SEO Trends for 2026: Adapting to a New Landscape

With 2026 almost upon us, now is the perfect time to talk about new trends for the upcoming year. When we look back on 2025, we see that Google introduced a myriad of changes and improvements to their search engine. These changes can be daunting if you do not have a professional SEO company in Pretoria that comprehends the new landscape of search engine optimisation and delivers corresponding solutions. This is where Clickwise Agency is your first choice.

Today, we look at how the SEO landscape is changing and adapting in accordance with the introduction of AI Mode and other elements that are shaping the immediate future of online search.

Getting to Grips with New SEO Trends for 2026

  • Optimising for AI-Based Search: If we rewind the clock to 2015, we find a Google platform that utilises crawler bots to identify relevant information and rank them accordingly when users search for specific keywords and relevant search terms. Although Google still relies on crawler bots for this purpose, they have gone beyond specific keyword targeting to deliver a more comprehensive search result for their users today.

With AI Mode, users can ask Google’s Gemini LLM to come up with a comprehensive answer, as opposed to listing relevant links that match their specific search terms. Users also tend to ask questions instead of their usual stated searches. For example, 10 years ago, a user would type “running shoes Pretoria” into Google’s search bar. Today, users would rather type “where can I buy running shoes in Pretoria” or “which brand of running shoes is best”. In these cases, they fully rely on Google Gemini to provide them with an accurate answer.

  • More Than Mere Keyword Targeting: Keeping in mind that people are utilising AI Mode more often, we as a professional SEO company in Pretoria are adapting to these changes. Yes, keyword targeting is still important for organic rankings. However, Google Gemini is looking for sources that showcase authority on the specific relevant topic to give the best possible generated answer that it can give. This requires a more in-depth approach to SEO, which is what we provide our clients at Clickwise Agency. You want to establish your online brand as the go-to choice regarding your industry for optimal results, and we can assist with various online marketing solutions.

Clickwise Agency is your first choice when it comes to a professional SEO company in Pretoria that adapts to the brand-new search engine landscape and provides accommodating solutions. Feel free to contact us today if you are interested in our services for 2026.

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