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1h ago

AI Chat Use Surges, Eroding Google’s Info-Search Share

Google is steering advertisers to AI-led products, citing internal tests that tout conversion gains.

A new survey reveals over half of users now prefer AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini over Google, signaling a major shift in search habits.
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Overview

  • A HigherVisibility August update reports Google’s preference for general information searches fell from 73% in February to 66.9%.
  • Use of ChatGPT for general information tripled in the same period, rising from 4.1% to 12.5%, with users citing speed, conversational answers, and fewer ads.
  • Marketers are shifting SEO toward language models and multichannel visibility, while Google remains strong for local lookups and quick facts.
  • Google’s Brendon Kraham promotes AI Max for Search and automated bidding, reporting typical gains of about 14% more conversions or conversion value at similar CPA/ROAS, and says AI Overviews drive over 10% more queries for eligible query types.
  • Google highlights Smart Bidding Exploration tests showing an 18% increase in unique converting query categories and a 19% lift in conversions, expands reach via the Search Partner Network with full placement reporting, and notes AI Mode is still being tested.