The Current State of Search and How You Can Get Found in the Age of AI

At The Aebli Group, we’ve been having a lot of conversations lately with CEOs, founders, and marketing leaders who feel like the ground beneath search engine optimization (SEO) has shifted overnight. And honestly? They’re right.

Search isn’t what it used to be.

Between Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT Search, and a wave of new AI-powered search engines, the way people discover information and how your business gets found online has changed dramatically.

Let’s unpack what’s happening, what it means for your business, and how to build an AI SEO strategy for 2025 that keeps you visible.

The New Search Landscape

1. Google Search Has Changed—AI is Front and Center

When you type something into Google today, you’re not just getting a list of links. You’re often greeted with an AI Overview, a summary powered by Google’s Gemini AI that pulls together information from multiple sources.

That means:
SEO for Google AI Overviews is now a priority.
Your content needs to be structured and authoritative enough to get pulled into those summaries.
Schema markup and structured data are no longer optional, they’re required for visibility.


2. ChatGPT Search is Changing the Game

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search blends traditional search with conversational, AI-driven answers.

People love it because it feels like asking an expert instead of sifting through endless results.

If you’re not optimized for ChatGPT SEO and AI search visibility, you risk being invisible to the growing number of users who bypass Google altogether.

3. The Rise of Conversational Search

Instead of typing short keywords, users now ask full questions like:

“What’s the best B2B crowdfunding strategy in 2025?”
“Which CRM helps small businesses scale quickly?”

This is conversational SEO in action.

Your content today should mirror natural language, directly answering the kinds of questions your audience is asking.

How to Succeed in AI-Driven Search

Here’s the good news: the fundamentals of digital marketing and SEO still work.

The difference is in how you apply them.

Double Down on SEO Fundamentals

High-quality content marketing: Long-form, valuable, and written for humans, not just algorithms.
Technical SEO: Use schema, structured data, and optimized site architecture.
Authority building: Backlinks, client case studies, and thought leadership.


Optimize for Google AI Overviews

Create FAQ sections on your site.
Write clear, concise answers that AI can lift directly.
Update pages frequently to stay ahead in AI-powered ranking systems.


Build Conversational, Intent-Driven Content

Publish how-to blogs, comparison guides, and explainer posts that match the phrasing of real queries.

Use long-tail keywords like “how to rank in Google AI Overviews” or “AI SEO strategy for small businesses”.

Diversify Beyond Google Search

Experiment with ChatGPT SEO strategies and ensure your site is indexed properly.
Don’t ignore platforms like YouTube SEO, LinkedIn content marketing, and social search optimization.


Focus on Trust and Brand Authority

Cite credible sources and showcase your expertise.
Use author bios, testimonials, and transparent data.
Trust signals are vital in both Google and ChatGPT ranking algorithms.

The Bottom Line

AI isn’t killing SEO—it’s evolving it.

The question isn’t “Will people still use Google?” (yes, and billions still do) but “Will they find me in AI-driven search results?”

This is the moment to refresh your content strategy, strengthen your SEO for AI search, and embrace the reality that search is now a conversation, not just a keyword match. The businesses who adapt now will dominate digital visibility tomorrow.

FAQs About AI Search & SEO in 2025

Q: What is AI SEO?
 A: AI SEO is the practice of optimizing your website and content for AI-powered search engines like Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT Search. It focuses on conversational queries, structured data, and authority-building.

Q: How do I rank in Google AI Overviews?
 A: To show up in Google AI Overviews, focus on structured content, clear answers to questions, schema markup, and building domain authority. Fresh, accurate content is key.

Q: Can I optimize my site for ChatGPT Search?
 A: Yes. ChatGPT SEO requires publishing high-quality, authoritative content in a Q&A style, ensuring your site is crawlable and using structured data that AI can parse.

Q: Is traditional SEO dead?
 A: No. Traditional SEO is evolving. Keywords, backlinks, and technical SEO still matter, but success now requires layering in AI-focused SEO tactics.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake companies make with AI search?
 A: Ignoring it. Too many businesses treat AI-powered search engines as a fad. The winners are already adapting strategies to rank in both Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT Search.


👉 Want to make sure your business is visible in AI-driven search results?

At TAG, we help brands build strategies that work for both today’s Google search and tomorrow’s AI-first future of SEO. Let’s talk!