AI Search and GEO Evolution

AI Overviews appear in 48% of queries; GEO is now a fifth SEO pillar. Google's AI Mode is default, zero-click searches hit 58-65%, and Preferred Sources program grows. New data: 37% of users start on LLMs, zero-click rates hit 68%, AI overviews cut CTR by 58%, and only 1 in 20 domains are cited by all three major AI platforms. Counterpoint argues traditional SEO drives 90% of AI visibility. Google March 2026 core update favors first-hand experience. This is the dominant narrative reshaping SEO.