Instead of random keyword stuffing, you'll want to adjust your content to sound more conversational, like having a casual chat with a friend. Any keywords you DO use should be more long-form. For example, instead of targeting "Italian restaurant near me," you'll want to use words such as "family-friendly Italian spot in Summit County."

Tools such as Google's "People Also Ask" are a great budget-friendly resource for finding natural questions people are searching for!

Write for People, Not Robots

Expanding on the above, popular AI tools such as ChatGPT are answering questions directly, so your content needs to be ready to pick up on those questions. This is where that authenticity that I often speak about comes into play!

When writing your content, instead of focusing on what your competitor says and trying to mirror what they have, let your unique voice and story shine! Share those tips, insights, personal stories, and experiences that can only come from YOU. Your individual expertise and authority will make your small business stand out while providing your customers with the information they seek.

Video Content is Your New Best Friend

If stepping in front of the camera gives you stage fright, it might be time to reconsider—because AI loves video! Whether it's short-form reels, educational tutorials, or behind-the-scenes footage, videos boost engagement and improve your SEO rankings.

The good news? Creating videos doesn't need to feel like a full-length movie production. Free tools like Canva make recording and editing clips easy, even from your smartphone. Think about it—a restaurant giving a behind-the-scenes look at their best-selling dish, for example, will grab way more attention (and build more appetites) than just sharing a lengthy recipe. Plus, if you've already written that recipe or blog post, why not repurpose it into a series of video snippets for social media?

If you're still not ready to put yourself in the spotlight, ask your team if they'd be willing to step in. Or, instead of showing faces, you can film your surroundings, products, or even the process itself. Remember, your audience is drawn to authentic and relatable content, not perfection, so have fun with it!

Be the Answer AI Wants to See

You've probably noticed that whenever you conduct a search in Google, your results are now led by an "AI overview," giving a quick snippet of your answer before it displays business and blog page results. While this has undoubtedly affected the visibility of small business sites and blogs, it doesn't mean it's the end of the world!

To position your page and info to get displayed in AI's search results, you'll want to reformat your content with easily digestible information such as lists, tables, or Q&A sections. Speaking of those Q&A sections, always start with the most critical takeaways before you get into the details.

Don't Forget About Local SEO

Even as AI grows, local SEO remains vital to small businesses' success. If you haven't already done so, claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (which, by the way, is 100% free marketing for your business!). Be sure to add updated photos, ensure your business hours are accurate, and respond to any reviews you receive.

And don't forget to leverage those local keywords! For example, if you're a boutique owner, you'll get better results using keywords such as "best boutique in Summit County" versus "women's boutique."

Build Relationships, Not Just Backlinks

SEO in 2025 is less about link building and more about genuine connections. Collaborations and partnerships with local businesses, influencers, and organizations are now the ideal way to share your content and bring visibility to your small businesses, often without costing a dime. Likewise, encouraging authentic, positive reviews from your customers can help improve trust among your audience and boost your search engine rankings.

Consider AI Your New Marketing "Partner-In-Crime"

I get it. Embracing AI may be challenging initially (I know this feeling well). However, if you use it right, you'll see that AI isn't just for search engines; it can also help you create better content overall!

From brainstorming blog ideas and crafting site meta descriptions to creating product descriptions and finding new opportunities, AI tools such as ChatGPT can help you save time and money. Not to mention, most AI tools have free plans or trial versions, so you can give them a try without breaking the bank.

Don't Fear the AI Shift—Embrace It

The rise of AI doesn't mean the end of SEO—it's simply a shift in how we approach it. Think of AI as your collaborator, not your competitor. And the best part? Using it to help your small business grow doesn't have to be intimidating or costly.

By staying informed about AI's impact on search engines, staying true to your authentic voice, and focusing on creating content and experiences your customers (and algorithm) can resonate with and love, you'll be able to adapt and thrive in a world filled with AI-generated content!

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