Reddit Answers, Google Gemini, and the Future of SEO: What Small Businesses Should Know
You think this is weird? Just spend a few minutes on r/longfurbies 🫣
Lowdown
Remember when SEO was all about keywords, backlinks, and technical tweaks? Yeah… about that.
In 2025, Google is changing the game, and Reddit is right at the center of it.
Thanks to a $60 million partnership between Reddit and Google, Reddit content is now fueling Google’s AI-powered search features, especially via Reddit Answers, a new tool designed to deliver faster, more human, more experience-driven responses. (CNET)
For small businesses? This means SEO isn’t just about ranking your website anymore. It’s about showing up in the conversations that power Google’s newest answers, i.e. conversations happening on Reddit.
What is Reddit Answers? (And Why Does It Matter?)
Reddit Answers, currently in beta, is a new AI-powered tool inside Reddit that uses Google’s Gemini model to summarize and deliver faster, more human responses by leveraging real conversations from Reddit communities.
This is big because:
Google is already showing Reddit links everywhere in search results.
People are actively searching with “reddit” added to their queries. (Search Engine Journal)
Reddit Answers is designed to surface real human experience, not just AI hallucinations.
The Beta Phase: Objectives and Limitations
Currently, Reddit Answers is in its beta phase, available to a limited number of users in the U.S. and Canada via Reddit's website and iOS app. The feature supports only English-language queries and excludes content from private, quarantined, or NSFW communities. Users have a capped number of queries per day, depending on their account status.
Distinct from Google Search: A New Paradigm
While Google Search provides a broad spectrum of information, Reddit Answers offers a curated glimpse into community discussions. This tool emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives and lived experiences, catering to users seeking nuanced insights rather than generic answers.
The integration of Reddit content into Google's AI models, such as Gemini, further underscores the importance of authentic, user-generated content in search results.
5 SEO Shifts Small Businesses Need to Know About
Reddit Answers Now Mimics Google Search (and vice versa)
As if it wasn’t already hard enough to rank in Google SERPs, Reddit Answers has a striking look and feel to Google Search, and since it’s housed within the platform, there is less reason to ever leave and actually “Google” something.
But this doesn’t mean search as we know it is defunct. Google’s Gemini AI is pulling from Reddit to answer search queries with real-world advice and personal stories. The problem? It just shuttles people right back into Reddit, and away from your traditional SEO-stacked site.
→ Implication: Brands participating on Reddit can show up indirectly in Reddit Answers (think reviews, recos, and yes, bitter complaints) as well as Google’s AI-driven answers - driving visibility without needing to rank with a blog post.
People Search With “Reddit” On Purpose
All Reddit’s done here is formalize tech around existing behavior. Given the immense search volume for queries like “best hiking boots reddit” or “how to clean cast iron reddit,” etc. Reddit’s simply giving people the shortcut they want. Why? Because users trust Reddit’s unfiltered advice more than brand websites. (Backlinko)
→ Implication: Content strategies need to mimic Reddit-style honesty; think community-first content, FAQs, and real customer reviews. And Google E-E-A-T principles.
Authentic Participation Beats Promotion
Reddit punishes brands that post like brands. Helpful, human voices win. Marketers lose when they treat Reddit like another content distribution channel.
→ Implication: Get involved as a human first. Lurk, answer questions, join conversations. Let people discover your expertise organically.
Long-Tail, Question-Based Content Will Dominate
The same conversational queries that perform well on Reddit (how, why, what, has anyone tried…) are exactly what Google’s AI is looking to surface.
→ Implication: Build website content that mirrors Reddit threads. Blog titles like “What I Wish I Knew Before…” or “How to Avoid This Mistake…” are the future of SEO.
Reddit Engagement is a Long-Term SEO Play
Google’s AI and Reddit partnership is just getting started. Brands that invest in Reddit presence early will likely have long-term discoverability advantages.
→ Implication: Don't wait for this to become standard practice. Start showing up now.
6 Content Strategy Moves Small Businesses Should Make
Identify relevant subreddits for your audience.
Spend time lurking, learning, and understanding tone.
Look for common question patterns, then turn those into blog posts, FAQ pages, lifecycle marketing, and social content.
Start contributing in authentic ways, i.e. advice, stories, personal experience.
Test small, well-targeted Reddit Ads or AMAs (Ask Me Anything).
Track brand mentions and emerging Reddit conversations in your niche.
Final Thought:
Obviously SEO isn’t dead.
It just got bit by a cordyceps-infested zombie and grew a wild personality.
Google is betting on real, human experience. Reddit is the new front door. And small businesses that act like people first, brands second are going to win this next wave of search.
Sources:
CNET: Reddit’s AI Tool with Google Gemini
Search Engine Land: Reddit Answers powered by Google Gemini
Search Engine Journal: Reddit's Rising Search Influence
Backlinko: The Reddit SEO Strategy Guide
Ready to Supercharge Your Reddit, SEO, and Integrated Marketing Strategy?
Contact Lodematter today to learn more about how we can help your small business grow through Reddit and beyond.
