What’s Happening with AI in Search

Google’s AI Overviews now appear in 84% of searches with question-based queries. ChatGPT gets 3.7 billion visits monthly. Perplexity AI hit 10 million daily active users in 2025. Your traffic is going somewhere else, and traditional SEO tactics don’t address this shift.

The Zero-Click Problem Nobody Talks About

Most users now get their answer without clicking anything.

  • 57% of mobile searches
  • 53% of desktop searches

(Source: SparkToro, 2024)

So even if you “rank #1,” it may not matter anymore.

Here’s what this leads to:

  • Featured snippets take your traffic
  • AI Overviews summarize your content
  • LLMs read your pages, but don’t send visitors
  • Your traffic drops while rankings stay the same

How LLMs Work (And Why It Matters)

Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini learn from your content. They use your articles to answer people’s questions — but they don’t link back or send traffic.

Example:

Someone asks, “What are the best project management tools for small teams?”

Instead of searching on Google, they ask ChatGPT.

Your comparison page gets no visits, even if you rank #1.

It’s a new challenge.

Practical Changes You Need to Make Now

1. Write for AI Systems First, Humans Second

AI tools pull direct answers. Your content must be easy to extract.

What to do:

  • Put the answer in the first 2–3 lines
  • Use clear section headers
  • Use bullet points for lists
  • Add dates, numbers, and sources

Bad approach:

A long, rambling introduction where the honest answer is hidden in the fourth paragraph.

Good approach:

Answer right away and make it clear:

“The best CRM for real estate teams costs ₹2,000–8,000 per month. Top options include Salesforce (₹8,000), HubSpot (₹4,500), and Zoho (₹2,000). Here’s why each one works well…”

2. Build for Featured Snippets Aggressively

64% of featured snippets get included in AI Overviews. Get the snippet, get the AI citation.

How to format:

  • Use questions as H2 headings
  • Keep answers to 40–60 words
  • Use tables for comparisons
  • Use numbered steps for guides

3. Stop Chasing Generic Keywords

If ChatGPT can answer it completely, you’ve already lost that traffic. Target queries AI systems struggle with:

  • Local information
  • New updates and recent changes
  • Personal experience
  • Step-by-step tutorials
  • Pricing that changes often

4. Create Content AI Can’t Generate

What AI systems lack:

  • Current prices and promotions
  • Personal case studies
  • Behind-the-scenes processes
  • Local market insights
  • Original research and surveys

Example: Don’t write “10 benefits of email marketing” (AI can generate this). Write “How we got 47% open rates for B2B SaaS companies in Pune—actual campaign breakdown.”

5. Add Structured Data Everywhere

Schema markup helps AI systems understand the context of your content. 73% of top-ranking pages use structured data.

Priority schemas:

  • FAQ schema for Q&A content
  • How-to schema for tutorials
  • Article schema for blog posts
  • Local business schema for service pages
  • Review the schema for testimonials.

6. Build Brand Recognition Outside Search

42% of people go directly to trusted brand websites rather than search (Demand Gen Report, 2024). If they know your name, they’ll find you directly.

Tactics:

7. Track New Metrics That Actually Matter

Stop obsessing over rankings. Track:

  • Direct traffic growth
  • Brand search volume
  • Time on page (shows engagement)
  • Return visitor rate
  • Conversion rate per traffic source

Why Most Agencies Get This Wrong

Traditional SEO companies still sell you keyword rankings and backlinks. They’re measuring yesterday’s game. You need someone who understands:

  • How AI systems parse content
  • Which queries still drive clicks
  • How to build brand recognition
  • Content that serves both AI and humans

Why Adwen Plus Approaches This Differently

We don’t make significant ranking promises or talk in circles. Here’s what we actually focus on:

  • Content that works for both people and AI – We shape your content so it shows up in AI-driven answers and still attracts real users who want to click and read. You don’t have to choose one over the other.
  • Data that fits the Indian market – With more than 18 years of experience working with Indian businesses, we understand how people search in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. We don’t copy strategies meant for US audiences.
  • A long-term, realistic approach – Real SEO takes time. That’s why we work with clients who are ready for a 6+ month plan. Only a small percentage of businesses that expect instant results actually succeed. We focus on the ones willing to stay consistent.
  • Clear communication, no jargon – We keep things simple. We tell you what we’re doing and why. You’ll always understand your own SEO plan, not feel left in the dark.

What Results Look Like in 2026

Client example – Chums Clearance (London):

  • Focused on local “near me” searches, AI can’t fully answer.
  • Built FAQ schema for service area pages
  • Traffic stabilized despite the launch of AI Overviews.
  • 34% increase in direct phone calls (people finding them outside search)

Client example – ChatRx (Telemedicine):

  • Structured content for “can I get treated online for [condition]” queries
  • Got featured snippets for 23 medical queries
  • AI Overviews cite them in 67% of relevant searches
  • Traffic down 18% but conversions up 42% (better-qualified visitors)

The Uncomfortable Truth

You can’t stop AI from using your content or even you can’t force Google to show your listing instead of the AI Overview. You can’t make ChatGPT link to you.

What you can control:

  • Content quality that makes AI cite you accurately
  • Brand strength that brings direct traffic
  • Targeting queries AI handles poorly
  • User experience that converts the traffic you do get

Action Plan

Week 1–2

  • Review your top 20 pages and check if the structure is easy for AI systems to read
  • Add the FAQ schema to pages that get the most traffic
  • List 10 real questions your audience asks that need fresh, local, or practical answers

Week 3–4

  • Rewrite your most important pages so the main answer appears at the top
  • Add comparison tables to service or product pages
  • Start growing your brand presence on LinkedIn and Twitter

Month 2–3

  • Publish content that AI tools cannot answer fully (local, recent, experience-based)
  • Add structured data across your full website
  • Begin tracking your brand search volume to measure awareness

Month 4 and beyond

  • Review what’s actually working—not just rankings
  • Focus more on content formats that keep people engaged
  • Build and grow your email list so you have a direct connection with your audience

The Real Question

Do you want to keep chasing keywords that bring less and less traffic?

Or build a strategy that works even as AI tools change how people search?

Most businesses wait until their traffic drops before they make adjustments.

By that time, early adopters already control the featured snippets, have stronger brand recognition, and receive more direct visitors.

The ones who move early always stay ahead.

Need help adapting your SEO for AI systems? Adwen Plus works with serious businesses ready for a long-term strategy. ₹25,000-80,000/month, minimum 6-month commitment. We’re selective—only working with clients who understand SEO is a marathon, not a sprint.

AI SEO marketing helps your content get seen even when search engines shift to AI-driven results.

We make your pages ready for AI Overviews, LLMs, and real users.

Contact via Email – info@adwenplus.com or call +91 9988 712 738