Search Isn’t What It Used to Be
Imagine your content showing up… even when no one clicks.
That’s what’s happening now.
AI isn’t just updating how we use keywords. It’s rewriting the rules of discovery. In fact, over 13% of all Google searches now trigger AI‑generated Overviews that answer queries directly in search results, and that number is on the rise. If you’re exploring AI marketing tools and services, this shift matters—and I’m about to show you how to adapt and win.
Understanding AI-Powered Search
Search engines aren’t just matching words anymore. They’re hunting for meaning. AI systems interpret context, personalization, and intent.
What does that mean?
Essentially, it means the same query can (and usually does) yield different answers for different users. That means brands can’t rely solely on keywords; they need to be intent-driven.
What it Means for Your Content Strategy
Traditional SEO is morphing into something smarter. Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) designs content for bite‑sized, AI‑generated answers. That means structured Q&A, concise text that actually answers questions, and schema markup.
On the other hand, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) aims to get your content cited by AI, mastering motivations like topical depth and clarity. But one or the other isn’t the way to go. The truth is, you need both.
The Reality of AI Overviews
These Overviews have nearly doubled since early 2025. They often appear in informational queries, especially in sectors such as health, science, and society. The result, however, means that click-through rates (CTRs) can take a hit, sometimes by over 30–45%.
Advertisers and content creators are navigating this shift by reframing their strategies to fit AI in marketing: visibility now means being able to answer the question, not being the top-ranked result.
The “Fan Out” Effect
When AI generates an Overview, it doesn’t just grab one page. It fans out across multiple sources, pulling pieces of information from different sites to build a single, “best” answer.
Here’s what that means for your business:
- You don’t need to rank #1 to get visibility. AI often cites 3–5 sources at once.
- Content that’s clear, authoritative, and intent-focused is more likely to be included.
- The goal isn’t just traffic anymore. It’s becoming a source that AI ranks as trustworthy.
Smart SMBs are adapting by broadening their coverage of a topic—answering related questions, adding depth, and structuring content so it’s easy for AI to pull. Paired with the right AI marketing tools, this makes your brand harder for search engines to ignore.
Embracing AI in Marketing with Tools and Tactics
If you’re already investing in digital marketing, here’s where AI in marketing can get you ahead of the game:
- Use AI marketing tools (like Writesonic or Otterly.ai) to test how your brand appears in AI search engines and adjust accordingly.
- Build content with structured data and an authoritative tone. AI values substance more than search engine tactics.
- Prepare yourself for far fewer clicks. Brands are already diversifying into newsletters, social channels, and platforms like Apple News because AI has made over-dependency on organic traffic risky.
- Embrace a hybrid optimization approach: combine SEO, AEO, and GEO to future-proof your visibility. Taking all of the different options into account really just means you need to write in-depth, leadership-based articles.
Be the Answer, Not Just the Result
AI is transforming search from keyword-centric to something that’s actually meaningful to users. Gone are the days when stuffing keywords was enough. Now, visibility means being understood, trusted, and ready to be AI’s go-to answer. That’s where digital marketing services powered by AI in marketing make all the difference.
Let’s help you be that answer. Partner with beMarketing to build a strategy that performs (no matter how AI evolves.)