Semrush Enterprise's groundbreaking AI Visibility Index is a first-of-its-kind study that spotlights who's winning the race for AI search dominance—and how they do it. In a world where AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Google's AI Mode handle billions of queries daily, traditional search rankings are losing their grip. Brands that once dominated Google now risk fading into obscurity, while savvy competitors surge ahead by mastering AI visibility. The Index, launched on October 17, 2025, analyses data from 2,500 real-world prompts across ChatGPT and Google AI Mode.
Using Semrush's AI Optimisation (AIO) platform, researchers evaluated brand performance in five high-stakes industries. This isn't just about clicks; it's about shaping consumer trust, awareness, and sales in an AI-driven future. The study highlights how AI favors brands that deliver clear, credible signals over sheer volume. Top performers earn prime mentions in AI responses, driving purchase intent far beyond old-school SEO tactics.
Key Takeaways of AI Visibility Index: Why Some Brands Shine in AI Search?
Semrush's analysis uncovers actionable insights for marketers. Here's what stands out:
- SEO Isn't Enough: High Google spots don't translate to AI wins. AI models prioritize structured data, clear pricing, and endorsements from trusted sources like reviews and forums.
- Mentions Trump Citations: Brands simply referenced as data sources fade fast. Those woven into AI answers—through authentic storytelling and user-generated content—boost visibility by up to 10x.
- Iconic Brands Rule Niches: Giants like Patagonia in fashion and Garmin in consumer electronics lead by flooding AI with consistent, niche-specific signals that build instant authority.
- User Voices Drive Authority: Forget polished ads; real user reviews, forum chats, and social buzz now fuel AI recommendations, turning everyday conversations into gold.
Beyond the rankings, the AI Visibility Index decodes AI's decision-making black box. It bridges the gap between what AI “knows” about a brand and what it “trusts” enough to recommend. Marketers get a blueprint: align your content for discovery, stack authority with third-party proof, and tune sentiment to positive vibes.
Also Read: Kajabi Free Trial: Get 14 Days Free Access
As AI search explodes—projected to capture 50% of queries by 2026—visibility isn't luck; it's strategy. Semrush urges brands to engineer AI-friendly assets now, from schema markup to UGC amplification. Download the full report at semrush.com to climb your own AI Visibility Index and future-proof your growth. In this new era, the brands AI loves today will own tomorrow's market.
More News To Read: Google Brings Nano Banana Image Editing to Search & Lens
