SEO, dead? No, it goes by H.B.O. now.
Search engine optimization has officially evolved into H.B.O. What is H.B.O. you may ask? It stands for “Human Being Optimization. Gone are the days of stuffing keywords and putting out requests for backlinks.
Writing for search engines is out, and writing for people is in.
Let’s face it—Google’s AI algorithm is too smart to be tricked by pre-2020 SEO tactics.
The game has changed.
If you want to rank on Google in 2025, the only way to succeed is by providing the best user experience possible.
What Does “Human Being Optimization” Look Like?
1. Prioritize User Experience (UX) Over Everything
User experience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the core of your SEO strategy in 2025. This means every aspect of your site needs to be dialed in to serve the user, not the algorithm.
Think about what you can do when building a page – outside of written content – to make it hold user’s attention.
2. Create Clear, Concise, and Helpful Content
Forget keyword stuffing. That’s writing for robots. Your content should be original, easy to read, and genuinely helpful to your audience. Make sure the subject of the page is immediately clear, with a well-defined keyword in the title and throughout the content.
Keywords still matter, just choose the ones that people actually use in real life conversation.
3. Streamline Your Site’s Experience
Nothing drives users away faster than a slow site. Speed matters—a lot. Make sure your page loads quickly, navigation is intuitive, and links guide users where they need to go without frustration.
Users should be able to get what they need in 1-2 clicks no matter where they are on the site. (Think pricing, specific answers, and call to actions).
4. Engage With Originality
Stock photos and generic videos won’t cut it anymore. To truly connect with your audience, use original imagery and videos that are relevant and unique to your brand. (This is where weird AI images can shine!) Not only will this make your site more engaging, but it also enhances the overall user experience.
How to Nail User Experience in 2025 that is H.B.O. Summarized
1. Clear, Keyword-Driven Titles and Content
People should know exactly what they’re going to get when they land on your page. Use clear, direct titles and make sure your content delivers on that promise right from the start.
- Tip: Don’t ramble. Sometimes the best answer only needs to be 5 sentences. Add other elements such as visuals, videos, and charts to pump up dwell times!
2. Seamless Site Navigation and Fast Load Times
A seamless user experience means fast load speeds and easy-to-navigate pages. Keep it simple and intuitive—your users (and Google) will thank you for it.
- Tip: Use mega menus in your navigation bar to get people to the right page in less clicks!
3. Engaging Visuals
Whether it’s an original photo or a short, brand-driven video, make sure the visuals on your site grab attention and keep users engaged. It’s one more step toward optimizing for human beings.
- Tip: Videos can be done with exactly zero prep. Just record a zoom in your office and share your screen to explain a basic topic. Fancy videos often make people think you’re about to sell to them!
In 2025, SEO isn’t about outsmarting algorithms anymore. It’s about making sure your audience has the best experience possible when they visit your site. Human Being Optimization is the future—embrace it.
If you’re a business looking to implement H.B.O. on your website, contact our helpful team at Magnetic North today.
digital marketing strategist
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hunter Krueger
Hunter graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2021 with a degree in Marketing. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to creating led him to start a video marketing business at 15, creating videos for businesses, schools, and TV. Through this, he found his passion for marketing and has since worked on marketing campaigns for businesses in different industries across the country. Outside of work, you'll find Hunter at Lifetime, doing home improvements with his wife, and working on new video projects on the weekends.