Link: AI shopping agents have prompted sellers and brands to rethink selling online, as advertisers employ new techniques to appear more prominently in AI results (Financial Times)

Leading AI companies like OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Microsoft are integrating AI into e-commerce, suggesting a significant industry evolution. These companies have launched AI features that enable users to find and purchase products using chatbots.

Brands are consequently revamping their online sales strategies to better interact with AI, employing techniques to enhance visibility in AI-driven product recommendations. New startups such as Profound and Refine are also emerging, focusing on optimizing brand presence in AI chatbot interactions.

As generative AI becomes prevalent, traditional search engine use is projected to decrease by 25% next year. For instance, OpenAI has enhanced its shopping systems to facilitate direct purchase capabilities within chatbots.

Marketing strategies are evolving, with a heavier reliance on specific keywords and fast-loading websites to attract AI systems. This adjustment is crucial as AI chatbots primarily utilize top search engine results to select products for recommendation.

Consumers may soon execute most shopping through chatbots, potentially bypassing traditional e-commerce sites. This shift requires brands to adapt to new sales environments where AI agents handle transactions.

Despite these advancements, concerns are growing regarding consumer privacy and decision-making limitations as AI systems could restrict product options. Startups like Inrupt aim to empower users by returning control of personal data to them.

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