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For years, businesses have relied on Google rankings as the holy grail of SEO. The goal was simple—rank on Page 1, drive traffic, and convert visitors into customers. But in 2025, that strategy alone isn’t enough. Half of all Google searches are now branded, meaning people are searching for businesses and individuals they already know.
At the same time, search behavior is shifting. AI-powered platforms, social media, and direct brand mentions are becoming just as important—if not more—than Google itself. So if your business isn’t showing up in multiple places, you’re missing a significant share of potential customers.
Catching up on the podcast, James and PlatformLeverage’s Gert Mellak break down how SEO has evolved beyond Google, why your brand matters more than ever, and what you need to do to stay visible across multiple platforms.
Table of contents:
1. Google isn’t the only search engine anymore
2. AI pulls data from everywhere
3. Why personal branding is now a core part of SEO
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a. The rise of branded search
b. AI and social media are strengthening brands
c. The power of personal recommendations
4. The multi-platform marketing strategy: where should you be?
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a. Google and AI search tools
b. Social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Groups, Reddit)
c. YouTube and podcasts
d. Third-party review sites
e. Industry blogs and guest posts
5. How to strengthen your brand across platforms
6. The future of SEO: multi-platform marketing is here
Google isn’t the only search engine anymore
It’s not just about Google search results anymore—customers are using AI-driven tools, social media, and industry-specific platforms to find businesses.
AI assistants are becoming search engines. People are now asking ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude for recommendations the same way they used to search on Google. Younger generations even search on TikTok and Instagram instead of traditional search engines.
Social proof matters more than ever. If someone asks for an SEO expert on Facebook or LinkedIn, they’re likely to get tagged in a personal recommendation—which holds more weight than a Google search result. The power of word-of-mouth marketing is now amplified online.
AI pulls data from everywhere
AI tools don’t just pull from websites—they scan reviews, social media conversations, and third-party content to form opinions about brands. This means your presence across multiple platforms influences how AI sees (and ranks) you.
Why personal branding is now a core part of SEO
In 2025, SEO isn’t just about keywords and backlinks—it’s about brand recognition. If your business is well-known, people will search for it directly, and AI tools will surface your content in search results.
1. The rise of branded search
Recent research shows that nearly half of Google searches are branded, meaning users already know the business or expert they’re looking for. Instead of searching for “best SEO agency,” they might type “SEOLeverage consulting”—a direct brand mention.
2. AI and social media are strengthening brands
Brands with consistent visibility across multiple platforms gain an advantage in AI-powered search. If AI sees your name mentioned in:
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Reddit discussions
LinkedIn posts
YouTube video comments
Industry blogs
…it’s more likely to consider you an authority and surface your brand in AI-driven recommendations.
3. The power of personal recommendations
If someone posts on Facebook, “Who’s the best SEO expert for e-commerce?”, people won’t link to a random website. They’ll tag a trusted expert like Gert. These recommendations carry far more weight than generic Google results, which is why building relationships and credibility matters.
The multi-platform marketing strategy: where should you be?
If search is happening across multiple platforms, businesses need to show up in the right places. But where?
1. Google and AI search tools – Optimize for traditional SEO, but also test how AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity perceive your brand.
2. Social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Groups, Reddit) – Engage in industry discussions, answer relevant questions, and establish credibility through comments and posts.
3. YouTube and podcasts – AI tools scrape YouTube transcripts for information. Being interviewed on relevant podcasts also boosts brand recognition.
4. Third-party review sites – Platforms like Trustpilot, G2, and Capterra contribute to your brand’s credibility in AI-generated search results.
5. Industry blogs and guest posts – AI tools often favor authoritative industry content. Getting mentioned on trusted sites boosts visibility.
How to strengthen your brand across platforms
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1. Get people searching for you
* Run brand awareness ads to make your business top of mind.
* Use email marketing and social media to stay visible.
* Ensure your brand name is memorable and easy to search for.
2. Engage on the right platforms
* Identify where your target audience hangs out.
* Answer questions on social media and in forums.
* Be active in industry discussions where your name can be referenced.
3. Monitor your online presence
* Search for your brand name on Google and AI tools to see what comes up.
* Track branded search volume and how often people mention you.
* Set up Google Alerts and social listening to catch brand mentions.
The future of SEO: multi-platform marketing is here
SEO is no longer just about Google rankings—it’s about ensuring your brand is everywhere customers are searching.
AI tools are shaping search results based on data from multiple sources.
Branded search is on the rise, making personal branding more important than ever.
Businesses need to engage across multiple platforms to stay competitive.
Bottom line: If you’re still relying only on Google SEO, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Make sure your brand is visible where it matters—because the future of search is multi-platform.
Want expert guidance on building a brand that dominates AI and search? Visit PlatformLeverage.com and take control of your visibility today.
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