AI-powered search platforms are rising quick, however nonetheless account for lower than 1% of referral site visitors, in line with new knowledge from enterprise web optimization platform BrightEdge.
By the numbers. From January to August, AI-driven search referrals accounted for lower than 1% of site visitors.
Natural search stays the first driver of conversions throughout industries.
AI search utilization remains to be rising quick – with some platforms exhibiting triple-digit month-over-month features – however site visitors isn’t translating into transactions.
Why we care. There’s been lots of stress to chase shiny new AI platforms. Nevertheless, these numbers spotlight the large distinction between hype and affect. AI search appears extra like a analysis channel, whereas natural search drives conversions and development.
What they’re saying. BrightEdge co-founder Jim Yu mentioned:
“AI search is the fastest-growing channel we’ve ever tracked. However development and high quality are two various things. Natural search continues to outperform on conversions and stays the engine of digital development. Probably the most profitable entrepreneurs aren’t selecting one over the opposite – they’re adapting for AI whereas doubling down on the natural methods which have at all times pushed outcomes.”
Concerning the knowledge. BrightEdge’s evaluation relies on 1000’s of search queries and top-performing web sites – together with many Fortune 100 manufacturers – from January by way of August.
The report. AI Search Visits Surging in 2025
Search Engine Land is owned by Semrush. We stay dedicated to offering high-quality protection of selling subjects. Except in any other case famous, this web page’s content material was written by both an worker or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.
Danny Goodwin is Editorial Director of Search Engine Land & Search Advertising Expo – SMX. He joined Search Engine Land in 2022 as Senior Editor. Along with reporting on the most recent search advertising and marketing information, he manages Search Engine Land’s SME (Topic Matter Skilled) program. He additionally helps program U.S. SMX occasions. Goodwin has been modifying and writing in regards to the newest developments and developments in search and digital advertising and marketing since 2007. He beforehand was Government Editor of Search Engine Journal (from 2017 to 2022), managing editor of Momentology (from 2014-2016) and editor of Search Engine Watch (from 2007 to 2014). He has spoken at many main search conferences and digital occasions, and has been sourced for his experience by a variety of publications and podcasts.
