Hi everyone, I’ve been following the recent discussions here about SEO in 2025, especially how original content alone is no longer enough to rank — and I wanted to share some insights from my own experience. I run two local service platforms in Kuwait: • https://car-service-kw.com — focused on auto repair, mobile garages, battery change, etc. • https://homelykw.com — focused on home services, maintenance, and emergency repairs. Here’s what we found working best in our region: ✅ Local Keyword Focus: Instead of “best AC repair,” we target things like “AC technician in Farwaniya” (local city). ✅ Social Media Boost: TikTok + Instagram traffic indirectly boosts SEO. We noticed pages go up in ranking when they get traction on reels/stories. ✅ Micro-Backlinks from Forums & Niche Sites: Being active in niche forums and blogs (not spam) gave us high-retention backlinks that Google clearly values. ✅ Mobile Speed Optimization: We heavily optimized Core Web Vitals. Pages under 2s load time did better. ✅ Mix of Human + AI Content: We use AI to assist in article structure and idea generation, but always add a local voice. Anyone else running location-based services or targeting local markets? What’s working best for you this year?
I’d add these 5 points as well: + Use hyperlocal keywords - add neighborhood names or landmarks to get better local search results. + Add FAQ schema - Google shows it in search and more people click your link. + Post сase studies - share short service stories with photos and client feedback. + Work with local influencers - even small TikTok or IG accounts can drive real traffic. + Grow your brand - promote your brand through local sites, offline events, and any other channels - branded searches boost traffic, conversions, and trust. See more: How having a brand changes the game in SEO and how to succeed at it.
In 2025, successful SEO centers on understanding user intent, delivering high-quality, engaging content, and adapting to AI-driven search experiences. Focus on building a strong brand presence, optimizing for user experience, and leveraging AI tools to enhance content creation and distribution.