“SEO? Isn’t that so 2024?”
Well . . . yes and no.
The world of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is constantly evolving because our search habits are too, especially among younger audiences. Looking at 2025, TikTok and AI are ushering in two fresh approaches to SEO . Enter two new acronyms —SMO and and GEO.In this blog, we’ll break down what these new forms mean and how you can start using them right away. Because being visible online is not going anywhere anytime soon.
SEO in 2025 —SMO and and GEO. is sporting a fresh look just like that childhood friend who suddenly shows up to a party with a bold new vibe. Today, online visibility isn’t just about showing up on Google. It’s about being discoverable on TikTok and by AI too. And this is where SMO and GEO comes in.
Gen Z and TikTokgo hand-in-hand. More and more young people are turning to social media platforms instead of Google when they’re searching for answers. This trend has skyrocketed in recent years. Statistics show that around 40% of people aged 18–24 use TikTok or Instagram instead of traditional search engines and are looking for quick, visual answers..
GEO stands for Generative Engine Optimisation. Increasingly, people are asking their questions directly to AI tools like ChatGPT, Bing Chat, or Gemini. According to recent stats, ChatGPT alone handles over a billion user messages per day worldwide. No wonder then that AI is rapidly reshaping the SEO landscape.
Time for action! Here are five key steps to help you make the most of fresh approaches to SEOthese new forms of SEO.
Include relevant keywords in your username and bio, and add a link to your website or other social profiles as a call to action. Pin your best, SEO-optimised videos to the top of your profile.
This helps you get discovered not only on TikTok but also by traditional search engines like Google.
People on social media are looking for real experiences. Employee-Generated Content (EGC), where staff share authentic stories, often performs better than polished corporate content. The human touch wins.
Gone are the days when keywords live only in text. videois the future and AI tools know it. They’re now picking up on spoken words and using them to match search queries.
So don’t just use keywords in captions or hashtags. Say them out loud in your videos. For example, “This is the ultimate hack for . . . ” and then use auto-captions or add subtitles manually. Not keen on speaking yourself? Try using a voice-over to deliver your keywords.
Thanks to smart assistants like Siri and Alexa, voice searchis on the rise. What’s changed? Search queries are longer, more naturally phrased, and more conversational. AI users and TikTok viewers often ask questions the same way they’d speak.
Respond to this by offering clear, concise answers in plain language.
An old favourite with a modern twist. Structured content has always mattered for SEO—think about clear headings and paragraphs. But now, AI-powered engines also rely on structured data to interpret pages.
Add schema markup to FAQs, how-tos, product pages, and reviews. Tools like Rank Math, Yoast SEO Premium, or Google Tag Manager can help.
Search behaviour is changing fast. Google isn’t being dethroned, but it is being joined by new players like TikTok and AI tools. That means your SEO strategy needs to shift too towards more visual content, longer search phrases, and conversational queries. Stay ahead by adapting smartly, and boost your online visibility right now and for the future.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the changes? No stress. Get in touch and we’ll help you figure out the right first step for your business.
