Introduction
SEO never stays the same. What worked last year? It might get you nowhere today. Search engines evolve, user habits shift, and new tech keeps shaking things up. If your business doesn’t keep up, your competitors will.
At Elites Algorithm, the top Los Angeles SEO agency, we spend our days (and sometimes nights) keeping track of these changes. Our job is to help businesses get ahead— and stay there. So, what’s next for SEO? Let’s break it down.
The Evolution of SEO: A Quick Look Back
SEO used to be easy—well, easier. A decade ago, you could sprinkle keywords, grab a few backlinks, and watch your site climb the rankings. That doesn’t fly anymore.
Google has gotten smarter. Now, it focuses on search intent, relevance, and user experience. Updates like Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird ensured that. The old tricks? Google buried them, and businesses that didn’t adapt got buried, too.
AI and Machine Learning: The Future of Search
Google’s algorithms aren’t just scanning for words anymore—they understand them. AI-driven systems like RankBrain and BERT don’t just match keywords; they figure out what a searcher wants.
So, if your content is stuffed with keywords but doesn’t answer the question? You’re out of luck. SEO today is about helpfulness, not hacks. And AI is only going to get better at spotting the difference.
Voice Search & Conversational SEO
Voice search isn’t the future—it’s already here. People are searching differently with smart assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Instead of typing “Los Angeles SEO agency,” they ask, “What’s the best SEO agency in Los Angeles?”
That means content needs to sound natural. If your website reads like a robot wrote it, you won’t rank well for voice searches. Answer questions about the way people talk. Could you keep it simple, clear, and direct?
Mobile-First Indexing: Why Mobile SEO Matters More Than Ever
Google has made it official: if your website doesn’t work well on mobile, you’re in trouble. They now rank websites based on their mobile version, not desktop.
If your site loads slowly, has tiny text, or forces people to pinch and zoom—expect visitors to bounce. A mobile-friendly site should:
- Load in under 3 seconds (faster is better).
- Be easy to navigate without frustration.
- Keep things clean and readable—no clutter, no tiny buttons.
If mobile isn’t a priority for you yet, it should be. Because of Google? It already is.
E-E-A-T: Why Trust Matters for SEO
Google wants to show searchers content they can trust. That’s why it ranks websites based on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
So, how do you prove you’re legit?
- Publish content by real experts, not just generic writers.
- Back up claims with reliable sources and data.
- Earn high-quality backlinks from trusted sites.
Google’s not just ranking what you say—it’s judging who’s saying it.
Video SEO: The Future of Online Content
People love watching videos. YouTube is the second-biggest search engine, and Google often ranks videos before text-based content.
To make video work for SEO:
- Use keyword-rich titles and descriptions.
- Add subtitles (Google reads them!).
- Embed videos on your website and blog.
Google sees time spent on your site as a ranking factor. And guess what? People stick around longer when there’s video.
Zero-Click Searches & Featured Snippets
Google now answers a lot of searches directly—without sending users to a website. These “zero-click searches” include:
- Featured snippets (those answer boxes at the top).
- People Also Ask sections.
- Knowledge panels (info pulled from trusted sources).
So, how do you get your content in these spots? Keep answers short, clear, and well-structured. If you can answer a question in one sentence, you can be featured.
Local SEO & Google My Business
If you’re a local business, local SEO is everything. When someone searches “SEO agency in Los Angeles,” Google pulls up Google My Business (GMB) listings first.
To rank in local searches:
- Claim and update your GMB profile (yes, this matters).
- Get customer reviews—Google trusts what real people say.
- Use location-based keywords on your website.
A strong local presence means more calls, visits, and customers.
Core Web Vitals: Google’s User Experience Update
Google isn’t just ranking content anymore—it’s ranking experience. That’s why it introduced Core Web Vitals, which measure:
- Page load speed (faster is better).
- Interactivity (does your site lag when people click?).
- Visual stability (no annoying layout shifts).
If your site frustrates users, Google notices. And you can bet it’ll affect your rankings.
Backlinks in 2025: Quality Over Quantity
Backlinks still matter—but not just any backlinks. A few high-quality links from reputable sites will do more for your rankings than 100 spammy ones.
How do you get good backlinks?
- Create content worth linking to.
- Network with industry influencers.
- Guest posts on reputable blogs.
Earning backlinks is a long game, but among the most powerful ranking signals.
SEO Automation & AI Tools
SEO is complex, but AI-powered tools make tracking rankings, optimizing content, and researching keywords easier.
Some of our go-to tools:
- SurferSEO (content optimization).
- Ahrefs & SEMrush (keyword and backlink analysis).
- Google Search Console (performance tracking).
These tools don’t replace strategy, but they help you make smarter and faster decisions.
Social Signals & SEO
Social media doesn’t directly impact rankings, but it helps. How?
- Shares and engagement drive traffic.
- Brand mentions boosting credibility.
- A strong social presence builds trust.
If your content is getting shared, Google pays attention.
The Future of SEO: What You Should Do Now
SEO isn’t about tricking search engines. It’s about helping users. What is the best way to future-proof your rankings?
- Focus on useful, engaging content.
- Optimize for mobile, voice, and UX.
- Build trust through authority and backlinks.
If you help people find what they need, Google will reward you.
Conclusion
SEO is always evolving. The businesses that win aren’t chasing the loop but investing in long-term strategies.
At Elites Algorithm, the top Los Angeles SEO agency, we help businesses stay ahead of the curve. Need a winning SEO strategy? Let’s talk.
FAQs
How will AI impact SEO in the future?
AI will make search engines smarter, focusing on intent, context, and user experience rather than just keywords. SEO strategies will need to prioritize natural, helpful content to stay competitive. Elites Algorithm stays ahead of these AI-driven changes to keep businesses ranking.
Is voice search reanging SEO?
Yes, voice search is growing fast, and people now use longer, more conversational queries. Websites need to optimize for natural language and question-based searches to stay visible. The Elites Algorithm helps businesses adapt their content for voice search success.
What role does video play in SEO rankings?
Video is now a major ranking factor, with Google prioritizing engaging, high-retention content. Adding SEO-friendly titles, descriptions, and transcripts boosts visibility in search results. The Elites Algorithm helps businesses optimize video content for better rankings.
Are backlinks still important for SEO?
Yes, but quality matters more than quantity—spammy links can hurt rankings. Focus on earning high-authority, relevant backlinks through great content and relationships. Elites Algorithm builds strong, ethical backlink strategies for long-term success.
How does local SEO impact businesses in Los Angeles?
Local SEO helps businesses appear in “near me” searches and Google Maps results. Optimizing Google My Business, reviews, and location-based keywords is key for visibility. Elites Algorithm specializes in helping LA businesses dominate local search.
