Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast Will visibility continue to be the north star of measuring AI performance?
May 1, 2026
Discussion of why visibility remains the primary metric for AI search performance. Exploration of user behavior showing many do not return to AI search and what that means for adoption. Breakdown of a relevance engineering framework blending AI retrieval, content strategy, digital PR, and UX. Examination of measurement approaches that separate inputs, channel performance, and business outcomes.
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Majority Try AI Search Once And Don’t Return
- Early user adoption of AI search is shallow: 53% don't return to Google AI mode after initial attempts.
- Garrett's clickstream research reveals a large gap between AI hype and sustained user behavior.
Use Three Tier Measurement For AI Search
- Separate measurement tiers: track inputs, channel performance, and business outcomes to evaluate AI search impact.
- Garrett outlines a three-tier approach linking clickstream and AI performance data to real business metrics.
Visibility Stays The North Star
- Visibility remains the primary metric because users prefer low-friction AI answers over doing their own research.
- Garrett Sussman notes improving AI outputs and user laziness drive reliance on recommendations rather than manual searches.