Tech for Retail 2025 Workshop: From SEO to GEO – Gaining Visibility in the Era of Generative Engines

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Advanced SEO statistics: performance and ROI analysis

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25/01/2026

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In a digital universe governed by innovation and artificial intelligence, natural referencing is evolving into a hybrid discipline, combining editorial strategy, data and advanced technologies. SEO statistics are essential for managing performance, anticipating trends and maximizing visibility on increasingly multiple and generative engines. This guide brings together the key figures and KPIs to know in 2026 in order to deploy an effective SEO strategy adapted to new uses.

📊 Key SEO figures in 2025-2026

Key Statistic Value Source
Google's global market share 89.9% Webnyxt, 2026
Daily search volume on Google 8.5 billion Webnyxt, 2026
Share of global web traffic from mobile 60% Webnyxt, 2026
Click-through rate on the first organic position (desktop) 34% SEO.com, 2026
Share of zero-click searches 60% Semrush, 2025
Share of AI-generated content in Google results 17.3% Semrush, 2025
Local SEO ROI for SMEs (vs. other channels) x3 HubSpot, 2025
Average length of a top 10 Google article 1,447 words Webnyxt, 2026
Number of Google algorithm updates per year 500–600 SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Google remains the dominant platform for SEO, but generative AI imposes new visibility formats.
  • Mobile phones and clickless search are changing uses: it is necessary to optimize the presence in snippets and instant answers.
  • Long, structured and up-to-date content is popular with search engines to appear in the first results.
  • Investing in local SEO is particularly profitable for SMEs.
  • The frequency of algorithm updates requires continuous strategic intelligence.

📊 Essential SEO statistics: the key figures you need to know in 2026

Statistic Data Source & Year
Google global market share in 2026 89.9% Webnyxt, 2026
Daily searches on Google 8.5 billion Webnyxt, 2026
Click-through rate on first organic position (desktop) 34% SEO.com, 2026
Proportion of zero-click searches 60% Semrush, 2025
Percentage of pages without any backlink 94–95% Backlinko, 2026
Share of mobile in global web traffic 60% Webnyxt, 2026
Percentage of Google searches with local intent 46% Webnyxt, 2026
Share of AI-generated content in Google results 17.3% Semrush, 2025
Local SEO ROI for SMEs (vs. other channels) x3 HubSpot, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Google's dominance makes it necessary to focus most of our SEO efforts on this engine.
  • Mobile-first strategies and local presence are essential to capture qualified traffic.
  • Obtaining backlinks and the ability to generate AI content are differentiating levers.
  • The rise of zero-click and AI snippets requires optimizing visibility even outside of clicks.
  • The analysis of KPIs must integrate the measurement of visibility into AI responses and no longer just traditional positions.

Impact of positioning on organic traffic

Statistic Data Source & Year
Click-through rate on the first organic position (desktop) 34% SEO.com, 2026
Share of clicks captured by the top 3 organic results 75% SEO.com, 2026
Click-through rate on SERP page 2 0.78% Ahrefs, 2025
Traffic difference between 1st and 5th positions x4 Backlinko, 2026
Click-through rate on featured snippets 6% SEO.com, 2026
Average CTR for a title containing a question +14.1% Onesty, 2026
Percentage of searches with more than 3 words 70% SEO.com, 2026
Average click-through rate on the first page of results 71% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Aiming for the top 3 organic results is essential to capture the majority of clicks and traffic.
  • Featured snippets and question titles greatly increase CTR and visibility in SERPs and AIs.
  • Long and conversational queries dominate the search, the content structure must be adapted.

Distribution of clicks according to positions in the SERPs

Position Average Click-Through Rate Source & Year
1 27.6% Backlinko, 2026
2 15.8% Backlinko, 2026
3 11.0% Backlinko, 2026
4–5 7–8% Backlinko, 2026
6–10 3–5% Backlinko, 2026
Page 2+ <1% Backlinko, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Reaching the top positions is a major challenge, positions outside the top 10 are almost invisible.
  • Even a slight increase in the ranking can multiply traffic exponentially.
  • Strategic positioning on specific requests is crucial for organic acquisition.

Influence of ranking on user behavior

Behavior Data Source & Year
Share of users who ignore paid ads 70–80% HubSpot, 2025
Click-through rate on organic results (vs ads) 70% SEO.com, 2026
Proportion of users who click multiple results 21% SEO.com, 2026
Share of users who leave a site if it loads too slowly 40–53% Google, 2025
Bounce rate with 2 extra seconds of loading time +103% HubSpot, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Natural results are preferred for trust and conversion, you must optimize your pages for credibility.
  • The speed of loading is decisive in retaining the user and limiting the bounce rate.
  • The content strategy should serve multiple purposes, as users click on multiple results.

