The New Search Marketing Funnel:
The search game has changed...yet again.
We’re no longer living in a Google-only world.
Search now happens across:
→ Google Search
→ ChatGPT
→ Perplexity
→ Gemini
→ AI Overviews (AIOs)
→ Google AI Mode
The old SEO funnel?
Outdated.
Here’s what the new one looks like 👇
1/ Top of Funnel (Discovery)
Google isn’t the only entry point anymore.
People discover brands through AI summaries, citations, and assistant responses.
Your goal:
→ Be referenced by AI tools as a credible source
→ Show up in AI-generated answers
→ Build authority signals across multiple ecosystems
2/ Middle of Funnel (Validation)
AI assistants now evaluate for users.
Instead of checking 5 sites, people ask:
“Who are the best SEO agencies for startups?”
And AI tools summarize the top 3 based on authority and proof.
To show up, focus on:
✅ Case studies & thought leadership
✅ Structured data
✅ Mentions in credible publications
3/ Bottom of Funnel (Conversion)
AI gets you found — but your website closes the deal.
Visitors come expecting proof and clarity.
Your service pages and offers must:
→ Load fast
→ Build trust fast
→ Show data, reviews, and clear CTAs
SEO at the bottom is now CRO-driven.
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Agree with this?
♻️ Repost to help more marketers evolve in the new Search era.
P.S. I help my 40 clients at TrioSEO navigate this new world of SEO. Book a call to learn more: