-

Clutch Report: 69% of Users Now Use Google Less as AI Reshapes Business Discovery

Businesses invisible to AI risk being left out of the customer journey entirely.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Clutch research finds that 69% of AI assistant users now use Google less than before, with 32% turning to AI first for information, edging out the 28% who still go to Google first. As AI becomes the dominant starting point for research, businesses that aren't visible in AI-generated answers risk being overlooked before the customer journey even begins.

AI Is Now Present at Every Stage of Research

The top AI use cases, searching for information (55%), getting recommendations (42%), and comparing options (39%), all happen before a customer ever reaches a business. Nearly three in four users (72%) engage with AI tools daily.

"If your business isn't showing up accurately in AI-generated answers, you may be invisible at exactly the moment a potential customer is forming an opinion," said Jeanette Godreau, Clutch Analyst.

Inaccuracy Is a Silent Brand Risk

56% of users regularly encounter incorrect AI responses, yet 42% trust AI information at face value. Outdated or inconsistent information across the web can quietly shape how a potential customer perceives your brand before they ever visit your website.

What the Data Signals for Businesses

Visibility inside AI platforms is becoming as critical as traditional search presence. With 55% of ChatGPT users more likely to trust a Custom GPT from a brand they already recognize, brand familiarity is now a trust signal within AI ecosystems. And with 27% of users unaware that Custom GPTs even exist, businesses that establish a presence now have a clear first-mover advantage.

The full report is available on Clutch.

About Clutch

Clutch empowers better business decisions as the leading global marketplace of B2B service providers. Business leaders rely on Clutch for in-depth, verified client reviews and to confidently evaluate partners that fit their unique goals. Clutch offers a platform for agencies to increase their visibility with buyers, strengthen their brand’s credibility, and grow their business.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Deesha Laxsav
Director, Brand Marketing
press@clutch.co

Industry:

Clutch

Release Versions
English

Contacts

Media Contact:
Deesha Laxsav
Director, Brand Marketing
press@clutch.co

More News From Clutch

Clutch Report: 95% of Consumers Have Found Helpful Information in Online Communities as Brand Opportunity Grows

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Clutch research finds that 95% of consumers who regularly participate in online communities have discovered helpful information in these spaces, making them a critical destination for brands. With half of regular users planning to increase their participation over the next year, the influence of online communities on purchase decisions is only growing. Consumers Trust Peers More Than Brand Messaging Nearly all consumers (98%) who participate in online communitie...

Clutch Report: 58% of Consumers Have Made a Purchase After Using Augmented Reality

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Clutch research finds that 60% of consumers have used augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) technology, and more than half (54%) say they are likely to increase their use of immersive technology over the next two years. While only 35% of consumers use AR/VR regularly today, the findings suggest that immersive experiences are becoming a more meaningful part of how people shop, explore, and interact with brands. AR Is Emerging as a Powerful Conversion Too...

Clutch Report: 90% of Businesses Use Graphic Designers as AI Reshapes Creative Work

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New Clutch research finds that 90% of businesses use graphic designers in some capacity, reinforcing that design remains deeply embedded in modern business strategy. At the same time, 88% of businesses report using AI design tools, showing that while automation is becoming more common, it is not replacing the need for professional creative expertise. Businesses Are Still Investing in Graphic Design Nearly half of businesses (47%) say they increased their graphic des...
Back to Newsroom