2026’s SEO Principle: Expanding, Not Abandoning

When it comes to 2026 SEO trends, you’re sure to encounter the prominence of artificial intelligence and general engine optimization, also known as GEO. While it’s important to adapt with the times, it’s crucial to not abandon the idea or execution of traditional SEO entirely. 

While we learn more about the ramifications of GEO, Google’s AI Overview and users’ proclivity to turn to ChatGPT over traditional search engines in real time, it’s important to ponder: what aspects of an effective SEO approach can you continue to lean on? What helps you navigate the overwhelming tide of artificial intelligence and its connection to your marketing strategies? 

Is Technical SEO Still Important?

You can have all the ins and outs of how to properly integrate into the current digital landscape figured out, but at the end of the day, crawling and indexing still matter. Ensuring each user is pushed towards an optimized experience on your website still matters. From redirecting 404 errors to updating out-of-date content, the fundamentals are non-negotiable, no matter what era of SEO we’re in.

Keep Up with Keywords and Branding

With a continued focus on how to break into the AI Overview of a Google search results page, your energy towards keyword research and branding may be spent. But now isn’t the time to let up: 

• Do your due diligence and continue to push the envelope in local keyword rankings, in an effort to stay visible.
• Get all of your Google Business Profile ducks in a row: continuously optimize your listing to put your best foot forward for every potential customer who needs a “car dealer near me”. 

It’s easy to get caught up in preparation for what’s to come, but don’t let it interfere with the basic do’s and don’ts of an effective SEO strategy in 2026.

Maintaining The Content and SEO Connection

What is E-E-A-T and Why Is It Important?

You’ve likely heard it before but it can’t be overstated: the importance of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness to Google’s algorithm is here to stay. Make sure your content ticks all the boxes, further bolstering your SEO strategy as we wade into the AI-dominated waters:

• Create high-quality, keyword-rich content that puts more eyes on your dealership and elevates trust.
• Research the questions (not just keywords) that users are actually interested in, and answer them through your content.
• Spotlight other related resources on your site and relevant landing pages through helpful interlinking. 

Introducing PCG Digital’s Pulse

With January under our collective belt, we turn the page to the next chapter of 2026. For those who don’t know, PCG Digital has introduced Pulse, our new tech stack to help your marketing evolve. On the content and SEO side, we’ve taken the knowledge and customized strategies built throughout the years, and expanded it through Pulse.

From blending informational and transactional content to combining keyword research with long-tail questions, our SEO specialists have utilized Pulse to ensure your content adheres to the current times, without leaving what’s worked in the past, high and dry.