Why Your Website Needs to Be Visible Everywhere

Last Updated on August 14, 2025

SEO 2025: It’s (Still) All About Being Seen

Making Sure Your Small Business, Nonprofit, or School Gets Found Online

Green Geeks Hosting recently had a great webinar by Pathfinder SEO Lindsay Halsey. It was a great reminder that (hopefully) we are all doing the right things and not falling into an AI trap.

Once upon a time, SEO was simple: Ranking. Traffic. Leads. Sales. That’s still part of the game — but the game board has changed.

Here’s what’s happening right now: Google and Bing’s AI are changing how people find your website in the SERPs. ChatGPT and other AI tools are answering questions before people even click on your site.

If you’re still thinking about SEO the old way – just trying to rank #1 for a keyword – you’re missing the bigger picture.

The New Reality: It’s About Being Everywhere

Your audience isn’t just searching on Google and Bing anymore (SEO). They’re looking at AI summaries (AEO). They’re asking ChatGPT questions (GEO). They’re checking reviews and social media (SXO).

The question isn’t where you rank. It’s whether people can see you, and if AI tools find you worth quoting.

AI results eat zero click search for breakfast. That means fewer people will click through to your website – maybe 30-40% less traffic for basic information searches. But here’s the opportunity: when they do visit, they’re more serious about what you offer.

What Actually Works in 2025

Here’s what you need to focus on:

Create Content That Answers Real Questions

Stop writing for search engines. Write for people. When someone has a problem your nonprofit solves or needs a service your small business provides, be the clear, helpful answer.

  • Write like you’re talking to a friend
  • Answer the question in the first paragraph
  • Use the words your customers really use
  • Include specific examples from your experience

What you need to do:
Ask your customers, clients, or supporters one question you hear all the time (e.g., “How much does it cost to…” or “What’s the best way to…”). Write a short blog post or page:

  • Answer the question in the first two sentences
  • Use their exact words in the headline (e.g., “How much does it cost to adopt a rescue dog?”)
  • Include a personal example or story
  • Publish and share it on your social channels

➡ Why it works: It’s immediately useful, indexed by Google/AI tools, and directly addresses your audience’s actual needs.

Build Trust Everywhere Online

AI tools look for credible sources. That means:

  • Get more Google reviews (yes, this still matters enormously)
  • Keep your Google Business Profile and Bing Places updated (don’t forget NAP!)
  • Make sure your “About” page tells your real story
  • Share case studies and success stories
  • Use your own photos, not stock or AI images

How to go about it:
Reach out to three happy clients or supporters this week and ask them for a Google review using a direct, personal message (include the review link).

  • Thank them publicly on social media once they post
  • Add a short quote from each review to your website’s homepage or “About” page

➡ Why it works: Real reviews and testimonials are credibility signals for both humans and AI ranking systems.

Make Your Technical Foundation Solid

The basics still matter:

  • Fast-loading website
  • Works perfectly on mobile (honestly? still not mobile-friendly??)
  • Clear page titles that make sense
  • Good internal linking between your pages
  • Alt text for images
  • Secure website (HTTPS)
  • Schema markup! (Without schema, AI search systems have to guess what your content is about, which lowers your chances of appearing in AI-generated answers and featured results.)

Your website should work smoothly for everyone who visits.

How you can do this:
Run a free Google PageSpeed Insights test on your homepage.

  • If mobile score <80, choose one fix to implement this week – such as compressing images using a free tool like TinyPNG, or enabling browser caching in your hosting dashboard.

➡ Why it works: Even one improvement can make your site faster, which boosts both user experience and Google visibility.

Get Found in More Places

Don’t put all your eggs in the Google basket:

  • Claim your profiles on relevant platforms
  • Participate in community discussions
  • Guest post or speak at events
  • Build relationships with other local businesses
  • Share your expertise wherever your audience gathers

Try it out for yourself:
Identify one platform your audience uses besides Google or Bing (e.g., LinkedIn for B2B, Instagram for local services, or a community forum).

  • Create a simple “introductory post” about who you are, what you do, and one helpful tip in your expertise area
  • Post it this week and engage with 3 related posts from others on that platform

➡ Why it works: Being active in additional discovery spaces widens your reach and creates more citation points for AI and social search.

Focus on What You Do Best

Here’s where small businesses, nonprofits, and schools have an advantage: you have real stories.

AI can’t replicate your actual experience helping clients, students, or community members. Share those stories. Show your work. Be authentic about your mission and results.

When someone searches for what you offer, make sure they find:

  • Clear information about how you help people
  • Proof that you deliver results
  • Easy ways to contact you
  • Current, accurate information about your services

The Bottom Line

SEO in 2025 isn’t about gaming the system. It’s about being genuinely helpful and making sure people can find you when they need what you offer.

Focus on your audience, keep your information current, and build trust online the same way you do offline – by consistently delivering value.

Remember: Your digital presence should support your real-world mission, whether that’s serving customers, helping your community, or educating students.

Related Articles: Off-Page SEO, SXO, and AI-Enhanced SEO