AI and Search Engines: See the Implications and Start Adapting Now

steve phipps

Steve Phipps

CEO, President, Chief Strategist

April 6, 2024

If you’re actively optimizing your website for SEO, you’re going to want to see this.

Have you stopped to think about how people are using AI to search for info online? If not, you should because understanding this will change how you implement your SEO and content marketing strategies.

There’s currently a fundamental shift happening in digital marketing that I fear a lot of business owners are overlooking. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is the buzzword de jour, but many small business owners may not be thinking about how this could have an impact on their marketing strategies. 

Artificial intelligence in search engines is changing how results are returned, and we have to adjust to the changes or risk significant drops in organic website traffic. 

To help business owners and marketers stay on top of these shifts, I created this video to give you a quick peek inside what’s happening with AI and search engines so you can see the implications for yourself. By getting a handle on AI-driven search, we can fine-tune our websites to meet the demands of search engines and AI tools.

We are just beginning to scratch the surface of how artificial intelligence in search engines will change the face of digital marketing. Keep reading for more context, or schedule a discovery call to meet with Steve and talk through implications for your business. 

The AI Search Revolution is Here 

Although AI tools like Bing’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini are not specifically designed to be a tool for search, users are nonetheless realizing they can perform web searches directly from inside these tools. Unlike traditional keyword-based searches, these AI-driven platforms offer a conversational approach, allowing users to ask more detailed and nuanced questions. This shift towards more interactive and intelligent searches represents a significant opportunity for businesses to refine their content marketing strategies.

How is AI Changing How People Search for Information?

The conversational nature of AI tools encourages users to engage in more detailed inquiries, moving beyond the limitations of simple keyword searches. This change is leading to a more intuitive and user-friendly search experience, where the quality of information found is enhanced. For businesses, this means that current SEO best practices must adapt to AI’s capabilities. Businesses must optimize website content for keywords, context, and intent behind the questions people type into the search bar or AI tool of choice.

Learn how we helped one of our clients win a 2,400% boost in organic search traffic!

Adapting to AI Tool Preferences

In our ever-changing digital world, the way people use AI search tools varies significantly, underscoring the need to really know your audience’s preferences and behaviors. Some individuals prefer starting their search journey with AI tools such as ChatGPT or Gemini, valuing the conversational aspect these platforms offer right from the start. Others might initially opt for traditional search engines, gradually shifting to AI functionalities as they narrow down their queries. Understanding these diverse search patterns is key for businesses looking to adapt their content and SEO strategies effectively, ensuring they connect with users in the most relevant way.

Are you Ready to Optimize for AI-driven Searches?

For B2B and small businesses, the rise of AI in online searches presents both challenges and opportunities. Optimizing for AI-driven searches means updating your website with authoritative, contextually relevant content that answers specific questions users might ask. It’s not just about having the right keywords; it’s about being the best answer to your potential customers’ questions.

As AI continues shaking up online search, businesses must adapt to remain competitive. Right now, you have an opportunity to get ahead of the wave. You can win a competitive edge by understanding the nuances of AI search behaviors and optimizing your website content accordingly. Remember, the goal is to create and publish valuable, credible, and authoritative content that answers your ideal customers’ questions. This kind of content will surely attract the attention of search algorithms and AI tools alike.
If you have questions about any of these topics, please contact us for a free consultation. We can coach you through adapting to and implementing changes, or we can do it for you.

Schedule a FREE discovery call to learn more about your options and start optimizing your content for AI!

steve phipps

About Steve Phipps:

Steve Phipps, president of Wayfind Marketing and a certified They Ask, You Answer Coach, brings over 25 years of marketing expertise. His practical, client-focused approach has helped numerous businesses grow. As a former CMO for multiple companies and a Chick-fil-A franchise owner, Steve understands the challenges small business owners face. He leads Wayfind Marketing with a mission to help business owners grow their companies without the usual headaches, emphasizing strategies that position companies as authorities in their field.

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