Click-through rate by type of request

Query Type Average CTR Source & Year
Short query (1-2 words) 22% SEO.com, 2026
Long-tail query (4+ words) 35% SiteW, 2026
Featured snippet (optimized extract) 6% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Optimizing for long and conversational queries increases the click rate and relevance.
  • Featured snippets offer an opportunity for greater visibility, especially in AI responses.
  • Adapting the content structure according to the type of request is a lever for maximizing CTR.

Search engine performance and market shares

Indicator Value Source & Year
Google market share 89.9% Webnyxt, 2026
Daily search volume on Google 8.5 billion Webnyxt, 2026
Share of global traffic routed through Google 92.96% BrightEdge, 2024
Number of Google ranking factors 200+ Hubspot, 2026
Share of SEO in web traffic compared to social media +1000% SearchAtlas, 2025
Number of Google algorithm updates per year 500–600 SEO.com, 2026
Share of new searches daily on Google 15% Google, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Google remains the undisputed leader, but the emergence of AI and alternative engines must be monitored.
  • The multiplication of ranking criteria and updates requires constant monitoring and adaptation.
  • SEO generates a much higher volume of traffic than social networks, it must remain a priority in the digital strategy.

Search volume and Google dominance

Indicator Figure Source & Year
Global search engine market share (Google) 89.9% Webnyxt, 2026
Number of daily searches on Google 8.5 billion Webnyxt, 2026
Number of results crawled daily by Googlebot 20 billion MyLittleBigWeb, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Optimizing the crawl and the crawl budget is decisive for the visibility of strategic pages.
  • Content formats must be diversified to capture all areas of visibility (snippets, AI Overviews, videos).
  • The technical management of the site remains a pillar for indexing and positioning.

Algorithm evolution and updates

Aspect Value / Trend Source & Year
Number of Google algorithm updates per year 500–600 SEO.com, 2026
Perceived impact of algorithm changes (main SEO challenge) 40% SEO.com, 2026
Number of Google ranking factors 200+ Hubspot, 2026
Change in traditional search volume by end of 2026 -25% Gartner, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Algorithmic intelligence and adaptability are crucial to remain efficient.
  • Traditional searches are decreasing in favor of AI and conversational uses.
  • More than 200 factors need to be understood and integrated to maximize positioning.

Distribution of traffic between search engines

Search Engine Traffic Share Source & Year
Google 89.9% Webnyxt, 2026
Bing 3.2% SEO.com, 2026
Yahoo! 1.6% SEO.com, 2026
AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity...) Rapidly increasing Normandie Web School, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • It is becoming strategic to optimize its content for AI engines in addition to Google.
  • The fragmentation of uses requires a presence on several platforms.
  • The analysis of signals from forums, networks and AI must complement the measurement of traditional SEO traffic.

Optimizing content for natural referencing

Indicator Key Figure Source & Year
Average length of a top 10 Google article 1,447 words Webnyxt, 2026
Backlinks obtained by articles >2000 words (vs. shorter ones) +77.2% Webnyxt, 2026
Position #1: average backlinks compared to positions 2-10 x3.8 Backlinko, 2026
Average click-through rate for a question-optimized title tag +14.1% Onesty, 2026
Content richness (words) on Google page 1 1,890 words SEO.com, 2026
Impact of a video on likelihood of reaching page 1 x53 Onesty, 2026
YouTube video integration rate in SERPs Rapidly increasing SiteW, 2026
Share of user-generated content in SEO authority Key factor SiteW, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Long, detailed and structured content promotes ranking and backlinks.
  • The integration of videos and user-generated content (reviews, forums) boosts authority and SEO visibility.
  • A clear, educational and human editorial approach must be preferred in order to be taken up by generative AIs.
  • Behavioral signals (scroll, click, time spent) are becoming major indicators of SEO effectiveness.

Length and structure of effective content

Format Optimal Length Source & Year
Informational blog post 1,500–2,500 words Backlinko, 2026
Comprehensive guide / pillar page 2,500–4,000 words Backlinko, 2026
Transactional product page 800–1,500 words Backlinko, 2026
FAQ / definition 300–800 words Backlinko, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Adapting the length and structure of content to search intent maximizes relevance and ranking.
  • The pillar guides and FAQs are strategic for thematic authority and AI visibility.
  • The use of H2/H3 tags and lists makes it easier for engines and generative AIs to understand.

Role of keywords and metadata

Indicator Trend / Figure Source & Year
Searches with more than 3 words 70% SEO.com, 2026
Perceived difficulty of keyword research 39% SEO.com, 2026
Impact of an optimized meta description on CTR +43% MyLittleBigWeb, 2026
Use of Google suggestions in content research 23% MyLittleBigWeb, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Semantic optimization and long tail are essential to emerge in AI and mobile results.
  • Google suggestions and conversational search are driving editorial strategy in 2026.
  • Optimized meta tags and titles significantly increase click rates and visibility.

