In this conversation from Craft on Tap, Stephen Beach and Faustin Weber explain that while "Google is still King," you should consider the rise of AI-assisted search and how you can use it to improve your brand's visibility.
👇 Watch the full discussion below:
The search landscape is changing rapidly. With new tools like Google's "AI overviews" and the rise of ChatGPT, people are finding information in new ways, through "zero click content." This can lead to a new dilemma, where your brand name gets plenty of impressions (views) but fewer clicks into your website. You might worry that all your SEO efforts are a waste. As Stephen says, this is a rapidly moving space, so you should “stay calm and market on.”
Before you commit to a full overhaul, ask yourself a simple question: Is your target client using AI to find you? The answer might surprise you. A firm that works with tech-savvy professionals in their 30s and 40s may see a big payoff from AI search. But if your clients are retirees, you might be better off focusing on referral marketing. Stephen and Faustin make it clear: being cited as a trusted expert by AI tools is a great goal, but it only matters if your audience is there to see it. As Stephen advises, you should "always come back to your ideal client or your ideal persona" whenever you evaluate a new marketing tactic.
If AI search is a priority for your firm, build a strong foundation using Google's EEAT principles: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust.
AI tools look beyond your website. To increase your chances of being cited, show up where the AI tools are gathering information. The hosts point to YouTube and Reddit as great places to start. By sharing your content and engaging in these communities, you can position your firm as a thought leader and make sure your voice is heard in this new search environment. As Faustin explains, these platforms are becoming major sources for AI. Reddit appears in “one out of every four ChatGPT searches.”
Adapting to this new search landscape presents challenges, but you don't have to tackle them alone. The right marketing partner can help you adapt your strategy to level up your marketing results within this new reality of SEO and AI search.
This conversation is only a starting point. For ongoing insights and practical strategies for RIA growth, listen to the new Craft on Tap marketing podcast. Available now, wherever you find your podcasts. Ready to chat? Get in Touch