10 Best SEO Practices to Improve Rankings in 2025

Search engine optimization (SEO) remains a critical strategy for improving your website’s visibility and attracting organic traffic. As an expert SEO agency, IncRev has identified the most effective SEO best practices to help your site climb the search engine rankings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 key SEO techniques you need to implement in 2025, including current SEO best practices shaped by recent algorithm updates and AI-driven search evolution.

What are SEO best practices for 2025?

SEO best practices have evolved significantly with Google’s integration of the Helpful Content Update in March 2024, which reduced unhelpful content by 45% and placed greater emphasis on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Today’s best SEO practices focus on semantic search, user intent, and creating genuinely valuable content that serves real people rather than just algorithms. Understanding what are SEO best practices means recognizing that AI Overviews now handle simple queries, leaving complex topics to expert-driven content—making in-depth, nuanced guides essential for ranking success in 2025.

1. Strategically place your primary keyword

One of the foundational SEO best practices is to incorporate your main keyword early in your content. Search engines like Google place greater emphasis on terms appearing near the top of a webpage. The primary position in SEO—placing your target keyword within the first 100 words—signals to search engines the main topic of your page. For optimal results:

• Include your target keyword within the first 100 words of your content
• Use the keyword naturally in your opening paragraph
• Avoid keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact rankings
• Focus on semantic variations rather than exact-match repetition

According to proven SEO best practices for 2025, semantic search and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) have replaced old-school keyword stuffing tactics. By strategically positioning your primary keyword while incorporating related terms and context, you signal topical authority to search engines and increase the likelihood of ranking for that term and related queries.

2. Create unique, valuable content

Producing original, high-quality content is crucial for SEO success. Search engines penalize duplicate content, so ensure every page on your site offers unique value. This applies to all on-page elements, including:

• Title tags
• Meta descriptions
• Body content
• Image alt text

For e-commerce sites with numerous similar product pages, consider using canonical tags to avoid duplicate content issues. IncRev can help analyze your site structure and implement proper canonicalization strategies.

3. Optimize your title tags

Title tags play a vital role in on-page SEO. To maximize their impact:

• Front-load your primary keyword in the title tag
• Keep titles under 60 characters to avoid truncation in search results
• Create compelling, click-worthy titles that accurately describe your content
• Use one primary keyword per title to avoid keyword cannibalization

Well-crafted title tags not only improve search engine rankings but also increase click-through rates from search results pages.

4. Enhance user experience (UX)

User experience has become an increasingly important ranking factor. A positive UX can lead to:

• Lower bounce rates
• Increased time on site
• Higher engagement metrics

To improve your site’s UX:

• Ensure intuitive navigation
• Optimize for mobile devices
• Improve site speed and performance
• Use clear, readable fonts and appropriate color contrast

IncRev specializes in conducting thorough UX audits and implementing data-driven improvements to enhance your site’s user experience and SEO performance.

5. Optimize site loading speed

Page speed is a confirmed ranking factor, especially for mobile searches. With over 60% of traffic coming from mobile devices, optimizing for Core Web Vitals and speed has never been more critical. To improve your site’s loading times:

• Compress and optimize images
• Minify CSS, JavaScript, and HTML
• Leverage browser caching
• Use a content delivery network (CDN)
• Optimize server response time
• Prioritize Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS)

Use tools like Google’s PageSpeed Insights to identify specific areas for improvement. IncRev’s technical SEO experts can help implement advanced speed optimization techniques to give your site a competitive edge.

6. Utilize Google Search Console

Google Search Console is an invaluable tool for monitoring your site’s search performance and remains central to SEO good practice in 2025. Recent 2025 updates emphasize semantic search and Core Web Vitals as key ranking factors, making GSC monitoring even more essential. Key features to focus on include:

• Performance reports: Track impressions, clicks, and average position
• Index coverage: Ensure all important pages are being indexed
• Mobile usability: Identify and fix mobile-specific issues
• Core Web Vitals: Monitor key user experience metrics
• Search query analysis: Discover opportunities to improve search engine rankings

Regular analysis of Search Console data allows you to quickly identify and address SEO issues, maintaining strong search visibility.

7. Implement proper image optimization

Optimizing images not only improves page load times but can also contribute to better search rankings. Best practices include:

• Using descriptive, keyword-rich file names
• Adding relevant alt text to all images
• Compressing images to reduce file size without sacrificing quality
• Utilizing responsive images for mobile devices

IncRev can help implement automated image optimization workflows to ensure all your visual content is fully optimized for search engines and users alike.

8. Develop a strong internal linking strategy

Internal linking helps distribute page authority throughout your site and guides users to relevant content. To maximize the impact of internal links:

• Use descriptive, keyword-rich anchor text
• Link from high-authority pages to important target pages
• Create a logical, hierarchical site structure
• Update older content with links to newer, relevant pages

A well-planned internal linking strategy can significantly boost your site’s SEO performance and user engagement.

