Ep 118: How to Nail SEO in 2025 with Greg Brooks

Episode 118

The NEW SEO

Welcome to the Tiny Marketing Show! In this episode, I’m sharing how to upsell from a Gateway Offer in 2025.

Episode 118: SEO in 2025 – Insights for Small Marketing Teams and Founders

Welcome to Tiny Marketing!
Host: Sarah Noel Block
Guest: Greg Brooks, CMO and Partner at Search Tides

Episode Highlights

Introduction to Search Tides

• Search Tides has been a leader in SEO and social search for over 13 years.

• Expertise spans from small businesses to global brands, focusing on adapting to the evolution of marketing channels.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Power of AI in SEO

• Google’s Advantage:

  • Google’s AI has access to the most extensive dataset, giving it an edge over competitors like ChatGPT.

  • Most websites block GPT crawlers but allow Google to crawl, enhancing Google’s training dataset.

• Practical AI SEO Strategies for Small Teams:

  • Human Expertise Matters:

    • Leverage unique expertise and experiences to stand out in a world of AI-generated content.

  • Content Optimization:

    • Use Q&A formatting: Present the question, answer it concisely, and provide context in the same paragraph.

    • Avoid fluff; aim for value per word or value per second in written or video content.

2. When SEO Isn’t Worth It

• National SEO Challenges:

  • Competing with established brands is difficult for solo marketers or founder-led businesses.

  • Focus efforts elsewhere if you lack resources for extensive SEO campaigns.

• Local SEO Opportunities:

  • Prioritize geographical relevance by:

    • Engaging with local chambers of commerce.

    • Gathering local Google reviews.

    • Earning backlinks from community organizations.

  • These strategies position you as the most relevant local option for search queries.

3. Social Media as a Search Engine

• Optimize for Social Discovery:

  • Treat platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest as search engines.

  • Use keywords in profiles and content to improve discoverability.

  • Research search trends specific to your platform and audience.

• Quicker Wins for Small Teams:

  • Social search often provides faster results than traditional SEO.

  • Prioritize where your audience spends time and tailor content accordingly.

4. Voice Search and SEO

• What to Know:

  • Voice search emphasizes top results and location-based relevance.

  • Optimization for voice mirrors traditional SEO but requires sharper focus on local keywords and concise answers.

5. The Human Era of Content

• SEO Evolution:

  • From traditional link-building to showcasing expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T).

  • Future: Human storytelling will differentiate brands in a sea of AI-generated content.

• Stand Out with Authenticity:

  • Infuse personality, values, and expertise into content.

  • Consumers will prioritize brands that resonate with their unique needs and values.

Key Takeaways

1. Optimize for AI Summaries:

   • Use Q&A formatting to ensure AI crawlers understand your content.

2. Leverage Social Search:

   • Treat social platforms as search engines and optimize accordingly.

3. Infuse Personality and Expertise:

   • Share authentic stories and demonstrate your unique value.

4. Prioritize What Matters:

   • Small marketing teams must focus efforts on strategies that provide the most significant ROI.

Greg’s Final Advice

• Success often comes from choosing what not to do.

• Focus on fewer, impactful strategies and execute them consistently.

Where to Find Greg Brooks and Search Tides

• Website: searchtides.com

• LinkedIn: Search Tides | Gregory B. Brooks

• YouTube: Search Tides

Connect with Sarah

• Join the Tiny Marketing Club: sarahnoelblock.com/club

• Follow on LinkedIn: Sarah Noel Block

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