Impact of backlinks on rankings

Indicator Value Source & Year
Web pages with no backlinks 94–95% Backlinko, 2026
Average number of backlinks for position #1 220 Backlinko, 2026
Impact of a quality backlink on ranking +1.5 positions SEO.com, 2026
Average price of a backlink $361 SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • The acquisition of quality backlinks remains the main lever for accessing the top 3 Google.
  • The majority of pages remain invisible without active netlinking.
  • Backlinks are used by AIs as criteria for trust and citation.

Technical page performance factors

Technical Indicator Trend/Figure Source & Year
Sites passing Google's Core Web Vitals assessment 40% SiteW, 2026
Average loading time for voice pages 4.6 s Backlinko, 2026
Share of websites offering a negative Core Web Vitals experience 60% SiteW, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Technical optimization of pages (Core Web Vitals, speed) is essential to limit abandonment and improve rankings.
  • Slow or unstable pages quickly lose users and conversions.
  • Adapting the site for voice and mobile search is becoming a priority in 2026.

Local referencing and geographical visibility

Indicator Key Figure Source & Year
Share of Google searches with local intent 46% Webnyxt, 2026
Users visiting a business within 24h after a local search 76% Webnyxt, 2026
Immediate purchases after a local search 28% SEO.com, 2026
Users of Google Maps to find a business 86% SEMrush, 2026
Local SEO conversion rate vs. social networks +300% SEMrush, 2026
Local SEO ROI for SMEs x3 HubSpot, 2025
Share of mobile searches leading to a physical visit 76% SEO.com, 2026
Share of local searches generating a call or visit within 24h 88% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Local SEO, beyond the Google Business listing, requires dedicated pages, consistent reviews and location-based content.
  • The majority of local searches lead to an immediate visit or purchase, making it a direct acquisition lever.
  • Google Maps and mobile search are at the heart of the local consumer journey.

Importance of local searches for businesses

Indicator Figure Source & Year
Local search on Google 97% SEO.com, 2026
Local searches leading to a physical visit 76% SEO.com, 2026
Local searches resulting in a purchase 28% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Local visibility is strategic for local businesses and any physical business.
  • Local queries embody a strong intention to buy and convert quickly.
  • It is crucial to optimize content and signals to appear in local results.

Influence of customer reviews on positioning

Indicator Value Source & Year
Consumers who trust online reviews as much as recommendations from people they know 88% Forbes, 2026
Local businesses with 4 to 5 stars on Google My Business 61% BrightLocal, 2026
Click gain when moving from 3 to 5 stars on Google +25% Search Engine Land, 2026
Increase in leads for companies responding to over 30% of reviews x2 Search Engine Land, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Customer reviews are decisive for trust, conversion and local positioning.
  • Encouraging and responding to positive reviews improves local referencing and e-reputation.
  • Active review management multiplies leads and visibility on Google Maps.

Consumer behavior in the face of local results

Behavior Value Source & Year
Consumers using Google Maps to locate a business 86% SEMrush, 2026
Share of consumers performing a daily local search 12% SEMrush, 2026
Share of online purchases picked up in store (click & collect) 45% SEOExpert, 2026
Smartphone users searching for in-store purchases 82% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Omnicanality (online research, physical visit) is becoming the norm of the local shopping journey.
  • Mobile features and geolocation are strategic to capture a qualified audience.
  • The cross-channel between e-commerce and physical stores (click & collect) exploded in 2026.

Optimization of Google Business Profile sheets

Indicator Value / Trend Source & Year
Local businesses with an optimized Google Business profile Key conversion factor Toonetcreation, 2025
Impact of consistent information on local conversion rate Very high Toonetcreation, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Optimizing the Google Business Profile is essential to maximize local conversion.
  • The consistency of local data across platforms (name, address, hours) builds trust and local SEO.

Mobile and voice search: new trends

Indicator Key Figure / Trend Source & Year
Share of global web traffic from mobile 60% Webnyxt, 2026
Share of users accessing the Internet via mobile 92.3% Webnyxt, 2026
Mobile abandonment rate if loading >3s 53% Google, 2025
Share of mobile SEO in the discovery of new products 51% SEO.com, 2026
Percentage of Google searches made on smartphone 58% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Mobile-first is becoming the standard: a site that is not mobile-optimized loses 60% of its potential audience.
  • The mobile experience has a direct impact on conversion and retention.
  • Mobile SEO is becoming the main gateway for discovering new products.

