By Vicky Sidler | Published 11 June 2025 at 15:00 GMT

You used to Google a product, read a few blog posts, maybe click through to a landing page. Now? You’re watching a 15-second vertical video of someone unboxing it in their car—with their dog in the passenger seat and subtitles flying across the screen.

Welcome to search in 2025. It’s mobile-first, video-led, and very, very vertical.

What’s New? Shorts Now Show Up in Google Search:

Google just made it official: YouTube Shorts now appear in search results. Even more interesting, users can now scan real-world objects with Google Lens, and the results can include swipeable vertical Shorts about that item.

Spot a pair of sneakers on the street? Scan them. You might end up watching three Shorts before ever visiting the brand’s website.

For small businesses and marketers, this means one thing: SEO is no longer just words on a page—it’s video too.

Why This Matters for Your Marketing:

As a Duct Tape Marketing Strategist and StoryBrand Certified Guide, I’m all about helping small businesses create marketing that works while they sleep. And this change? It’s a signal that your next customer might find you through a Short, not a search ad.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Shorts aren’t just for social engagement—they’re now discovery tools

• Your videos can rank in Google if they’re well-optimized

• Lens lets people “search what they see,” which means video SEO is tied to real-world behavior

And unlike traditional video SEO (which can feel like a long game), this is fast, accessible, and already rolling out.

Three Ways to Ride the Shorts-Search Wave:

Let’s keep it practical. You don’t need to become a YouTuber overnight, but you do need to start thinking like one. Here’s your plan:

1. Start With One Useful Video:

Pick one FAQ, one product, or one tutorial. Film it vertically. Keep it under 90 seconds. Add captions. Think of it as a mini billboard in your customer’s pocket.

2. Optimize It Like a Blog Post:

Use clear keywords in your title and description. Add hashtags. Think: “how to clean leather boots”, “best CRM for small teams”, or “easy website tips”. This is where StoryBrand meets search intent.

3. Treat Shorts as Entry Points, Not End Goals:

Your video should lead somewhere. Add a pinned comment, a verbal call to action, or a link in the description. The goal isn’t just views—it’s getting viewers into your funnel.

Need Help Turning Views Into Leads?

Shorts are a great start. But if your message isn’t clear, your videos won’t convert—no matter how many people watch them.

Download my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’ll help you write a sentence that grabs attention, builds trust, and guides people toward buying—whether they’re watching a Short, reading your site, or scanning your brochure.

👉 Grab it here.

Because if your dog ends up going viral instead of your offer… you’ll want to make sure someone still knows what you sell.