2024-08-22
Goodbye, “Google it” era: AI is changing the rules of search and promotion
Just ten years ago, when someone said “Google it,” we instinctively opened a browser, typed in a query, and waited for Google to throw a pile of links at us. The search engine was the universal window to the internet. But today, a new era is already on the horizon — a time when we turn not to a search bar but to artificial intelligence for answers.
AI is rapidly taking over the role of search and recommendations. Google still dominates, but the growth rates of AI search show: the question isn’t if the leader will change, but when.
AI is rapidly taking over the role of search and recommendations. Google still dominates, but the growth rates of AI search show: the question isn’t if the leader will change, but when.
AI is gaining momentum
The numbers speak for themselves:
• In 2024, Google processed about 5 trillion queries (≈ 14 billion per day).
• ChatGPT at the beginning of 2024 handled only ~37.5 million queries a day, but by mid-2025 — already 2.5 billion.
• The share of AI tools in the US grew from 3% to 5.6% of desktop traffic in just a year.
• 10-year forecast: if growth continues, AI search could capture 30–50% of global traffic.
Google integrates Gemini, Microsoft — Copilot, others — their own models. But the key difference is that AI doesn’t just give you links — it understands the question and delivers a ready-made answer.
The numbers speak for themselves:
• In 2024, Google processed about 5 trillion queries (≈ 14 billion per day).
• ChatGPT at the beginning of 2024 handled only ~37.5 million queries a day, but by mid-2025 — already 2.5 billion.
• The share of AI tools in the US grew from 3% to 5.6% of desktop traffic in just a year.
• 10-year forecast: if growth continues, AI search could capture 30–50% of global traffic.
Google integrates Gemini, Microsoft — Copilot, others — their own models. But the key difference is that AI doesn’t just give you links — it understands the question and delivers a ready-made answer.
Indexing fades, meaning takes over
SEO used to work by clear rules: keywords, meta tags, proper link structure. You could “trick” the search engine, but not the reader.
With AI, that won’t work. The model analyzes meaning, not keyword density. If a text is shallow, confusing, or lacks specifics, it won’t become a source for answers.
What does this mean for promotion?
• Traditional SEO hacks are losing effectiveness.
• The winner is the one whose content is logically structured, clear, and fact-based.
• Writing now has to be done so that the machine understands and retells it without distortion.
Language is changing too
Every tech shift brings new words. Once, “Google it” became a synonym for “search online.” Today, the phrase already sounds like a symbol of a fading era.
Let’s recall other internet slang from 10–15 years ago that once ruled the web:
• pwned — crushed, humiliated (gaming forums and esports).
• w00t — a victorious cry of joy.
• Epic fail — a spectacular failure, a MySpace-era meme.
• Lolcat / lolspeak — cat memes with deliberately broken grammar.
These words used to be in every chat, but now they’re almost forgotten. “Google it” risks joining this list, replaced by “ask AI” when we need information.
How to prepare for the new era
If AI will be the one delivering your content to the user, you need to adapt now.
Recommendations:
Conclusion
The “Google it” era is still alive, but its replacement has already begun. AI doesn’t just search — it understands, selects, and transmits. In this world, the winner isn’t the one who ranks first in search, but the one whose words AI chooses to tell the story.
If you want your text to be that source tomorrow, prepare today: write clearly, structurally, meaningfully. In the new era, meaning wins, not meta tags.
SEO used to work by clear rules: keywords, meta tags, proper link structure. You could “trick” the search engine, but not the reader.
With AI, that won’t work. The model analyzes meaning, not keyword density. If a text is shallow, confusing, or lacks specifics, it won’t become a source for answers.
What does this mean for promotion?
• Traditional SEO hacks are losing effectiveness.
• The winner is the one whose content is logically structured, clear, and fact-based.
• Writing now has to be done so that the machine understands and retells it without distortion.
Language is changing too
Every tech shift brings new words. Once, “Google it” became a synonym for “search online.” Today, the phrase already sounds like a symbol of a fading era.
Let’s recall other internet slang from 10–15 years ago that once ruled the web:
• pwned — crushed, humiliated (gaming forums and esports).
• w00t — a victorious cry of joy.
• Epic fail — a spectacular failure, a MySpace-era meme.
• Lolcat / lolspeak — cat memes with deliberately broken grammar.
These words used to be in every chat, but now they’re almost forgotten. “Google it” risks joining this list, replaced by “ask AI” when we need information.
How to prepare for the new era
If AI will be the one delivering your content to the user, you need to adapt now.
Recommendations:
- Write for understanding, not algorithms. Clear wording, no SEO clichés.
- Structure your text. Headings, lists, paragraphs — AI can “parse” structured material more easily.
- Provide specifics. Dates, numbers, and definitions spelled out.
- Update vocabulary. Use current terms and explain their meaning.
- Create quotable phrases. Short, clear lines increase the chance AI will cite you.
Conclusion
The “Google it” era is still alive, but its replacement has already begun. AI doesn’t just search — it understands, selects, and transmits. In this world, the winner isn’t the one who ranks first in search, but the one whose words AI chooses to tell the story.
If you want your text to be that source tomorrow, prepare today: write clearly, structurally, meaningfully. In the new era, meaning wins, not meta tags.
To keeping the pulse of the innovation going
Tom
Venture Capitalist