u/Key_Newt6178 — reddlx

I've been running a multi 7 figure digital marketing agency for 8 years. The shift happening in 2026 is unlike anything I've seen before. AI search is eating your Google traffic and your competitors are moving fast. Most small business owners I talk to don't even see it coming yet.

Here's what I'm telling every client:

Optimize for AI search, not just Google. Perplexity, ChatGPT, AI Overviews - that's where your customers go first now. Be the clear, specific, citable answer.
Build your email list like your life depends on it. Rented audiences (followers, SEO) are more fragile than ever. Own the relationship.
Niche down harder than feels comfortable. AI commoditized generic content overnight. Specificity is your moat now.
Show your face on video. Even iPhone quality. People are craving real humans right now and no algorithm can replicate you.
Automate the back end, not the relationship. Use AI for the grunt work. Free yourself up for the stuff only a human can do.

The businesses that survive this aren't the ones with the biggest budgets. They're the ones adapting fastest

What are you guys seeing out there? Curious what's working for others!