SEO Myths and Facts — Debunking Common Misconceptions in 2025

Are you aware of the 2025 Google algorithm update?

This is one of Google’s core algorithm updates. What do we mean by core? This algorithm update can significantly affect or elevate your keyword rankings, which can alter the domain authority and the search results. But the good news is, businesses found their keywords ranked higher than before. The update was initiated on 13th March 2025. It took 2 weeks to fully roll out. Which makes “Now” the perfect time to talk about SEO Strategy and the facts around it.

The algorithm update only reminded us that SEO will live as long as Google or other search engines continue to exist..With AI taking the centre stage, SEO only sets the foundation for Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO).

In our future SEO series, we will uncover more on GEO and AEO. In this blog, we aim to get you to understand what SEO is in 2025. By eliminating the most prevalent myths that continue to mislead and discourage businesses, we can help you take advantage of SEO to improve your overall business performance.

Most businesses of today think SEO is slow or old-fashioned or may be just simply a waste of time.. Others have been led down by advertising companies that guaranteed substantial gains but reaped nothing to little. Myths and illusions like these may keep you from taking advantage of one of the most potent ways of building your organic traffic, authority and leads.

At Meriity, we have helped several businesses grow their organic traffic, get high-intent leads from organic search and all these tied back to what every business wants – improved revenue and business performance.

With more than 8.5 billion Google searches made every day, the potential for sites to be found is staggering. But to capitalise on this potential, one needs to leave yesterday’s myths behind and adopt strategies that are aligned with the latest search engine algorithms and consumer behaviour.

Let’s get into debunking SEO myths and facts of 2025 and give you the information and strategies you’ll need to build a stronger online presence and see improved search results. Let’s get started and distinguish facts from fiction in SEO.

What is an SEO Myth?

The SEO myth is the one that “sounds smart but doesn’t work”, tactics that individuals just keep parroting on the internet.

For instance, have you ever heard someone tell you, “Add more keywords on your page, and you will rank higher? Or “If you blog every day, Google will adore your site.” These are fairly typical myths.

Google does not provide compensation for keyword stuffing; rather, it imposes penalties for it. And posting daily is a great strategy, but it won’t work unless your content is valuable and relevant.

So, SEO myth is an old method that might appear beneficial, but will ultimately hurt your ranks or waste your time.

Now that we know what an SEO myth is, let’s explore more myths so you will not fall for one the next time you come across it.

1. SEO is Dead

Fact: The myth that “SEO is dead” has persisted for years, but this is false. Google processes 8.5 billion searches per day, which means that search optimisation is still a necessity for businesses. Only the search results have changed. By creating quality content and adding high-quality backlinks, businesses hit the top spots in seconds.

2. Chatgpt replaces Google Search

Fact: Chatgpt is no longer a replacement for web search engines like Google. It can simplify complex topics, but it cannot exceed Google. It can only be considered a clever aid. However, for serious research and finding specific facts, Google continues to dominate. Chatgpt serves as a supplementary tool and is not capable of replacing Google search.

Two concepts are relevant here: AEO and GEO. AEO ensures your content appears in AI tool answers, and GEO refines content to appear in AI-created answers such as Chatgpt.

Employ both tools: Chatgpt for readability and Google for visibility.

3. Content Length Doesn’t Matter

Fact: Google has debunked the notion that word count is important, that it is something to consider. Google’s mission is to give users the content that answers their questions well. The length of the paper, 2000 words or 500 words, is irrelevant, provided it fulfils the criteria set by the researchers. However, having knowledge of a sufficient range for a particular type of topic and industry is helpful.

4. Zero-Click Searches Kill SEO

Fact: Google’s comprehensive answers on SERP and AI overview show that website traffic is not true. The trend of zero-click searches on the rise is a myth. The actual trend shows organic traffic rising, not falling. SEO is still totally worth it.

5. Social Media Directly Impacts SEO Rankings

Fact: Strong social media engagement often accompanies a well-designed site with actively involved users. Quality content not only helps with SEO, but it also gets people to share it on their social accounts and spread your reach. These shares can result in greater visibility, more page views, longer time on site, deeper navigation, and lower bounce rates, all of which send positive signals to search algorithms.

6. Immediate Results with SEO

Fact: SEO is a long-term strategy, and the idea of overnight success is a myth. The reality is that SEO does not offer quick wins like pay-per-click advertising. It’s a build-up process that typically takes three months before it can begin to see dramatic improvements.

Why is understanding SEO important?

There is no perfect answer when it comes to SEO myths. Thinking carefully and questioning things helps in debunking myths. When debunking SEO myths, consider the following three questions to help align with goals.

SEO is a dynamic field, and therefore, the learning process is never-ending. Keep yourself informed of all updates and current trends. Seek advice from reputable SEO services to stay updated.

Final Thoughts:

SEO trends constantly shift, and we need to separate fact from fiction to stay ahead. SEO myths will mislead businesses, wasting time and potential. Debunking myths will help you to know the true principles of SEO, the quality of content, the power of real-time search engines like Google, and the enduring nature of SEO success: you can make the right choices that translate into real results.

Staying abreast of SEO trends and algorithm updates will keep your site not only visible but also successful in a crowded online marketplace. In search engine optimisation, you need professional guidance to make your web presence optimised. Meriity provides specialised SEO services and helps businesses enhance their SEO strategy.

Why choose Meriity?

Meriity specialises in SEO for businesses. Here is our SEO strategy. We

Are you ready to get in front of (discovered by) your high-intent leads? Get in touch with Meriity right now!