Becoming a Small Fish in a Big Pond

Google dropped a major hint that Google AI Mode (https://google.com/ai) will become the default for search within a few months.

So what? You may think.

For years, businesses have built credibility and authority by ranking at or near the top of search results. What happens when that goes away?

AI Mode presents “results” in a vastly different manner than regular Google searches. No more ranking the top 10 (or 20 or more) results. It simply summarizes answers and then cites but a few sources. That means fewer users actually go to your site.

Another difference: AI Mode provides longer, narrative responses to queries. That means if your site doesn’t have detailed, narrative text and stories to answer searches, your site will be less likely to show up in responses.

It’s no big deal! You say.

Many small businesses rely upon their local visibility and reputation. I don’t need the Google! My local client base finds me!

Really?

If your online presence all but disappears to those seeking your services via search, how will you scale up your business?

As AI bots do more and more of the work online, from research to meal planning menus, standing out in search results will become more and more difficult. Now’s the time to begin planning how to maintain your presence.

Now’s the time to ensure you don’t become a small fish in a big pond. You know what the big fish do to the little ones, right?

Marlins may not really eat minnows, but they do eat mackerels.