Future of SEO: 5 Key SEO Trends for 2026

Search engine optimization, known as SEO, has changed a lot over the past several years. The early days of SEO were characterized by tactics like using low-quality backlinks and keyword stuffing. Search engine algorithms have become increasingly more sophisticated, and now artificial intelligence (AI) has entered the equation. 

There is even some speculation around the notion that “SEO is dead” in 2025, thanks to AI-powered algorithms. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. However, businesses that employ SEO strategies will need to evolve to stay competitive. Here is what you need to know about the future of SEO and five key SEO trends to watch for in 2026. 

The State of SEO in 2026

Many people wonder whether social media, voice search, and AI have completely replaced SEO. There is also speculation that SEO is no longer relevant for online visibility. Neither is the case. In fact, the businesses that focus on SEO as part of their digital marketing strategies remain the ones that will experience the best results. 

However, the SEO landscape continues to change and evolve. According to Search Engine Journal’s latest State of SEO 2026 report, digital marketers report that original content continues to have the most positive impact on SEO efforts. This is followed by content updates and technical SEO improvements. 

5 Key SEO Trends for 2026

As long as search engines exist, businesses will need to focus on SEO. But what your brand should focus on and how SEO helps you achieve your goals will change over time. If keeping pace feels challenging, you’re in the same position as others in your industry. However, the future of SEO is about connecting with people where they search for answers, across various platforms. Here are five key SEO trends for 2026 that can help your business stay competitive:

1. The Domination of AI Overviews

It would be hard not to notice that Google’s AI Mode and AI Overviews have been stealing clicks by directly answering users’ questions on the search results page. Instead of having to click through to a website to read content, searchers can get everything they need with a “zero-click search.”

Currently, only about 15% of search engine results feature an AI Overview. But that figure is expected to change over the next several years. So, what can you do about Google’s AI Overviews? If you can’t beat them (you can’t), join them. 

Create content that has the best chance of being included in AI Overviews. For example, create content that answers many frequently asked questions (FAQs). Include tables, bullet points, and numbered lists. Consider hinting at the availability of personalized solutions so that users will be incentivized to click through for more information.

2. LLMs Erode Google’s Market Share

In October 2024, Google’s market share dipped below 90%, the first time it had dropped this low since early 2015. More and more consumers are using search engines other than Google to obtain faster and more elaborate answers to their questions. Instead, many consumers are turning to large language model (LLM) platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. 

LLMs provide conversational responses that are relevant and increasingly accurate, eliminating the need to perform extensive searches and research. Similar to optimizing for AI Overviews, brands will need to create structured content that aligns with question-based, long-tail searches to get found by these algorithms.  

3. E-E-A-T and Topical Authority Are Critical

No matter how much search algorithms have evolved, the one thing that has changed is the necessity of creating high-quality, relevant content. To stand out in a vast sea of low-quality, AI-generated content, creating credible, useful, and engaging content becomes a must. 

Search engines are increasingly measuring who is behind the content in addition to what is being written. Google applies its E-E-A-T framework to ranking content, which is short for:

• Experience — Google will prioritize content written by those with first-hand experience on the topic. 
• Expertise — Google will evaluate the subject matter expertise of the content creator.  
• Authoritativeness — Does your brand or website establish authority among other influencers or experts in your industry?
• Trustworthiness — Google values trustworthiness among brands by evaluating things like site security, accuracy of business details, having a listed privacy policy, and more. 

4. Optimizing for Search Everywhere

Search is no longer in a single place. Users are discovering brands, products, and services across multiple platforms like Google, YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, TikTok, Facebook, and Amazon. This shift in consumer search further redefines how brands boost their online visibility. 

A “search everywhere” optimization strategy will combine optimizing for the platforms you control, such as your website, blog, and online profiles, with influenced visibility, where others discuss your brand and make recommendations. Instead of being concerned about ranking #1, the larger goal should be to show up in as many places as possible to create a strong overall presence.

5. Leveraging AI-Powered Tools

While having AI engines write and publish your content isn’t the best strategy, AI solutions are becoming invaluable tools for SEO professionals. The amount of data available has become so vast, that it’s simply impossible to gather and analyze it using old-school methods. AI tools can quickly make sense of the current marketplace and identify opportunities to gain a competitive edge. 

Digital marketers can use AI tools to identify the best long-tail keywords to target for your content marketing campaigns, create draft transcripts of video content, and deliver detailed insights. Instead of replacing human efforts, these tools are making tasks more efficient and effective. 

Contact Too Darn Loud Marketing to Future-Proof Your SEO Strategy

As search engine algorithms continue to evolve, the goal remains the same: connecting people with the most trustworthy, helpful, and relevant information as quickly as possible. Instead of chasing shortcuts to defy algorithms, a long-term strategy that focuses on providing real value will help your business continue to achieve positive results. At the same time, you’ll need to understand how search algorithms work so you can boost your digital visibility and organic growth. 

At Too Darn Loud Marketing, we stay on the cutting edge of search engine algorithm changes, so our clients can focus on their core business. Our experts offer customized digital marketing solutions to businesses throughout the United States, including targeted SEO strategies. 

Call us today at (800) 649-1764 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation and website evaluation.