SEO Isn’t Dead| 3 Things Every Small Business Must Do Now
Zach+ Custer
October 19, 2025
SEO Isn’t Dead — It’s Evolving: 3 Actionable Steps for Your Small Business
Are you worried because you’ve heard that “SEO is dead”? You’re not alone. In our three-part video series we explored:
- Part 1: Is SEO Dead?
- Part 2: Why People Are Saying SEO Is Dead
- Part 3: What to Do Now
Why People Think SEO Is Dead
Many big websites have published articles with titles like “SEO Is Dead, According to Google” from Inc. Magazine or “AI Kills SEO as the Whole World Watches” from Forbes. Those headlines get attention, but here’s what’s really happening:
- More people are getting answers without clicking on websites.
Semrush found that 57% of Google searches end with no clicks at all. People get the answer right on Google.
People are searching in new places.
Search Engine Journal found that 64% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials now use TikTok as a search tool.
Google keeps changing its algorithm.
There are thousands of updates every year. When your traffic drops, it doesn’t mean SEO is dead. It means the rules changed again.
So no, SEO isn’t gone. The old version of SEO doesn’t work anymore. What works today is being visible everywhere people search.
Your 3-Step Action Plan
Time to stop feeling confused and start doing something. Here are three steps you can implement today.
1) Own Your Google Business Profile
If you do one thing this week, make it this. Go to Google and claim your Business Profile. Add your hours, phone number, services, photos, and website link. Keep it updated. Respond to every review.
Google uses your profile to decide which businesses show up in Maps and local results. This is often where people find you first.
Google itself says that relevance, distance, and prominence are the three key factors that decide which businesses appear in search results.
You can learn more about improving your local SEO in our Search Engine Optimization services page.
2) Fix Your Website Experience
Next, take a look at your website. Is it slow? Is it confusing? Does it clearly tell people what you do and how to contact you?
Google now ranks websites partly based on user experience. That includes speed, clarity, and helpful content. These are called “Core Web Vitals.”
Google says that websites that meet Core Web Vitals have a better chance of ranking higher because they make life easier for visitors.
Semrush adds that helpful, people-first content is more important than ever. Google’s algorithm rewards websites that answer real questions and solve problems.
If your site needs a refresh, check out our Website Design Services page to see how we build fast, SEO-ready sites for small businesses.
3)
Be Visible Where Your Customers Search
Your customers are not only searching on Google. They are watching videos, scrolling TikTok, using YouTube, asking ChatGPT, and reading reviews on social media. Find out where your customers are spending time and show up there. Here’s an easy plan:
- Take one common customer question and turn it into a short blog post on your website.
- Record a 30-second video answering that same question for TikTok or YouTube Shorts.
- Post a short version of the answer on your Google Business Profile or social media.
This keeps your message consistent and makes sure you’re visible across multiple platforms.
Search Engine Journal found that 64% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials use TikTok for search, while Google still handles more than 8.5 billion searches a day. That means you need to show up in more than one place.
The Bottom Line
SEO isn’t dead. But bad SEO is.If you:
- Keep your Google Business Profile updated
- Make your website faster and clearer
- Create helpful content on multiple platforms
You’ll already be ahead of most small businesses. Don’t wait for algorithms to change again. Start today.
Our team at Custer Marketing helps small businesses get found on Google and in AI search tools. Visit our site to learn how we can help you grow.
