The Year Digital Marketing Drank Too Much Coffee! (And What’s Coming for 2026)
If 2025 had a theme song, it would be “Everything Is More Expensive and Also Powered by AI.” Ad costs went up. SEO changed (again). Google started answering questions before people even clicked. Meta decided it knows your customers better than your customers know themselves.
Let’s break it down.
TRENDS WE SAW IN 2025
Ad Budgets Got Bigger
2025 was the year businesses realized organic reach is not a strategy. Competition intensified, platforms matured, and attention became pay-to-play.
Google Ads vs Meta Ads
Google Ads capture demand. Meta Ads create demand.
Google converts. Meta convinces.
The smartest brands stopped choosing and started sequencing both.
SEO Changed Forever
SEO shifted away from keywords and toward intent, authority, and AI comprehension.
E-E-A-T became mandatory.
Zero-click searches increased.
Brand authority began outperforming keyword volume.
The Rise of AEO
Answer Engine Optimization emerged as AI engines began selecting answers instead of ranking pages.
Structure, credibility, and expertise now determine visibility.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
Authority Over Traffic
Visibility will be driven by being cited, not clicked.
Brands must become trusted sources AI confidently references.
SEO + AEO Become One
Traditional SEO foundations remain essential, but success depends on structured, verifiable, human-first content optimized for AI understanding.
Mentions Matter
Brand mentions, citations, and AI perception become core metrics.
FINAL THOUGHTS
2025 was loud.
2026 will be intentional.
At Route Three Digital and Big Crazy Growth, we help brands navigate rising ad costs, evolving SEO, and AI-driven search. If you’re ready to lead in 2026, we’re ready to help.
HOLIDAY HOURS
Closed – Dec 23–26
Closed – Jan 1–2
From all of us at Route Three Digital and Big Crazy Growth,
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
