Will SEO Ever Be Dead? The Truth About Google’s Algorithm Updates

Let’s be honest—if you've ever typed “Is SEO dead?” into Google, you’re not alone.

This question has been asked so many times it might as well have its own dedicated spot on Google’s algorithm update calendar. And yet, here we are. Still optimising websites. Still writing blogs. Still checking search rankings like it's the Premier League table.

So… is SEO dead?

Short answer? No.

Long answer? Grab a cuppa and settle in—we’re going to unpack the truth about SEO, Google’s ever-changing algorithm, and why investing in good SEO is still one of the smartest things a small business owner can do.

The “SEO Is Dead” Myth (and Why It Won’t Go Away)

Every few months, a headline crops up claiming SEO has taken its final breath. Usually, this coincides with a big Google update that sends shockwaves through the digital marketing world.

It’s a bit like when Marmite changes the recipe and everyone panics, only to realise it still tastes the same two weeks later.

Here’s the truth: SEO isn’t dead. It’s evolving.

The only thing that’s “dead” is old, spammy tactics. You know the kind—keyword stuffing, buying backlinks from dodgy websites, and hiding white text on a white background (yes, people really did that).

What we’re seeing now is a more refined version of SEO, one that rewards quality, relevance, and genuine value. Google has simply grown up—and it expects websites to do the same.

Let’s Talk About Google’s Algorithm (Without the Jargon)

Google’s algorithm is basically the recipe it uses to decide which websites show up on page one. And just like any good recipe, it’s been tweaked and tested over time.

There have been core updates, helpful content updates, spam updates, product review updates—the list goes on. Each update has one job: to make Google’s search results more useful for the people using it.

An Analogy You’ll Like:

Think of Google like a busy shop assistant. You walk in and say, “I’m looking for waterproof walking boots under £100.”

Old-school SEO would have told the assistant: “Just shout ‘boots’ at them twenty times and hope for the best.”

Modern SEO? It teaches the assistant to say: “We’ve got a selection sorted by waterproof rating, price, and customer reviews. Let me show you.”

That’s what Google wants—to be helpful. And SEO that aligns with that will always have a place.

How Updates Can Help (Yes, Really)

A local garden centre we worked with in Kent had a website that hadn’t been touched since David Cameron was Prime Minister. It was ranking OK for a few searches, but most traffic came through brand name searches (people already knew them).

After the helpful content update rolled out, they lost rankings—at first.

We revamped the site with local SEO pages (“garden tools in Maidstone”, “landscaping supplies Kent”), added FAQs, optimised the product descriptions, and started blogging monthly with seasonal gardening tips.

Fast-forward three months: traffic up 78%, ranking on page one for “best garden centre Kent”, and they’ve had to hire an extra pair of hands for customer service.

Google didn’t kill their SEO—it just gave them a nudge to modernise.

What Google Actually Wants from Your Website

Here’s what Google is trying to reward with each algorithm update:

1. Helpful, Relevant Content

Think about your customers. What are they typing into Google when they’re looking for your product or service?

Write content that answers those questions clearly. Avoid fluff, clickbait, or trying to sound clever. Be useful.

2. Good User Experience

If your website looks like it’s from the MySpace era and takes 15 seconds to load on mobile—Google isn’t going to love it.

Simple layout, fast load times, easy navigation. That’s the gold standard.

3. Authority and Trust

Do you have reviews? Are you linking to credible sources? Is your content written by someone who knows what they’re talking about?

These are all signals Google uses to decide whether your site is trustworthy.

4. Freshness

Updating your content regularly shows Google your site is alive and kicking. That doesn’t mean a new blog post every day—but monthly updates go a long way.

“But I’m Just a Small Business…” – Why SEO Still Matters

You don’t need to compete with Amazon. You need to be found by the people in your area who need your service.

If you’re a local plumber, coffee roaster, accountant, hairdresser, or dog groomer—SEO helps you show up when someone searches for exactly what you offer, in exactly the area you serve.

That’s powerful.

What Happens If You Ignore SEO?

Let’s paint a picture.

You have a gorgeous shop in the middle of a bustling high street—but the windows are covered with black-out blinds, your signage is blank, and your front door is around the back near the bins.

That’s what having no SEO is like.

Your website might look great, but if no one can find it when they’re searching for what you offer… it may as well not exist.

FAQ: Will SEO Ever Be Dead?

❓ Is SEO still worth it in 2025?

Absolutely. More people than ever are using Google to find local services, products, and answers to their questions. SEO helps your business show up at the right time.

❓ Does AI mean SEO is obsolete?

Not at all. AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s own AI search helpers rely on websites to get their information. If your content is high-quality and well-optimised, it could be the source those AI tools reference.

❓ Can I just use social media instead of SEO?

Social media is great—but it’s like shouting into a pub. SEO is like owning the whole pub, and having people walk in asking specifically for you.

❓ Do I need to blog for SEO to work?

Blogging isn’t essential, but it’s incredibly helpful. It gives Google more content to crawl, more keywords to connect to your business, and more chances to answer your customers’ questions.

❓ What’s the deal with keywords now?

Keywords still matter—but it's more about topics and intent. Instead of repeating “wedding photographer Bristol” ten times, you’d write a helpful guide about planning a Bristol wedding, naturally including related phrases.

The “Quick Fix” Trap (and Why It’s a Red Flag)

We get it—SEO can feel slow. You want results yesterday. That’s why the internet is flooded with “instant ranking” offers and miracle promises.

But here’s the truth: if someone promises to get you on page one overnight, run a mile.

Google is smart. It sees manipulation from a mile away. What works in the short term can get you blacklisted in the long run.

Good SEO is like gardening. You plant the right seeds, nurture them regularly, and in time—you reap the rewards.

The Future of SEO: What to Expect (and How to Prepare)

Google is getting better at understanding what people mean, not just what they say. That means SEO is becoming more natural, more human, and (ironically) more about being authentic.

Here's where things are heading:

➤ Voice Search

With the rise of smart speakers and mobile assistants, people are asking questions differently. Instead of typing “plumber Hackney”, they say, “Who’s the best plumber near me?”

Optimise for those conversational queries.

➤ AI-Powered Search Results

Google is experimenting with AI that summarises answers instead of listing ten blue links. But it still needs content to summarise—so high-quality, well-structured content will remain essential.

➤ E-E-A-T

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. These are the pillars of content Google loves. Showcase your experience. Share case studies. Feature testimonials. Be real.

A Final case study to Leave You With

A bakery owner in Brighton once told us, “I thought SEO was a con until someone called saying they found me on Google and wanted cupcakes for 200 people.”

That single order paid for their SEO for the entire year.

It’s not always flashy. It’s not always instant. But when it works—it can transform your business.

Ready to Be Found on Google?

If you’re a small business owner in the UK wondering whether SEO is still worth it—the answer is yes. But only if it’s done properly, with long-term growth and real people in mind.

At 99 quid websites, we help small businesses get found by the right people, at the right time, with SEO that’s smart, ethical, and tailored to your goals.

Want to stop wondering if SEO is worth it—and start seeing results?

👉 Get in touch with us today for a friendly chat about how we can help your business grow.