What is AI search?
AI search is search where a language model reads retrieved pages and writes an answer, instead of returning only a list of links. It includes assistants such as ChatGPT and Perplexity and Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode. Buyers get a synthesised shortlist, so being named in it replaces being ranked in a list.
How it differs from classic search
Classic search ranks pages for a keyword. AI search first breaks a question into sub-searches (query fan-out), reads several pages and combines them. The result varies between runs.
Example: asked "which CRM suits a ten-person agency", the assistant runs several searches, reads pages and answers with two recommendations.
What to measure
Whether you are named, where, and which sources are used. See AI visibility.
Check it for your brand
Nodpick shows whether ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude and Google's AI answers name your brand, in which position and from which sources. Run the free AI visibility check to see your own numbers; the method shows how they are made, and pricing lists the plans.
Read more: What is GEO? Generative engine optimization