Why is AI search important for marketers?

AI search is important because it has higher conversion rates and is increasingly being used by consumers to start their queries.

How can marketers use the AI visibility tool to improve their SEO strategies?

Marketers can use the tool to identify gaps in their AI search visibility and develop strategies to optimize content for these areas.

What percentage of topics are still open for brands to claim in AI search?

According to Semrush's study, 85% of topics are still open for brands to claim in AI search.

Semrush Launches AI Visibility Tool to Track LLM Search Performance

Semrush has introduced a new AI visibility tool to help marketers track their brand's presence in AI search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, as over a third of consumers now start searches with AI rather than traditional engines.

September 5, 2026

Key takeaways

Over a third of consumers now start their searches with AI rather than traditional search engines.
Customers from AI search channels convert 4.4 times more than those from organic search.
Only 15.2% of the 1,094 categories analyzed by Semrush had a clear owner, leaving 85% of topics open for brands.
Semrush's new AI visibility tool helps marketers track and optimize their brand's presence in AI search engines.
Marketers should analyze their current AI search visibility and develop strategies to optimize content for AI search.

Semrush has launched a new AI visibility tool designed to help marketers monitor and optimize their brand's presence in AI search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity. This tool is a response to the growing trend of consumers using AI for search queries, with over a third of consumers now starting their searches with AI rather than traditional search engines.

Key Findings from Semrush's Study

According to Semrush's study, customers from AI search channels convert 4.4 times more than those from organic search. Additionally, only 15.2% of the 1,094 categories analyzed had a clear owner, meaning that 85% of topics are still open for brands to claim. This indicates a significant opportunity for marketers to establish their presence in AI search results.

Why This Matters for SEO Practitioners

The shift towards AI search presents both a challenge and an opportunity for SEO practitioners. Traditional SEO strategies may not be sufficient to ensure visibility in AI search results. The new tool from Semrush provides insights into how brands are performing in AI search, helping marketers to identify gaps and optimize their content accordingly. This is particularly important given the higher conversion rates observed from AI search channels.

Actionable Step for Marketers

To start leveraging this new tool, marketers should first analyze their current AI search visibility using Semrush's AI visibility tool. Identify the topics and categories where their brand is not yet dominant and develop a strategy to optimize content for these areas. This could involve creating more targeted content, improving the quality of existing content, or using AI-specific optimization techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of Semrush's new AI visibility tool?: The tool is designed to help marketers monitor and optimize their brand's presence in AI search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.
Why is AI search important for marketers?: AI search is important because it has higher conversion rates and is increasingly being used by consumers to start their queries.
How can marketers use the AI visibility tool to improve their SEO strategies?: Marketers can use the tool to identify gaps in their AI search visibility and develop strategies to optimize content for these areas.
What percentage of topics are still open for brands to claim in AI search?: According to Semrush's study, 85% of topics are still open for brands to claim in AI search.

#ai-search #semrush #seo #digital-marketing #content-optimization

Source: Search Engine Land

← Google Search upgrades AI Mode with Gemini 3.8 Flash Google Expands Search Console AI Reports Worldwide, Mueller Discusses Recovery →

Related from The SEO Xpert

A digital illustration of interconnected nodes representing AI and traditional search campaigns merging.

Algorithm Updates

Google tests traditional Search campaigns in AI Mode

Google is testing whether traditional Search campaigns using exact and phrase match keywords can serve text ads in AI Mode, potentially allowing advertisers to gain exposure in AI-powered search without switching to AI Max or Performance Max.

September 7, 2026

A geometric illustration of a search bar transforming into a conversational speech bubble.

Algorithm Updates

Google Ads Data Reveals Longer Search Queries Post-AI Mode Launch

Google Ads data analyzed by Search Engine Land confirms a sustained shift toward longer, more conversational search queries since the launch of Google's AI Mode, continuing a trend first observed with the rise of LLMs like ChatGPT.

September 12, 2026

A geometric illustration of a digital ad campaign with automated bidding controls.

Algorithm Updates

Microsoft Advertising to Remove Max CPC from New Standalone Bidding Campaigns

Microsoft Advertising will stop allowing advertisers to set Max CPC limits on new campaigns using several standalone automated bidding strategies starting October 1, 2026. Existing campaigns and certain other bidding strategies will retain the option.

August 20, 2026

A geometric illustration of a transition from traditional search campaign structures to an advanced AI-driven system.

Algorithm Updates

Google Announces AI Max Migration Timeline for Search Campaigns

Google will begin automatically migrating legacy Search campaign features to AI Max on September 1, 2026, with Campaign-level Broad Match, Automatically Created Assets, and Dynamic Search Ads transitioning through early 2027.

August 14, 2026