How Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) Is Changing Search Behavior

If your business serves customers in person, a Google Business Profile (GBP) isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. A well-optimized GBP boosts your visibility on Google Search and Google Maps, improves your chances of showing up at the top of local results, and gives you full control over how your business appears online. It’s your digital storefront—make sure it’s working for you. Alright, maybe “make or break” sounds a little intense—but truth be told, a well-optimized Google Business Profile can be the difference between being overlooked and being the go-to choice in your area.

As of July 10, 2025 , Google will be indexing Instagram content. That’s right—posts, reels, and carousels from Instagram will soon be part of the searchable web. This update represents a major step in how Google defines and surfaces “relevant content.”  For years, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have existed outside the traditional search ecosystem. Now, Google is making it clear: multimodal SEO is no longer a niche strategy—it’s becoming a core part of the online experience Google wants to deliver to its users.

Your website is often the first interaction people have with your brand—so it needs to make a great impression. If it looks outdated, loads slowly, or lacks modern functionality, visitors might click away before they even see what you’re all about. In today’s fast-moving digital world, a website that hasn’t been updated in years can feel clunky and disconnected from your audience. In 2025, a website redesign isn’t just about looking good—it’s about staying ahead. A fresh, modern site can boost performance, enhance user experience, and leverage the latest tech trends, from AI-powered features to cutting-edge design. If your website isn’t pulling its weight anymore, it might be time for an upgrade. Here are some clear signs it’s time to hit refresh.

In today’s digital age, your website is your business' front door. It’s the first impression for potential customers, a 24/7 representative of your brand, and a powerful tool for growing your business. But having a website isn’t enough—it has to be effective. Here’s how you can make sure your small business website is truly working for you. YOUR VISITORS/CUSTOMERS EXPECT IT Let me ask you this: Do you trust a business that doesn't a website that isn't easy to navigate through much less no website at all? You already know the answer. Almost everyone today is tech savvy and the first thing they do after hearing about your business or seeing on social media is head online to check your digital presence. If their search results come up short, then it's on to the next one. Decisions are made that quickly. FOCUS ON MOBILE OPTIMIZATION More than half of website traffic comes from mobile devices, so a mobile-optimized website is essential. Make sure: Responsive Design: Your website adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes. Mobile-Friendly CTAs: Keep buttons large enough to tap easily and avoid pop-ups that can be difficult to close on mobile. Page Load Speed: Optimize images and scripts for fast loading on mobile devices—this keeps users engaged and boosts SEO rankings. ENGAGING APPEARANCE Your homepage is often the first impression a visitor will have with your brand. It should immediately communicate who you are, what you offer and why their choosing your brand. If you don't know how to build a professional website for your business, consider hiring someone before you attempt it yourself. CONTENT IS KING One crucial component that often shapes the user experience and determines the site's success is content. Compelling, relevant, and engaging content doesn’t just fill space on a page—it serves as the foundation for attracting and retaining visitors, fostering trust, and driving conversions. Consistent, thoughtfully crafted content helps build a memorable brand voice, making it easier for visitors to connect with and remember your business. Good content filled with valuable information, relevant keywords, and organized headers makes it easier for search engines to understand your site. The better your content, the higher your chances of ranking well on search results, which drives more organic traffic. High-quality, unique content like blogs, articles, and FAQs can also attract backlinks, further boosting your SEO. FINAL THOUGHTS A website is one of the most powerful tools in your small business arsenal, but only if it’s set up for success. By prioritizing clear messaging, mobile optimization, SEO, customer testimonials, and security, you’ll be well on your way to creating a website that attracts, engages, and converts visitors into loyal customers. Take the time to invest in these strategies, and your website will become a powerful asset that drives growth and reflects your brand’s unique value.

Whether you’re a small business, a local player, or a global enterprise, one truth applies to all of us:  Our audience is made up of people. And people come with natural biases and instincts. One of the strongest is the need to connect. We seek relationships. We’re wired to be social. We already know this. Yet so many brands still overlook the easiest way to build that connection—by showing their human side. We’ve worked with hundreds of companies on web projects, and we hear the same thing over and over. Small businesses ask how they can look bigger. Big businesses ask how they can seem smaller. But in reality, every brand should focus on looking more human. More approachable. More real. The irony? It’s simple. The fastest way to connect with customers, visitors, and future prospects is to show them the people behind the brand.

Questions about optimizing mobile page speed are common in the web design world. To address these, we turned to Russ Jeffery, Director of Platform Strategy at Duda and one of our experts on the matter. With his extensive experience and deep knowledge, Russ provides valuable insights into the key factors that impact mobile page speed and how to improve it effectively.

In 2025, this principle will be more important than ever, especially with the rise of zero-click searches and a flood of undifferentiated content being churned out with AI. Algorithms are constantly evolving, but the brands that truly succeed will be the ones that prioritize their audience’s needs over flashy tactics. Keep reading for my top predictions for where SEO and content are headed next and what to do about it, whether you’re an in-house marketer or an agency helping your clients navigate what’s to come…

While the phrase “modern website design” might seem straightforward to seasoned web professionals, it's a lot more than just pictures, colors, and buttons on a page. Its nuances profoundly shape user expectations, brand perception, and a site’s long-term viability. In fact, web design is responsible for 94% of a visitor’s first impression of your clients’ businesses.  In this article, we’ll take a forward-looking approach to 2025’s most important design trends.

By considering user purpose in personalization, creating buyer personas, and leveraging content marketing strategies such as thought leadership, social proof, team expertise, and client success metrics, you can scale your clients' conversion rates and help them achieve long-term success.