Use of mobile in online searches

Indicator Figure Source & Year
Smartphone users using a search engine every day 87% SEO.com, 2026
Share of mobile traffic in total global traffic 60% Webnyxt, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Mobile optimization is no longer an option but a necessity to exist in the SERPs.
  • Daily uses are mostly mobile, you have to think about user experience and speed.

Performance and user experience on smartphone

Indicator Figure Source & Year
Bounce rate in case of slow loading +103% Hubspot, 2026
Bounce rate improvement after speed optimization -32% Google, 2025
Conversion lost per second of loading delay -7% Google, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Mobile loading speed determines conversion and user loyalty.
  • Reducing the weight of pages and taking care of mobile UX significantly increases digital turnover.

Emergence of voice search

Indicator Value Source & Year
Share of voice search in total searches 20% SEO.com, 2026
Average voice result (number of words) 29 Backlinko, 2026
Share of voice searches from the top 3 Google results 75% Webnyxt, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Adapting content for voice search (FAQ, short answers) is becoming vital to capture this traffic.
  • Positions 1 to 3 are decisive for appearing in voice responses.

Core Web Vitals and Mobile Performance Indicators

Indicator Value Source & Year
Sites passing the Core Web Vitals assessment 40% SiteW, 2026
Sites offering a negative Core Web Vitals experience 60% SiteW, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Mobile technical optimization (Core Web Vitals) is still under-exploited by the majority of sites.
  • There is a major margin of improvement to differentiate yourself through mobile performance.

Artificial intelligence and natural referencing

Indicator Figure / Trend Source & Year
Share of AI-generated content in Google results 17.3% Semrush, 2025
Weekly active users of ChatGPT 700 million OpenAI, 2025
Queries displaying AI previews on Google 2 billion/month Google, 2025
Annual growth of traffic from AI search +527% Semrush, 2025
Share of zero-click searches due to AI summaries 60% Semrush, 2025
Share of AI content well-ranked in less than 2 months 66% Semrush, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Content generated or enriched by AI is the norm, but editorial differentiation remains key.
  • Visibility in AI responses is becoming as strategic as position in the Google SERPs.
  • GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) optimization to be cited/taken up by AI engines is a new pillar of SEO.

Google AI previews and new result formats

Indicator Figure Source & Year
Searches triggering a Google AI Overview 2 billion/month Google, 2025
Share of queries without advertising in AI Overviews 95% Semrush, 2025
Average CTR if cited as a source in an AI Overview +1.08% Semrush, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Being cited in an AI overview brings notoriety and memorization even without a direct click.
  • Educational, structured and sourced content is favoured by generative engines.

Adopting AI-generated content

Indicator Value Source & Year
Share of AI-generated content in Google results 17.3% Semrush, 2025
Share of e-commerce sellers using AI for product writing 47% Liquid Web, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • The use of AI for content creation is now widespread, but human expertise must enrich the added value.
  • AI product sheets must be personalized and contextualized to stand out in the AI SERPs.

Impact on brand quotations and visibility

Indicator Figure Source & Year
Business/service websites cited in ChatGPT 50% Semrush, 2025
Engagement rate of visitors from AI vs. organic x4.4 Semrush, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • The 2026 SEO strategy should aim at citation and presence in AI engines to generate awareness and engagement.
  • AI-driven visitors are better qualified and more engaged than traditional organic traffic.

Evolution of SERPs with AI features

Aspect Trend / Figure Source & Year
Share of "zero click" searches on Google 60% Semrush, 2025
Share of summarized answers in AI SERPs Rapidly increasing Normandie Web School, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Optimized snippets and AI responses are establishing themselves as new standards of SEO visibility.
  • Adapting content to be understood, cited and reformulated by AI is a major area of innovation.

ROI and investments in natural referencing

Indicator Figure / Trend Source & Year
Share of companies citing SEO as the best ROI 49% SearchAtlas, 2025
Local SEO ROI for SMEs x3 HubSpot, 2025
Cost per SEO lead compared to outbound -61% HubSpot, 2025
SEO lead closing rate 14.6% HubSpot, 2025
Marketing cost reduction thanks to evergreen content -62% SearchAtlas, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • SEO offers the lowest acquisition cost and the highest ROI of digital marketing.
  • Relying on Evergreen content makes it possible to sustainably reduce advertising expenses.
  • Local SEO outperforms other channels in terms of profitability for SMEs.

Performance and return on investment

Indicator Value Source & Year
Rate of additional leads generated by SEO blogging +67% Onesty, 2026
SEO vs. paid advertising comparison (long-term effectiveness) x5 MyLittleBigWeb, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Content strategies increase opportunities for generating qualified leads.
  • In the long term, SEO outclasses paid advertising in efficiency and profitability.

