A recent survey by digital marketing agency Higher Visibility reveals that AI is being adopted as a valuable complement to traditional search engines, rather than a full replacement. Here are the key takeaways:
•71.5% of respondents use AI tools for search, with 14% using them daily.
•79.8% prefer Google or Microsoft Bing for general information queries.
•20.2% have switched their primary search engine in the past year.
What This Means for Plumbers
While traditional search engines continue to dominate, the evolving landscape shows that SEO is becoming increasingly complex, as evidenced by declining Google click-through rates. At the same time, AI-powered answer engines, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and e-commerce sites are playing growing roles in how users search and make decisions.
AI Search Trends by Generation
Adoption of AI search varies by generation:
•Gen Z (18-26): 82% use AI search tools at least occasionally, with a strong preference for social media platforms for product discovery.
•Millennials (27-42): A balance between traditional search and AI, with a significant adoption rate for work-related and educational searches.
•Gen X (43-58): 65% use AI for occasional searches but still strongly favor traditional search engines.
•Baby Boomers (59-76): 45% use AI tools, yet they remain the most loyal to classic search engines.
How People Will Search in 2025
Different types of queries lead users to rely on different search platforms:
•General Information: Traditional search engines (Google, Bing) still lead the way for general information queries.
• Shopping Searches:
•Initial product research: Google and Microsoft Bing remain popular for this.
•Direct product searches: Platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target dominate.
•Product comparisons and recommendations: AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard are increasingly used for this purpose.
•Discovery-based shopping: Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are key players.
•Specialized product searches: Niche platforms like Etsy and eBay are preferred.
• Local Business Searches:
•General searches: Google Maps and Business Profiles are the go-to.
•Restaurants and entertainment: Social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Nextdoor lead for these types of searches.
•Service-based businesses: Review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor are widely used.
Conclusion
AI tools are enhancing the search experience but aren’t replacing traditional search engines anytime soon. As search behaviors continue to evolve, businesses, including plumbing companies, must adapt to new tools and platforms to stay competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape.
Is your marketing partner throwing around buzzwords like AI to scare you into spending more money? Give Plumbing & HVAC SEO a call today, we don't use buzzwords to make ourselves look smart. We just deliver results!
