AI Search in 2026:

What’s Changing—and What B2B Leaders Need to Do Next

89% of B2B buyers have used AI to research vendors. A quarter use AI more than Google. If your company isn’t showing up in AI-generated answers, you’re being eliminated before the sales conversation even begins.

This report offers a consolidated, executive-ready view of the AI search transition—what’s happening, what it means, and what you need to do now.

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AI Search Report

AI-powered search is no longer a future trend—it’s the fastest-growing source of high-intent buyer traffic in B2B. Yet most marketing teams aren’t tracking it. Content isn’t structured for AI discovery. Brands are disappearing from consideration without realizing it.

And the clock is ticking.

As more buyers shift their research behavior to generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews, only a small group of companies are optimizing for visibility—and gaining a compounding advantage.

This report explains how to close that visibility gap—and what’s at stake if you don’t.

What You’ll Learn

In this report, you’ll find real-world benchmarks, practitioner insights, and strategic recommendations for B2B companies navigating the AI search shift.

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Why AI is now the second-largest traffic source for B2B
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The 3 visibility scenarios AI search creates—and which one your company is likely in
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The key differences between SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
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How to audit your current discoverability and spot content blind spots
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What AI actually sees when it scans your site—and how to fix it
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What budget, resources, and timeline you should expect to compete effectively
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A 7-question visibility checklist to guide internal conversations

Chapter Breakdown

Executive Brief: Your Buyers Changed. Your Marketing Hasn’t.

Why 89% of B2B buyers are now using AI to research vendors—and what that means for your go-to-market model. A wake-up call for leaders still relying solely on traditional SEO.

Your buyers are changing how they search. Will you be there when they do?

 

Download The Transition to AI Search: Q4 2025 Strategic Insights for the practical roadmap every B2B marketing and leadership team needs right now.

When You’re Ready to Act

The AI Search Readiness Assessment from Chief Outsiders translates these industry shifts into practical, data-backed insight specific to your brand, site, and competitive landscape.