What is AI Search?
Search experiences powered by artificial intelligence, including AI-generated summaries, conversational search interfaces, and AI Overviews in traditional search engines.
Understanding the Details
AI search represents a fundamental shift in how people find information. Instead of browsing ten blue links, users increasingly receive AI-generated answers that synthesise information from multiple sources. Google's AI Overviews, ChatGPT's browsing mode, and Perplexity AI are leading examples. For businesses, this creates both opportunity and challenge: being cited in AI-generated answers provides visibility, but AI may answer queries without sending users to your site. Optimising for AI search (sometimes called Answer Engine Optimisation) involves creating authoritative, well-structured content that AI systems can extract, cite, and reference accurately. The companies that become trusted sources for AI systems will capture disproportionate visibility.
How It Works in Practice
AI Overview citation
A SaaS company's pricing comparison guide is cited in Google's AI Overview for 'best CRM for startups', driving brand visibility even when users don't click through.
Conversational search
Users ask ChatGPT 'what project management tool should I use for a remote team?' — companies with strong content and authority are more likely to be mentioned.
AI-powered site search
A product implements AI-powered search that understands natural language queries, improving help centre resolution rates by 40%.
Why It Matters
The way people search is changing fundamentally. Companies that adapt their content and SEO strategies for AI search will maintain visibility as traditional organic clicks evolve.
What People Often Get Wrong
AI search will eliminate website traffic. Actually, AI search changes traffic patterns but doesn't eliminate the need for authoritative source content.
You can't influence AI search results. Actually, content quality, structure, authority, and freshness all influence AI citation likelihood.
AI search only matters for consumer queries. Actually, B2B research queries are increasingly handled by AI tools.
How We Handle AI Search
We optimise for AI search visibility through authoritative content, structured data, and strategies that ensure your brand is cited when AI answers questions in your domain.
Related Terms
Common Questions
Need Help With AI Search?
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