The State of AI
Search 2026 Report
Discover how GenAI is transforming search and what it means for your brand.
The Search Landscape Has Changed Forever
Search Has Evolved from "Links" to "Answers"
Generative AI now delivers direct answers to users, bypassing traditional links and contributing to search traffic declines of 30-50% for many publishers since the rollout of AI Overviews and similar features. To win in this new world, brands must be visible inside the answers AI gives, not just in search results.
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Access Athena's full "State of AI Research 2026" report with industry-specific benchmarks.
Why This Guide Matters
Today, visibility means being recognized and cited within AI-generated answers on platforms like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Gemini. Brands now compete to become trusted sources that AI systems reference directly when delivering responses.
What You'll Learn
How AI search differs from traditional searchWhy clicks are down and answer-share is the new currency.- What Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) really isThe strategy that helps brands be part of AI answers, not just links.
- New success metricsWhat matters when AI engines are shaping discovery and decisions.
- Actionable insightsHow to rethink content so it gets referenced by AI systems with real examples.
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