Traditional search engine optimization (SEO) has already reached its limits. The reason is that users now search differently using AI: they enter complete questions. They expect automatically summarized answers. They no longer just ask Google, but also ChatGPT, Perplexity and other AIs for answers.
With the introduction of SGE (Search Generative Experience) by Google, the emergence of AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and the discussion about GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), completely new types of visibility are emerging for corporations and medium-sized companies: brand mentions and links directly in AI-generated answers are gaining focus, while organic Google traffic is already declining for many brands.
As a result of this development, the success of search should no longer be measured solely by traditional clicks or ranking positions. Brands who want to stay ahead of the game must learn to analyze and evaluate the visibility and impact of content in AI search.
This means:
– New metrics, new KPIs, new analytics setups
– Away from pure SEO reporting and towards an expanded view of reach, interaction and actual impact
– With modern digital analytics tools such as GA4 and Adobe Analytics, AI traffic can be made visible via referrer analysis and evaluated using suitable metrics and benchmarks.