The Evolution of Search: From Engines to Social Media

In this episode of The Digital Marketing Podcast, brought to you by TargetInternet.com, Daniel, Ciaran, and Louise revisit the age-old question: “Is SEO dead?” This time, they look ahead to 2025 and beyond. The hosts examine how search engine optimisation has evolved—and why it’s far from obsolete, despite the rise of AI, generative search, and changing user behaviours. The Big Question: Is SEO Dead in 2025? The team reflect on how this debate has reappeared time and again over the years. Daniel recalls delivering “Is SEO Dead?” presentations for more than a decade. Each new development—like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE)—prompts marketers to wonder if SEO, as we know it, is on its last legs. The consensus? While the landscape is changing, SEO is definitely still alive. The Evolution of Search Search Everywhere Optimisation (SEO?) Daniel mentions a Neil Patel reference to “Search Everywhere Optimisation,” suggesting marketers need to ensure their content is discoverable across multiple platforms—search engines, social media, and beyond. While Ciaran pokes fun at the buzzword bingo, this concept points to the wider reality that people no longer rely solely on Google for answers. Search Journey Optimisation (SJO) Daniel also sarcastically floats another acronym—“Search Journey Optimisation”—to emphasise that effective SEO now involves guiding users throughout their journey, from discovery to conversion, across numerous touchpoints. Whether it’s a blog, social channel, or AI-driven tool like ChatGPT, the goal is consistent: be where your audience is searching. Generative AI and the Future of Results Google’s Business Model A student on Daniel’s MSc programme queried whether Google’s focus on generative AI answers might undermine its core income from search ads. Daniel counters that because advertising revenue is so vital, Google will simply evolve how it integrates AI responses in order to preserve those crucial ad clicks. AI is more likely to be blended with paid search than to replace it. User Behaviour in Social and AI From Instagram’s rise as a “second largest search engine” to ChatGPT’s quick-fire Q&A approach, people’s searching habits are increasingly diversified. Still, the principle of discoverability remains paramount: marketers must ensure their content can be found wherever potential customers are looking. Why SEO (Still) Matters While AI-driven summaries and direct answers may reduce clicks for basic queries, the hosts point out that deeper engagement and conversions happen when people actually visit a website or platform. Organisations that offer in-depth, high-quality information will continue to attract meaningful traffic. In other words, SEO is still fundamental—just with a renewed focus on user-centric, valuable content across all relevant channels. If you’re intrigued by the latest acronyms (SJO, SEO, SGE) or want a clearer understanding of how AI might reshape our industry, this episode is a must-listen. Join Daniel, Ciaran, and Louise as they discuss AI’s influence, Google’s motivations, and practical steps to stay competitive. Listen now to find out why SEO keeps being declared ‘dead’—and why, in reality, it’s more vital than ever. -- You'll find all links on TargetInternet.com Show notes: https://targetinternet.com/resources/how-to-rank-in-chatgpt Have any feedback on the show? Send us your feedback, tell us what you love and what you think could be better. And, if you are really enjoying the show, please leave us a review.