9. Produce exceptional, linkworthy content

High-quality, original content remains the cornerstone of successful SEO. Content SEO best practices in 2025 emphasize depth, expertise, and genuine value over keyword density. To create content that attracts links and engagement:

• Conduct thorough research to provide unique insights
• Create comprehensive, in-depth resources on your topic
• Incorporate visual elements like infographics and videos
• Update and refresh older content regularly
• Demonstrate E-E-A-T through author credentials and cited sources

IncRev’s content strategy team can help develop a content plan that aligns with your SEO goals and resonates with your target audience.

10. Build high-quality backlinks

Backlinks continue to be a crucial ranking factor in 2025. According to current SEO strategies, AI-powered search and data-driven link building are essential for B2B growth. To build a strong backlink profile:

• Create linkable assets like original research, tools, or comprehensive guides
• Engage in strategic outreach to relevant websites in your industry
• Participate in industry events and webinars to gain exposure
• Monitor and disavow toxic backlinks that may harm your site’s reputation
• Focus on brand-safe, compliant link acquisition strategies

IncRev’s link building experts use white-hat techniques to help you acquire high-quality, relevant backlinks that boost your site’s authority and search rankings.

On-page SEO best practices for content optimization

On-page SEO best practice in 2025 extends beyond basic keyword placement. Understanding SEO keyword best practices means recognizing how search intent, semantic relationships, and E-E-A-T signals work together to create content that ranks and converts.

What are SEO best practices for keywords and structure?

Modern keyword optimization follows these principles:

• Semantic clustering: Group related keywords and topics to build topical authority
• Intent matching: Align content with informational, navigational, or transactional intent
• Natural integration: Use keywords conversationally without forced repetition
• Header hierarchy: Structure H2, H3, and H4 tags to reflect content organization and target secondary keywords
• Schema markup: While not visible to users, structured data helps search engines understand content context

For content creation, focus on comprehensive coverage of your topic rather than hitting arbitrary keyword density targets. Search engines reward content that answers user questions thoroughly and demonstrates subject matter expertise.

How to improve your SEO rankings step-by-step

Improving search engine rankings requires a systematic approach combining technical optimization, content excellence, and strategic link building. Here’s a practical roadmap for how to improve your SEO rankings:

Step 1: Audit your current performance

• Run a comprehensive technical SEO audit
• Analyze Google Search Console data for ranking opportunities
• Identify pages with high impressions but low click-through rates
• Review Core Web Vitals scores and mobile usability

Step 2: Prioritize quick wins

• Fix broken links and 404 errors
• Optimize title tags and meta descriptions for pages ranking positions 4-10
• Improve internal linking to high-priority pages
• Update outdated content with fresh information and current data

Step 3: Develop a content gap strategy

• Research competitors’ ranking keywords
• Identify topics your site doesn’t cover but should
• Create comprehensive content targeting those gaps
• Focus on topics where you can demonstrate unique expertise

Step 4: Execute strategic link building

• Build relationships with relevant publishers in your industry
• Create linkworthy assets (research, tools, comprehensive guides)
• Leverage digital PR for brand mentions and quality backlinks
• Monitor your backlink profile and disavow harmful links

Leveraging Google Search Console for quick wins

Google Search Console provides actionable data for improving search engine rankings quickly. Focus on these high-impact activities:

• Query analysis: Identify queries where you rank positions 5-15 and optimize to break into top 3
• Click-through optimization: Rewrite titles and descriptions for queries with high impressions but low clicks
• Index coverage: Submit updated sitemaps and request indexing for new content
• Mobile usability: Fix mobile-specific issues flagged by GSC
• Page experience: Address Core Web Vitals issues that may be suppressing rankings

Current SEO best practices and emerging trends

The SEO landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with AI Overviews fundamentally changing how users interact with search. Best practices in SEO now must account for generative AI, voice search, and increasingly sophisticated natural language processing.

Incorporating AI and Helpful Content updates

Google’s integration of the Helpful Content System into core ranking algorithms means that content quality signals are now weighted more heavily than ever. Current SEO best practices emphasize:

• People-first content: Write for humans first, search engines second
• Demonstrated expertise: Show author credentials and cite authoritative sources
• Depth over breadth: Create comprehensive resources rather than thin, keyword-targeted pages
• Original insights: Add unique perspectives, data, or analysis rather than regurgitating existing content
• User satisfaction signals: Optimize for engagement metrics like time on page and return visits

In 2025, AI Overviews handle straightforward queries, leaving opportunities for expert content on complex, nuanced topics. Position your content as the authoritative source that AI tools reference, rather than competing for simple informational queries.

Voice search and semantic optimization

With mobile devices dominating search traffic, voice search optimization has become essential. Optimize for conversational queries by:

• Targeting question-based keywords (who, what, where, when, why, how)
• Creating FAQ sections that answer common voice queries
• Using natural, conversational language in your content
• Structuring content to provide direct, concise answers to specific questions

Conclusion

Implementing these SEO best practices can significantly improve your website’s search engine performance. However, SEO is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and adaptation to changing algorithms and user behaviors. The shift toward AI-driven search, mobile-first indexing, and E-E-A-T signals means that improving search engine rankings demands both technical excellence and genuine content value.

Partnering with an experienced SEO agency like IncRev can help you stay ahead of the curve and achieve sustainable, long-term success in search rankings. Our compliance-first, data-driven approach ensures your SEO strategy remains resilient through algorithm updates while delivering measurable business outcomes.