In the realm of News SEO for the year 2025, a recent survey conducted by NewzDash has shed light on the emerging trends that are shaping the industry. This survey, encompassing insights from 100 news publishers and SEO professionals, provides a glimpse into the future trajectory of news SEO.
One of the key highlights of this study is the increasing influence of Google Discover as a significant driver of traffic for publishers. However, the outcomes from Google Discover have been varied, with a notable 52% of respondents ranking it as a top priority for the upcoming year. While 56% witnessed a surge in traffic originating from Discover, 21% experienced declines, indicating the evolving landscape of news SEO.
The survey also accentuated the disruptive impact of AI-driven features on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). A considerable 39% of participants perceive Google AI as a potential threat to their traffic, while 43% remain uncertain about its implications. The integration of AI has led to changes in visibility and click-through rates, with 32% reporting adverse effects due to these alterations.
Furthermore, the issue of content scraping by AI platforms has emerged as a growing concern within the industry. Strategies employed by publishers to safeguard their content from scraping include the implementation of paywalls, structured data, and legal measures. These measures are crucial to protect the integrity and uniqueness of their content in an era dominated by technological advancements.
Among the predominant challenges faced by SEO teams, budgetary constraints stand out as a significant hurdle. A notable 34% struggle with limited funds for essential tools and resources, while 24% cite a lack of advanced SEO expertise within their teams. Additionally, 17% express a dearth of specialized SEO tools tailored for news publishers, underscoring the need for enhanced resources and skill development within the industry.
The survey also delves into the organizational structures of SEO teams, revealing that a majority operate with lean team sizes. About 44% of teams consist of 2-5 members, with 34% managed by a single individual overseeing all responsibilities. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between SEO and editorial teams to streamline operations and enhance the implementation of SEO strategies.
Looking ahead to 2025, News SEO professionals are honing their focus on several key areas. These include maximizing traffic through technical and creative strategies on Google Discover, adapting to AI-driven search alterations, diversifying traffic sources beyond traditional search, and fostering cross-team collaboration across editorial, product, and SEO domains.
In conclusion, the 2025 News SEO Survey underscores the necessity for adaptability and innovation in navigating the challenges posed by AI advancements and evolving platform dynamics. Success in the news publishing landscape of 2025 hinges on the formulation of robust strategies, collaborative efforts, and a forward-thinking approach to address the changing facets of news SEO.