AI & GEO optimization statistics
AI search engines are changing how people find information. These figures show what's actually happening with click-throughs and visibility, without the hype. GEO is new and partly uncertain, so we steer on customers and revenue, not on promises.
Last updated: · 8 verified statistics
What do these figures mean for Belgian B2B companies?
The figures tell two things at once. On one hand, search behavior is genuinely shifting: more than half of B2B buyers now start research in an AI chatbot, and click-throughs drop when Google shows an AI summary. On the other hand, AI referral traffic is still small, and the vast majority of searches still end without a click.
For Belgian B2B companies that means: panic isn’t warranted, but neither is waiting it out. The foundation remains strong SEO, but it’s no longer a guarantee: in 2026 only 38% of what AI cites ranks in the organic top 10, versus 76% a year earlier. Start with strong fundamentals and build GEO on top of that instead of treating it as a replacement.
The most important advice is an honest one: GEO is new and partly uncertain. Don’t sell yourself hype. Measure the real impact in your own data first, as described in our diagnosis of AI traffic in GA4 and Search Console. Steer on customers and revenue, not on visibility numbers you can’t trace back to your sales figures.
Frequently asked questions
Is GEO the new SEO I now need to catch up on? +
Not quite. Strong SEO remains the foundation, but it's no longer a guarantee: in 2026 only 38% of the sources AI cites rank in the organic top 10, versus 76% a year earlier. AI is increasingly pulling sources from outside the top 10. Our honest advice: invest in fundamentals first and experiment with GEO, rather than chasing a new hype.
Should I worry about zero-click and AI Overviews? +
It's real: 68% of Google searches end in 2026 without a click, and for the number-1 page the click-through rate drops 58% as soon as an AI Overview appears. For B2B with long sales cycles, what matters most is whether the right decision makers encounter your brand, even without an immediate click. Measure the impact in your own GA4 and Search Console first before drawing conclusions.
Does being cited in AI answers bring in customers? +
Rarely a lot of direct traffic: most AI searches end without a click. But 51% of B2B buyers now start research in an AI chatbot. Visibility there influences which vendors make the shortlist, even without a click.
Read more
Reuse these figures?
You may freely reuse these figures with attribution and a link to this page.
Source: Customer Impact, AI & GEO optimization statistics, https://www.customerimpact.be/en/marketing-statistics/ai-geo-optimization/ What clients say about us
Real client reviews on Google.
I have been working with Customer Impact for a while now and it has been a breath of fresh air from the very start. The team complements itself perfectly, so you always have someone with very extensive knowledge of specific aspects of marketing, ranging from ads to web design and strategy. The hands-on approach means you can always get started right away, and the feedback is always clear and honest. No nonsense, just facts.
Axel D.S.
Customer Impact built a strong new website for us and set up a lead generation approach that truly delivers results.
Janitor Waterschoot
They do not just execute, they also think along strategically. Real B2B specialists. Recommended!
Jack Daly
Sharp and fast analysis of the problem, processes and possibilities. No complicated sales talk, fast, and a first setup that works well. A bit more attention to the fine tuning. Pleasant collaboration.
Tandarts.nl
Smooth communication, proactive thinking and everything neatly followed up.
Claire Farrell
Super professional and extremely creative! They managed to adjust and respond to all of our needs numerous times. Highly recommend ❤️
Jovana Vakic
Tanguy combines deep expertise, fresh thinking, and hands-on experience to help growing companies achieve meaningful results!
Daphne N
Great service. Lean and mean. Would definitely recommend.
Chris Gauci
Top quality service. Can only recommend.
Virginia Lesaffer
Professional approach to creating the website for my side business. Happy with the collaboration. Definitely recommended!
Kayna Geusens
I have been working with Customer Impact for a while now and it has been a breath of fresh air from the very start. The team complements itself perfectly, so you always have someone with very extensive knowledge of specific aspects of marketing, ranging from ads to web design and strategy. The hands-on approach means you can always get started right away, and the feedback is always clear and honest. No nonsense, just facts.
Axel D.S.
Customer Impact built a strong new website for us and set up a lead generation approach that truly delivers results.
Janitor Waterschoot
They do not just execute, they also think along strategically. Real B2B specialists. Recommended!
Jack Daly
Sharp and fast analysis of the problem, processes and possibilities. No complicated sales talk, fast, and a first setup that works well. A bit more attention to the fine tuning. Pleasant collaboration.
Tandarts.nl
Smooth communication, proactive thinking and everything neatly followed up.
Claire Farrell
Super professional and extremely creative! They managed to adjust and respond to all of our needs numerous times. Highly recommend ❤️
Jovana Vakic
Tanguy combines deep expertise, fresh thinking, and hands-on experience to help growing companies achieve meaningful results!
Daphne N
Great service. Lean and mean. Would definitely recommend.
Chris Gauci
Top quality service. Can only recommend.
Virginia Lesaffer
Professional approach to creating the website for my side business. Happy with the collaboration. Definitely recommended!
Kayna Geusens
What do these figures mean for you?
We translate market data into a concrete growth plan for your B2B company, focused on customers and revenue.