reevaluating the role of backlinks in 2025 insights from recent studies

Reevaluating the Role of Backlinks in 2025: Insights from Recent Studies

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Reading Time: 5 minutesBacklinks have long been the bedrock of SEO success.

For years, SEOs treated backlinks like votes of confidence—more links meant more authority, and more authority meant higher rankings.

But as we step further into 2025, that narrative is changing.

Search engines are getting smarter. Google’s algorithms are evolving beyond raw link counts. And the rise of AI-generated content, topical authority models, and user behavior signals is reshaping how Google defines “trust.”

So, the question we must ask: Are backlinks still as powerful as they once were?

how ai is changing local seo forever

How AI Is Changing Local SEO Forever

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Reading Time: 5 minutesSearch engines have gotten smarter. Your customers have, too. And now, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how local SEO works from the ground up. From automation and personalization to predictive analytics and real-time insights, AI is giving marketers a new toolkit—and a major competitive edge.

navigating googles ai overviews strategies to maintain organic visibility

Navigating Google’s AI Overviews: Strategies to Maintain Organic Visibility

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Reading Time: 5 minutesSearch as we know it is changing—fast.

If you’ve noticed a sudden drop in your click-through rates (CTR), you’re not alone. Google’s AI Overviews, which now appear at the top of many search results, are transforming how users interact with content—and who gets the clicks.

A recent analysis found that CTR for top-ranking organic listings has dropped by an average of 34.5% in queries showing AI Overviews. That’s a seismic shift for brands relying on organic traffic.

In this post, we’ll break down what AI Overviews are, how they impact visibility, and most importantly—how to adapt your SEO strategy to thrive in this new landscape.

the rise of generative engine optimization geo preparing for ai driven search

The Rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): Preparing for AI-Driven Search

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Reading Time: 5 minutesSearch is evolving—fast. As AI-generated content begins to dominate the top of search results pages, marketers, SEOs, and content strategists are facing a critical new challenge: how do you optimize for generative engines rather than traditional blue links?

Welcome to the new frontier of digital visibility: Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).

6 website mistakes that are killing your colleges seo and how to fix them 1

6 Website Mistakes That Are Killing Your College’s SEO (And How to Fix Them)

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Reading Time: 4 minutesIs your college website holding back your online potential? Our checklist, “6 Website Mistakes That Are Killing Your College’s SEO (And How to Fix Them),” dives into common pitfalls like outdated design, technical issues, and missed local SEO opportunities. Packed with actionable tips for a comprehensive education website audit, this guide will help you master college website optimization and attract more students while improving your search rankings. Don’t let simple mistakes hinder your success\u2014start optimizing today!

seo beyond google how visibility is shaped by ai social and other search engines 1

SEO Beyond Google: How Visibility Is Shaped by AI, Social, and Other Search Engines

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Reading Time: 3 minutesWhen we think about search engine optimization (SEO), Google often takes center stage. And for good reason—it dominates the search market. But if you’re only optimizing for Google, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Today’s consumers don’t just search on Google; they also turn to Amazon, YouTube, TikTok, social media, and even AI-driven platforms to find what they need.

chatgpts growing influence on search behavior what it means for seo 1

ChatGPT’s Growing Influence on Search Behavior: What It Means for SEO

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Reading Time: 4 minutesArtificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the digital landscape, and ChatGPT is at the forefront of this change. As one of the most powerful AI-driven language models, ChatGPT is altering how users interact with search engines and access information online. But what does this mean for SEO? How can businesses adapt to this shifting digital landscape?

ai is reshaping online shopping—heres what it means for your business

AI is Reshaping Online Shopping—Here’s What It Means for Your Business

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Reading Time: 2 minutesThe way people shop online is undergoing a massive transformation, and AI is at the center of it all. From personalized recommendations to AI-powered search, digital shoppers are interacting with technology in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. If you’re an eCommerce brand or retailer, now is the time to adapt—or risk being left behind.

the cost of doing nothing why ignoring seo is hurting your colleges enrollment

The Cost of Doing Nothing: Why Ignoring SEO is Hurting Your College’s Enrollment

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Reading Time: 5 minutesIn an increasingly digital world, your college’s online presence can make or break its enrollment numbers. If prospective students can’t find your institution when they search for degree programs, scholarships, or campus life, they may never even consider applying. The truth is, search engine optimization (SEO) isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Neglecting SEO has real financial and operational consequences for colleges, and the cost of inaction grows every year.In this article, we’ll explore the risks of ignoring SEO, why it should be a cornerstone of your enrollment marketing strategy, and how your college can take action now to improve visibility and attract more students. If you’re ready to elevate your institution’s digital presence, ScaledOn can help—learn more about our SEO services for colleges.

googles new core update is shaking up rankings—heres what you need to do now

Google’s New Core Update Is Shaking Up Rankings—Here’s What You Need to Do NOW! 🔥

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Reading Time: 4 minutesHey there, fellow digital enthusiasts! 🌟 If you’ve noticed some turbulence in your website’s rankings recently, you’re not alone. Google has just rolled out its March 2025 Core Algorithm Update, causing quite a stir in the SEO community. Let’s dive into what this update entails, how it might affect your site, and, most importantly, how you can adapt to stay ahead of the curve.​

first party data the key to ecommerce growth in a cookieless future

First-Party Data: The Key to Ecommerce Growth in a Cookieless Future

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Reading Time: 4 minutesThe marketing landscape is shifting, and for ecommerce brands, the writing is on the wall—third-party cookies are disappearing. Google’s phaseout of third-party cookies and increasing privacy regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA, are making it harder for marketers to track users and deliver targeted advertising.