Search Isn’t Changing Because of AI — It’s Changing Because of Us

If you’ve been hearing that AI is reinventing search, here’s the truth: it’s not.

According to Google’s Head of Search, Liz Reid, AI isn’t driving the shift — people are.

Search engines are adapting to human behavior, not leading it. And that behavior? It’s evolving faster than ever.

What’s Really Happening Online

Today’s users don’t want to read pages of text or sift through generic blog posts.

They want answers that feel personal. They want quick, visual, and trustworthy content — from real people, not faceless brands.

That means the way we create, share, and show up online has to change too.

People are searching differently:

• Scrolling TikTok or YouTube for “how-to” videos instead of articles.
• Turning to online communities for genuine advice.
• Following creators they trust more than companies they’ve never met.

If your strategy is still built around keyword-heavy blogs and outdated SEO tricks, you’re missing where attention has actually moved.

How to Evolve with It

This shift doesn’t mean you need to do everything — it means you need to do what works now.

Here’s how to adapt your content approach for the way people search today:

1. Transform your written content into video.
   Take your strongest blog posts and reimagine them as short, engaging clips. Google is prioritizing video results — and your audience is watching.
2. Add your perspective.
   Infuse every post with your story, insights, or lessons learned. AI can generate text — but it can’t replicate real experience.
3. Show up where conversations happen.
   Whether it’s in local groups, niche forums, or social communities, people are asking for recommendations there — and your brand should be part of the dialogue.

What This Means for Small Businesses

The game isn’t necessarily about mastering algorithms anymore — it’s about connecting with people.

At MadeSouthern Marketing, we help small business owners pivot their marketing strategies to meet this new reality. From SEO and brand storytelling to digital strategy, we focus on creating connection through clarity.

And if you’re ready to take marketing into your own hands, our upcoming niche-specific eBooks and digital marketing business course will teach you exactly how to stay visible and relevant in a search landscape shaped by human behavior — not bots.

Let’s get your brand in front of the right people, in the right way. Book a complimentary consultation today and let’s create a marketing plan that moves with how people search.