Business budget allocation

Indicator Value Source & Year
Share of SMEs investing in SEO 74% SEO.com, 2026
Average monthly cost of SEO services for SMEs (US) $497 SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • SEO is a priority budget line for B2B and SME businesses.
  • Access costs remain affordable compared to the growth potential generated.

Positioning deadlines and duration of strategies

Indicator Value Source & Year
Pages ranked on Google page 1 after 1 year 22% SEO.com, 2026
Pages that never reach Google's first page 91% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • SEO is a long-term investment: patience and consistency pay off.
  • Regularly updating and enriching your content increases the chances of reaching the top 10.

Comparison of SEO versus SEA and other channels

Channel Performance Source & Year
SEO vs. social networks (traffic generated) +1000% SearchAtlas, 2025
SEO vs. paid advertising (long-term effectiveness) x5 MyLittleBigWeb, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • SEO remains the most efficient channel for generating qualified and sustainable traffic.
  • The other channels (advertising, social) must be designed in complementarity with SEO.

E-commerce and conversions through organic traffic

Indicator Value Source & Year
Share of e-commerce traffic from Google organic search 43% SEO.com, 2026
Percentage of B2B buyers starting their journey online 71% SEO.com, 2026
Share of consumers viewing 3 to 5 pieces of content before purchasing 40% DemandGen, 2026
Smartphone users searching for an in-store purchase 82% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • SEO is the main acquisition channel for e-commerce, ahead of social networks and advertising.
  • Multiplying the points of contact (content, reviews, enriched product sheets) promotes conversion.
  • Mobile optimization is a prerequisite for attracting the majority of connected buyers.

Impact on online shopping behavior

Indicator Value Source & Year
Consumers researching before buying 81% Onesty, 2026
Share of consumers who leave an unsecured site 84% Hubspot, 2026
Additional click rate with a clear 'About' page 52% Hubspot, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Trust, transparency, and security are key to converting organic traffic into customers.
  • The presentation pages (“Who are we?” , “About”) should be optimized and reassuring.
  • Investing in security (HTTPS) is a prerequisite for any successful merchant site.

Product page performance

Indicator Value Source & Year
Share of e-commerce sellers using AI for product pages 47% Liquid Web, 2025
Increase in conversion rate thanks to video x53 Onesty, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • AI accelerates the creation of product sheets, but personalization and value addition remain essential to stand out.
  • The integration of videos on product pages strongly boosts conversion and user reassurance.

Conversion rate by traffic source

Traffic Source Conversion Rate Source & Year
Local SEO +300% vs. social SEMrush, 2026
Social networks Low SEMrush, 2026
Paid advertising Lower than SEO MyLittleBigWeb, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Local SEO far exceeds social networks and advertising in terms of e-commerce conversion.
  • It is strategic to strengthen SEO visibility on local and transactional intentions.

Optimization of product sheets for referencing

Optimization Factor Impact Source & Year
Adding customer reviews to product pages Doubles the conversion rate SiteW, 2026
Integrating videos on product pages x53 Onesty, 2026
Structuring product data (schema.org) Essential for AI Normandie Web School, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Customer reviews and videos are accelerators of conversion and reassurance on product sheets.
  • Semantic markup (structured data) is decisive for visibility in AI SERPs and Google product carousels.
  • Enriched product sheets are better used in generative engines and visual searches.

Digital maturity and adoption by professionals

Indicator Value Source & Year
Share of marketers considering SEO effective for brand awareness 86% Onesty, 2026
Share of companies using SEO 44% SEO.com, 2026
Share of marketing managers considering SEO efficient 61% SEO.com, 2026
Share of SMEs having already worked with an SEO provider 65% SEO.com, 2026
Share of SEO professionals billing with a flat fee 75% MyLittleBigWeb, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • SEO is now a recognized pillar for acquisition and reputation in all sizes of companies.
  • Outsourcing and the specialization of SEO services are growing strongly in B2B.
  • Billing models are evolving towards greater flexibility and transparency, adapted to the market.

State of digital business transformation

Indicator Value Source & Year
Share of marketers focusing on content for SEO 57% SEO.com, 2026
Perceived SEO success rate among marketers 89% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Content remains the pillar of any successful SEO strategy, combined with technical innovation and data.
  • The digital transformation of companies requires an increase in skills in semantics and specialized tools.

Practices and challenges for SEO specialists

Challenge / Practice Value / Trend Source & Year
Share of marketers citing budget as the main obstacle 38% SEO.com, 2026
Share of marketers considering link building as the most difficult 41% SEO.com, 2026
Share of marketers viewing keyword research as the most difficult task 39% SEO.com, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Technical and budgetary challenges are driving automation and the advanced use of AI in SEO.
  • Netlinking and keyword research require powerful tools and specialized expertise to perform.

