Key Insights for Success in 2025
Are you curious about how other SEO professionals are managing this year’s challenges? You’re definitely not alone. Our latest State of SEO Report is filled with insights that show what’s working, what’s not, and what’s on the horizon in the SEO world.
Top SEO Challenges: Content vs. Algorithm Changes
Content creation has always been a big focus in SEO. In 2023, 13.8% of SEO professionals said it was their biggest hurdle. But things have shifted. In 2024, 22.2% of those surveyed pointed to algorithm changes as their main concern, a jump from 8.6% the previous year.
Why the shift? It turns out that 30.2% of SEO experts found core and general algorithm updates to be the biggest source of traffic instability. Compare this to 2023, where 55.9% actually felt these updates helped their efforts.
The takeaway? Even creating the best content doesn’t always guarantee a top spot in search results anymore. With Google’s algorithms constantly changing, staying updated is more important than ever.
Budget Constraints: A Big Challenge in SEO
Budget limitations are another major challenge. Our survey found that 19.4% of SEO professionals are facing budget constraints. This issue was also the top reason clients left, according to 41.0% of those surveyed.
So, what can you do if your budget is tight? Focus on creating content that truly serves your target audience. Collaborate with your marketing team to share this content on the platforms where your customers spend their time. While Google’s rules might change, the need for valuable content that meets customer needs stays the same.
Another smart move? Prove your return on investment (ROI). Track customer journeys and see where you’re gaining conversions. If things aren’t working, adjust your strategy and create a solid plan to improve.
What’s Changing in the SEO Industry?
AI is expected to drive big changes in SEO. 29.0% of those surveyed believe AI will lead to significant shifts. Meanwhile, 16.6% think that Google updates will continue to be a major factor.
Performance Disruptions and AI
Generative AI and AI-generated content are making waves. About 36.3% of State of SEO respondents believe these will be major disruptors moving forward.
Key SEO metrics: adapting to changes
Tracking the right metrics is key. 20.0% of respondents said that keyword rankings are the most important metric, with organic pageviews being a close second at 11.7%.
But what if these metrics start to fluctuate? It’s smart to build business value into your tracking. Focus on attracting high-quality traffic and putting your efforts where they bring in the best users.
Skills in Demand: Keeping Up with a Changing Landscape
Technical SEO and data analysis are the hardest skills to find. 18.9% of respondents said technical SEO is the most challenging skill to come by, while 14.8% pointed to data analysis.
Looking to grow as an SEO professional? Develop rare and desirable skills. 18.2% of those surveyed indicated that soft skills are in high demand, while 15.7% said the ability to build and execute SEO strategies is key.
Other Key Findings
SEO competition is on the rise. 69.8% of SEO professionals noticed an increase in SERP competition over the last year.
Client turnover remains steady. Half of the SEO pros reported that client turnover hasn’t changed much throughout 2024.
Zero-click searches aren’t causing major shifts yet. Only 13.2% believe that these will significantly impact the SEO industry.
Take the Next Step in SEO
The State of SEO 2025 Report is your guide to understanding what’s happening in the SEO world. Download it today to learn more about the challenges, opportunities, and strategies that will help you succeed in the coming year.
Source: Search Engine Journal
