Greg Shuey opens the episode by framing AI search optimization as the next major evolution in how consumers discover and purchase products online. Guest Jake Bengtzen explains that AI search is a multi-dimensional process, distinct from keyword-based SEO, because it interprets human intent and context rather than ranking by phrases. He emphasizes that traditional SEO fundamentals like strong brand authority, relevant content, and technical structure still matter, but they now serve as a foundation for optimizing visibility in AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
Bengtzen highlights how AI is collapsing the distance between discovery and purchase, transforming search into an intelligent conversation where users reveal context and receive tailored recommendations. Instead of manually comparing products on websites, consumers are increasingly letting AI agents do the filtering, and they trust the results. For brands, this means that influence now depends on how well their content ecosystem, from FAQs and product pages to YouTube videos and user-generated discussions, aligns around a unified narrative that communicates authority and consistency.
The conversation ends with pragmatic advice for ecommerce marketers. Bengtzen recommends starting by tracking AI visibility, testing brand prompts in ChatGPT, updating schema markup, and expanding FAQs, quick wins that can yield immediate learning. He predicts that within 12–18 months, consumers will begin buying directly inside AI environments, and even managing returns through them. The key takeaway: marketers who embrace AI search early, think contextually, and continuously experiment will thrive in the next era of ecommerce.
Episode Links
Greg Shuey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-shuey/
Jake Bengtzen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakebengtzen/
REDO: https://redo.com/
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