Is AI Killing Google Search

Headlines everywhere are claiming that AI models (like ChatGPT and Gemini) are “killing” traditional search.

And to an extent, they are right.

People are using AI for informational tasks such as writing emails, planning trips, and summarizing articles. This has led to a slight decline in general organic search traffic.

But here is what the headlines are missing:

While people use AI to learn, they still use Google to buy. And because AI summaries are pushing free “organic” listings further down the page, Search Ads are capturing a larger share of the clicks than ever before.

The proof is in the numbers. As we mentioned recently, Google’s Q4 2025 earnings showed Search Ad revenue growing by 17%. If AI were killing Search Ads, that number would be declining. Instead, it’s growing.

Why? Because when a customer has a credit card in hand and searches for “emergency plumber” or “buy running shoes,” they aren’t chatting with a bot. They are clicking the first result they see. Plus, Google is heavily incentivized to give you the right answer to your search, and paid ads give you exactly what you want (most of the time).

How Search Ads Work (The 5-Step Process)

If you want to capture those “ready-to-buy” clicks, you need to understand the 30,000-foot view of how search ads work. It isn’t magic; it is a system, and we are here to help you.

Here is the simple 5-step workflow we use to build a campaign:

1. Choose Your Service (The Intent) We don’t just target “everyone.” We select the specific services you want to grow. We identify the exact keywords people type when they need that service (e.g., “Roof repair near me” vs. “DIY roofing”).
2. Write Your Headlines (The Hook): This is where AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action) comes into play. We write punchy, relevant headlines that match their search. If they search for “Red Shoes,” your headline must say “Red Shoes on Sale,” not “Welcome to Our Shoe Store.” (Yes, AI helps with this process)
3. Choose Your Market (The Targeting). This is the power of digital. We don’t just spray and pray. We have hundreds of narrowing options to ensure we only pay for the right people.
   1. Geography: Down to the zip code or a radius around your shop.
   2. Demographics: Age, income, gender.
   3. Timing: Run ads only when your phone lines are open.
4. Set Your Budget (The Control) You are in the driver’s seat. You set a daily max budget. You only pay when someone actually clicks your ad (Pay-Per-Click). If 1,000 people see it but don’t click, you pay $0.
5. Track Conversions (The ROI). This is the most important step. We don’t just count “clicks”—we count results. Did they call your number? Did they fill out a form? Did they buy? If an ad isn’t making money, we cut it and replace it with a new one.

The Takeaway

AI is changing the landscape of how we find information, making the “Top of Page” search results’ real estate more competitive and more valuable than ever.

If you aren’t running Search Ads, you could be invisible to the customers who are ready to buy right now. Ask your account manager if Search Ads could drive more shoppers to your business.

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Local Search Audit Tool

We just launched a new Local Search Audit Tool that shows exactly how your business currently ranks in your local market. It’s a simple way to see if you are capturing those “ready to buy” customers on your website or if they are going to your competitors.

Click the button below to see your results.