Tools and technologies used by SEO professionals

Tool / Technology Adoption Source & Year
SEO automation platforms (AI/briefs, semantic analysis...) Widespread adoption Toonetcreation, 2025
AI visibility tracking tools (AI Share of Voice...) Rapidly increasing Toonetcreation, 2025

💡 What this data reveals

  • Automation and AI tools have become essential to gain efficiency and precision.
  • Monitoring visibility in generative engines is a new key KPI to integrate into SEO dashboards.

Skills and training sought

Skill / Training Demand in 2026 Source & Year
Semantic and editorial expertise Essential Normandie Web School, 2026
Mastery of AI tools and automation Highly sought after Toonetcreation, 2025
Data skills and performance analysis Rapidly increasing Normandie Web School, 2026

💡 What this data reveals

  • Profiles combining editorial, technical and data are the most sought after in SEO for 2026.
  • Monitoring, pedagogy and a detailed understanding of AI engines are becoming differentiating skills.

🎯 Conclusion and recommendations

The SEO landscape in 2026 is marked by the rise of artificial intelligence, the transformation of mobile uses and the persistent dominance of Google, while opening up to new generative engines. SEO statistics demonstrate the importance of a global strategy, focused on editorial quality, technical performance, user experience and presence in AI responses. Continuous innovation, automation and the ability to measure and manage visibility across all formats are becoming the pillars of efficient and sustainable SEO.

🚀 Priority actions for 2026

  1. Audit and optimize Core Web Vitals and mobile speed to improve experience and positioning
  2. Create long, structured, educational and enriched content (guides, FAQ, videos) to maximize visibility on SERPs and in AIs.
  3. Develop a qualitative and diversified netlinking strategy to strengthen authority and trust.
  4. Follow and manage new AI visibility KPIs (quotations, AI share of voice) and adapt your editorial strategy to be taken up by generative engines.
  5. Optimize the management of customer reviews, Google Business Profiles and structured data to boost local conversion and omnichannel visibility.

🎯 SEO 2026 FAQ: essential questions

This FAQ brings together the most frequent questions about natural referencing in 2026, organized by theme to facilitate your navigation.

📊 Key figures and general trends

What is Google's global market share in 2026?

In 2026, Google owns nearly 89.9% market share in online search, confirming its dominant position despite the emergence of AI engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

How many Google searches are done every day?

Google deals 8.5 billion daily searches worldwide, about 98,000 searches per second.

What is “zero-click” research?

Zero-click search refers to queries where the user gets their response directly on the results page, without clicking on an organic link. This phenomenon represents 60% of searches in 2026, mainly because of optimized snippets and AI Overviews.

How many Google algorithm updates are deployed each year?

We count between 500 and 600 Google algorithm updates per year, making strategic intelligence and continuous adaptation essential to maintain its positions.

How many new searches are done on Google every day?

15% of Google searches are new every day, illustrating the need to constantly innovate in its editorial strategy and to cover new research intentions.

How many Google ranking criteria should you take into account?

Google uses more than 200 ranking criteria, including backlinks, content quality, technical performance, user experience, and behavioral signals.

What is the share of SEO in web traffic compared to social networks?

SEO generates +1000% more traffic compared to social networks, remaining the main acquisition channel for most websites.

🎯 Organic positioning and traffic

Why aim for the top 3 organic results?

The top 3 concentrated 75% of clicks. The first position receives around 27.6% of traffic (all devices combined) and up to 34% on desktop. Being in these positions maximizes organic traffic and visibility, especially in AI and voice responses.

What is the average click rate on the first organic position?

The click rate on the first organic position reached 34% on desktop and about 27.6% on average across all media combined.

What is the average length of time it takes to reach the first Google page?

Alone 22% of pages reach the first page after one year, and 91% never succeed without continuous optimization. SEO remains a long-term job requiring patience, consistency and constant adjustments.

What is the impact of an optimized meta description on the click rate?

An optimized meta description increases by +43% the click rate on organic results, by making users want to click on your link.

Why are featured snippets strategic?

Featured snippets offer greater visibility in the SERPs with a 6% CTR. They are preferred in AI and vocal responses, generating fame and trust even without a direct click on the site.

What is the click-through rate on titles that contain a question?

Headings with a question get a +14.1% higher CTR compared to classic titles, as they better match search intentions.

✍️ Content and editorial optimization

What is the average length of a successful article on Google?

An article in the top 10 Google counts on average 1,447 words, and the pages in the first position show approximately 1,890 words. Semantic richness promotes ranking and thematic authority.

How many words do you need for a comprehensive SEO guide?

A complete and effective guide counts between 2,500 and 4,000 words to cover an entire subject in depth and generate authority in its field.

What is the ideal length of a product sheet for SEO?

