Everyone's chasing AI search now

It seems like every business owner wants to know how to get cited inside ChatGPT or Gemini right now, and the numbers back that up.

In a recent Fiverr survey of search freelancers across eight countries, 67% reported a jump in client requests for generative engine optimization (GEO), edging past the 56% seeing demand for standard Google SEO. At the same time, many clients are pushing for cheaper rates simply because AI tools are in the mix.

Here is the reality check: 61% of those same search pros said traditional Google SEO is still your strongest long-term bet. Chasing AI answers is great, but customers are still actively typing searches into Google Maps and standard search bars every single day.

Rather than ditching your local SEO to chase the newest shiny AI engine, treat them as partners. A solid foundation on standard search helps your business get cited by AI tools anyway.

Keep in mind, these stats come from platform freelancers and aren't a formal census of every business out there, but the trend is real.

Have you started looking into getting your business visible inside AI engines yet?

Source: Search Engine Journal, September 22, 2026.