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6d ago

AI Chatbots Erode Google’s Search Share as Marketers Shift to GEO

New data shows users choosing chatbot responses for speed and clarity, prompting strategies built for AI surfaces.

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 study finds Google’s share of general‑information searches fell from 73% in February to 66.9% in August, while ChatGPT usage for this purpose rose from 4.1% to 12.5%.
  • Future’s AI Sentiment Wave 3 reports 55% of U.S. users, and 62% in the U.K., now turn to chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini instead of search engines for certain tasks such as trip planning, fitness routines, gift ideas, tech help, product comparisons and email drafting.
  • Respondents cite faster, conversational answers with less ad clutter as key reasons for the shift, though Google remains a go‑to for local lookups and quick facts and a checkpoint for verifying information.
  • Google promotes AI‑powered ad features, saying AI Overviews drive over 10% more queries for eligible query types and AI Max delivers roughly 14% more conversions or conversion value at similar CPA/ROAS, with AI Mode in testing and expanded partner network transparency.
  • Marketers are advised to fold Generative Engine Optimization into SEO by researching conversational queries, adding FAQ sections with schema, using structured data and tracking content visibility and referrals from AI surfaces.