A powerful e-commerce product sheet contains between 800 and 1,500 words, including detailed description, technical characteristics, tips for use and rich content (reviews, videos).

Why integrate videos into your SEO content?

Videos are multiplying by 53 the probability of reaching page 1 of Google. They also increase conversion on product sheets and increase the time spent on the page.

What is the importance of long and structured content?

Long content (>2000 words) gets +77.2% more backlinks. They promote ranking, demonstrate expertise and are better taken up by generative AI.

Are behavioral signals taken into account by Google?

Yes, the time spent on the page, the scroll rate, the bounce rate and the engagement are now major indicators of SEO effectiveness used by the algorithms.

What is Evergreen content and why should you bet on it?

Evergreen content remains relevant and useful over time (guides, tutorials, definitions). It makes it possible to reduce 62% marketing costs thanks to its long-term profitability and its recurring traffic.

🔗 Backlinks and netlinking

What is the contribution of backlinks on positioning?

The first position Google has on average 220 backlinks. Pages in position #1 have 3.8 times more backlinks than those in positions 2-10. A quality backlink earns around 1.5 places in the rankings.

What percentage of pages have no backlinks?

94-95% of web pages have no backlinks, making them virtually invisible in search results. Active netlinking is therefore essential.

What is the average cost of a backlink in 2026?

The average price for a quality backlink is $361 in 2026, but this cost varies considerably depending on the authority of the source site and the theme.

⚡ Technical performance and Core Web Vitals

What is the role of Core Web Vitals in SEO?

Core Web Vitals measure the speed (LCP), visual stability (CLS), and responsiveness (INP) of pages. Alone 40% of sites These criteria succeed, which have a direct impact on ranking and user experience.

What is a good Core Web Vitals score in 2026?

A good score requires: LCP < 2.5s (main content loading time), INP < 200ms (reactivity to interactions), and CLS < 0.1 (visual stability). These thresholds are measured on mobile as a priority.

What is the impact of loading speed on the bounce rate?

Slow loading (2 extra seconds) increases the bounce rate of +103%. Every second of delay also results in a loss of -7% conversions.

What is the impact of security (HTTPS) on e-commerce?

84% of consumers abandon an unsecured site. HTTPS has become an essential SEO and commercial prerequisite for trust and conversion.

📱 Mobile and voice search

What percentage of web traffic comes from mobile?

Global web traffic from mobile reaches around 60% in 2026, and 58% of Google searches are carried out on a smartphone.

How does mobile optimization affect SEO?

A site that is not optimized for mobile loses up to 60% of its potential audience. Google applies mobile-first indexing, making mobile performance decisive for ranking.

What is the frequency of mobile abandonment if a page takes more than 3 seconds to load?

53% of mobile users leave a site if the load exceeds 3 seconds. So mobile speed is crucial for retention.

Do you have to have a responsive site or a dedicated mobile version?

Google recommends the responsive design (a single adaptive version) rather than a separate mobile version. It's easier to maintain and avoids duplicate content issues.

What is the voice search trend?

Voice search represents 20% of requests in 2026. Positions 1 to 3 are crucial because 75% of voice results come from the top 3.

Does voice SEO require a specific content strategy?

Yes. Voice searches are longer and more conversational. It is necessary to give priority to FAQ, short answers (29 words on average), natural language, and schema.org markup for voice assistants.

🤖 Artificial intelligence and SEO

What is the impact of AI on SEO results?

AI is now generating 17.3% of content present in Google results. AI Overviews appear on 2 billion requests per month, radically transforming SERPs.

Will AI replace traditional SEO?

No, AI is transforming SEO but not replacing it. It is now necessary to optimize for both traditional and generative engines (GEO), while maintaining human expertise for added value.

Is AI-generated content well referenced?

Yes 66% of AI content is well positioned in less than 2 months, provided they are enriched by human editorial value, real expertise and careful technical optimization.

How do I detect if my AI content will be penalized by Google?

Google doesn't penalize AI content per se, but the low quality content. Make sure your content provides real added value, demonstrates expertise (E-E-A-T), and is not mass-generated spam.

What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)?

The GEO aims to optimize content to be taken up and cited in the AI engines (ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Perplexity, Gemini) This involves clear, structured, well-sourced, and authoritarian content.

What is the difference between SEO and GEO?

Traditional SEO aims to rank well in the Google SERPs. The GEO aims to be cited as a source in responses generated by AI. The two approaches are now complementary and necessary.

How to measure visibility in AI engines?

Specialized tools make it possible to follow the AI “share of voice” and the quotations in the generative responses. This KPI measures how many times your brand/site is mentioned in AI responses compared to your competitors.

What is the impact of being mentioned in an AI Overview?

Being cited as a source in an AI Overview generates a Additional CTR of +1.08% and significantly strengthens brand awareness, even without a direct click.

