The way people search for information online is changing. Google, which once dominated search with over 90% of the market, has seen a slight decline, dropping below that mark for the first time in nearly a decade. While competitors like Bing and Yahoo have gained a small share, the real disruptors are AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT. These tools are changing how users look for information, skipping traditional search engines and providing direct answers instead.
How AI is Changing Search Behavior
Instead of typing a query into Google and sifting through results, users are now asking AI tools to summarize answers, generate ideas, and even recommend products. Whether it’s finding a new restaurant, researching a service, or learning about a topic, AI-powered searches are becoming the new norm. This shift is already impacting traffic to websites that once relied on Google’s dominance.
Why SEO Still Matters to Stay Visible in Search
Even though AI is changing how search works, SEO isn’t going anywhere—it’s just evolving. AI platforms pull their answers from websites across the internet, meaning if your content isn’t optimized, you won’t be found by Google or AI-powered searches. Businesses must now focus on structured content, entity-based SEO, and authoritative backlinks to ensure AI models recognize and use their information.
Users are asking AI tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity instead of Google. They might type, “Where can I find the best croissants in Montreal?” and the AI will pull information from across the internet to provide an answer. If your business isn’t optimized, AI won’t recognize or recommend you.
So how do you make sure your business gets found?
- Make Your Website Clear & Informative – AI tools scan websites to find the best answers. If your site clearly states, “We make fresh, buttery croissants daily in Montreal,” AI is more likely to use that information.
- Get Mentioned on Other Websites – AI trusts businesses that other websites talk about. If a local food blogger writes, “This bakery in Montreal has amazing croissants,” and links to your website, it boosts your credibility.
- Use Simple, Structured Content – Think of AI like a librarian organizing books. If your website has clear sections like “Our Menu,” “Location,” and “Reviews,” it’s easier for AI to understand what you offer and recommend you.
- Keep Your Business Profile Updated – If someone asks AI, “Where can I buy croissants near me?” but your Google Business Profile is outdated or missing, AI won’t include you in the results.
How Businesses Can Stay Visible in Search
- Optimize for AI Search – AI models favor well-structured, authoritative content. Ensure your website provides clear, high-quality answers that AI can reference.
- Focus on Content Relevance – AI tools pull data from the most relevant and high-authority sites. Keeping your content informative and up to date increases your chances of being cited.
- Leverage Local SEO – When people search for businesses “near me,” both Google and AI platforms need clear location signals to deliver accurate results.
- Improve Website Structure – Search engines and AI rely on structured data to understand and categorize content. Optimizing metadata, schema markup, and page hierarchy can make your site more AI-friendly.
The Future of Search is Multi-Platform
With AI reshaping search behavior, businesses can’t rely on Google alone to bring in traffic. At Mark3ting, we specialize in SEO and web strategies that ensure your business stays visible across search engines and AI platforms.
Need help optimizing your website for the future of search? Contact Mark3ting today and stay ahead of the curve.
