Google 2025 vs 2024: is it still the king of search?

A new era in online searches
The digital world is moving extremely fast. If we look at a comparison Google 2025 vs 2024, we see major differences. Not only has technology changed, but also the way we use it. At Altanet Craiova, we often get asked if Google is still the leader. The short answer is "yes", but the rules of the game are different. Let's see together what has changed in a single year.

Market share: how big is Google's slice?

In 2024, Google absolutely dominated the market. It had a share of over 91% of all global searches. The rest of the engines were fighting for crumbs. In 2025, the situation is a little different, but Google remains king.

Recent statistics show a slight decline. Google now holds about 87-89% of the market. Where have the users gone? They have migrated to purely AI-based solutions (such as ChatGPT or Perplexity). However, Google remains the main gateway to the internet for most people. For a business in Romania, not being on Google is still a critical mistake.

Functional differences: links versus answers

The most visible change in the Google 2025 vs 2024 battle is the interface. Here's how the average user feels about this difference:

• Google in 2024: It was like a classic librarian. You asked a question. He handed you 10 books (blue links). You had to browse them yourself to find the answer.
• Google in 2025: It has become a personal assistant. You ask a question. It reads the books for you. At the end, it gives you a direct summary (via AI Overviews). Only then does it show you the sources.

This change means that users stay longer on the results page. They click less often on sites if they find the answer directly. This is where our role comes in. If you want to learn how to attract visitors in this new context, visit our servicii online marketing web page. We have strategies adapted to this new reality.

Impact on local businesses

For local businesses, the Google 2025 vs 2024 comparison brings good news. The search engine has become much more “local.” In 2025, Google understands the physical context better.

If a user searches for “installer,” the AI ​​will prioritize businesses in the area that have recent and verified reviews. It’s not just keywords that matter anymore. Reputation and actual activity matter. Spam filtering has also become much more aggressive in 2025. Low-quality sites, made just for traffic, have almost completely disappeared from the first page.

Conclusion: adaptation is mandatory

Google is still the giant you can't ignore. Even though it has lost a few percentage points to artificial intelligence, it remains the main source of customers. The difference is that now it rewards quality, not quantity.

Want to make sure your website is ready for 2025 standards? Our team is ready to help you. Visit the contact page and let's discuss the future of your online business.