📍 Local SEO and geographic visibility

What is the importance of local SEO for SMEs?

Local SEO allows a ROI x3 compared to other channels for SMEs. It generates +300% conversions versus social networks and 46% of Google searches have a local intention.

What percentage of users visit a business after a local search?

76% of users visit a physical store within 24 hours after a local mobile search, and 28% make an immediate purchase.

How to optimize your Google Business Profile in 2026?

Complete all fields (schedules, photos, services), collect reviews regularly, publish weekly posts, use the right keywords in the description, and maintain a NAP consistency (name, address, phone) on all platforms.

How do customer reviews impact local SEO?

Customer reviews are decisive: 88% of consumers trust them as much as they trust their loved ones. Going from 3 to 5 stars on Google generates +25% clicks.

What types of customer reviews have the most impact on local SEO?

The reviews recent, detailed, with photos, and containing natural keywords have the most impact. Responding to over 30% of reviews doubles the number of leads generated.

💰 ROI and SEO investments

Is SEO more profitable than paid advertising (SEA)?

Yes, SEO offers a X5 higher ROI over the long term. The cost per SEO lead is -61% lower to outbound marketing, and the closing rate reached 14.6%.

What is the minimum monthly budget for an effective SEO strategy in 2026?

The average cost of SEO services for an SME is around $497 per month in the United States. In France, count 500-1500€/month depending on the size of the project and sectoral competition.

How much time should you devote to SEO each week for an SME?

An SME must plan 5 to 10 hours per week minimum for: content creation, technical optimizations, netlinking, monitoring and performance analysis. Outsourcing may be appropriate if resources are lacking.

What is the proportion of SMEs investing in SEO in 2026?

74% of SMEs invest in SEO, proof of the maturity of the market and the recognition of its profitability. 65% have already worked with an external SEO provider.

Is SEO suitable for B2B businesses?

Absolutely. 71% of B2B buyers are starting their online shopping journey. B2B SEO generates highly qualified leads with an excellent closing rate (14.6%).

🛒 E-commerce and conversions

What percentage of e-commerce traffic comes from SEO?

Environ 43% of e-commerce traffic comes from Google organic search, making SEO the main acquisition channel ahead of social networks and paid advertising.

Why enrich your product sheets with reviews and videos?

The addition of customer reviews Double the conversion rate product sheets. Embedding videos multiplies the probability of conversion by 53 and reassures buyers.

Why structure your product sheets with structured data?

Schema.org (Product, Review, Offer) markup is essential for visibility in Rich SERPs, Google product carousels, and AI responses. It improves CTR and conversions.

What is the impact of AI on the writing of product sheets?

47% of e-commerce sellers use AI to write their product sheets. However, personalization and the addition of human value remain essential to differentiate yourself.

🔧 SEO practices and tools

Which SEO KPIs should you follow first in 2026?

The priority KPIs are: positions on strategic keywords, qualified organic traffic, conversion rate, quality backlinks, Core Web Vitals, AI share of voice, and visibility in featured snippets.

Are there effective free tools to get started in SEO?

Yes: Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, Google PageSpeed Insights, Google Business Profile for the local, and free versions of Ubersuggest, Answer The Public, or Keyword Surfer for keyword research.

What are the 3 most common SEO mistakes to avoid in 2026?

1) Neglecting mobile optimization and Core Web Vitals. 2) Create content without a netlinking strategy. 3) Skip optimization for generative AI and voice responses.

What tools are popular with SEO professionals in 2026?

The platforms of AI-based SEO automation (automated briefs, semantic analysis, AI visibility monitoring) are generalized. Semrush, Ahrefs, SE Ranking and GEO tracking tools are experiencing strong adoption.

What skills are the most sought after in SEO?

The semantic and editorial expertise, mastery of AI tools, automation, and data/analytics skills are highly sought after. The ability to optimize for GEO is becoming differentiating.

Is keyword research still difficult in 2026?

Yes 39% of marketers consider keyword research to be a complex task. The use of advanced tools and AI for intent analysis and long tail is becoming indispensable.

What is the place of automation in modern SEO?

Automation (AI briefs, semantic analysis, position tracking, technical audit, reporting) has become essential for increasing efficiency and precision. It frees up time for strategy and value creation.

🔮 Perspectives and developments

How can we prepare for the expected 25% drop in traditional searches?

Gartner predicts a 25% drop in traditional searches by the end of 2026 for the benefit of conversational AI. You need to diversify your presence (GEO, networks, newsletters) and create content that works on all channels.

What are the main SEO trends for the next few years?

The major trends are: rise of GEO, voice and visual search, increased importance of E-E-A-T, AI personalization of results, SGE (Search Generative Experience), and the need to create authentic and expert content.

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