According to Gartner, an American research and advisory firm focusing on business and technology topics, by 2026, the volume of search queries made through traditional search engines is expected to drop by 25%. Though search engine use may reduce, that doesn’t mean people’s curiosity will. Attention is simply shifting to alternative channels. In addition to AI-powered tools, these alternatives also include popular marketing platforms that many brands manage separately from their SEO efforts.
A smart move for 2025 is to embrace an integrated content strategy that redistributes high-quality content across multiple platforms without duplicating effort. Done right, this approach helps brands capture audiences wherever they choose to search, scroll, and engage.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are increasingly acting as alternative “search engines” not just for entertainment, but for researching brands and discovering products. Social promotion can and should work hand in hand with SEO, driving organic traffic to your site through promo codes, exclusive offers, or time-limited deals.
A good practice is to include a direct website link (or a Linktree) in your profile bio, and to make sure your profile name and description include relevant keywords.
Why Social Signals Matter for SEO
Content published on social media is indexed by search engines and can appear in search results. What’s more, Google and other engines take user interaction into account: likes, shares, comments, and views all contribute to content visibility. Active discussion and buzz around your brand in social spaces signal credibility and authority, especially if your posts earn backlinks or positive mentions on other sites.
The takeaway? Quality and relevance are everything.
Customize your content for each platform, ensuring it offers real value and meaningful insights to your audience.
A Practical Blueprint for Smarter Social Media Marketing
Here’s how to build a clear, actionable SMM checklist that naturally supports your SEO goals:
Secure Your Brand Presence Everywhere
Register your brand, company, idea, or community on as many relevant social media platforms as possible. Prioritize the major networks: Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Pinterest, and any others where your target audience is active. The goal is to meet your potential customers where they already spend time.
Complete Your Profiles in Detail
Make sure your company pages include every important detail. Not just your official name, website, and contacts, but also your physical location, store hours, and ownership type if applicable. These extra details can help with discoverability and trust.
Publish Unique, Timely Content
Your posts should be more than just interesting– they should address current trends, spark conversation, and attract new visitors. Share content that invites followers to think, react, and engage.
Think Strategically About Promotion
How will you get your content reshared? While there’s no direct ranking factor for likes or reposts, their indirect influence is undeniable. Encourage bloggers, influencers, and niche web communities to share links to your site, your social profiles, or specific standout posts.
Be Open, Engaged, and Responsive
Posting good content is just the start. Build genuine interaction by replying to comments, answering questions, and handling feedback, even criticism, with a professional, friendly tone. Done well, this turns casual followers into real advocates for your brand.
In today’s digital landscape, SMM and SEO are no longer siloed strategies. When combined thoughtfully, they amplify each other. A consistent connected approach helps you reach audiences who discover brands beyond Google’s search bar.
Start with quality, stay active, and nurture your community. The payoff is worth it: stronger organic reach, broader brand recognition, and a resilient presence across search and social.