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The AI-Driven Consumer: A Survival Manual for Brands

24/06/2025

Today, the shopping experience no longer begins on Google.

It starts with a prompt to an artificial intelligence.

According to the new report “The AI-Driven Consumer: A Survival Manual for Brands”, prepared by LLYC in collaboration with Appinio, 50% of consumers now initiate their purchasing journey with a question to AI, not with a traditional search.

The consumer journey is now conversational

Before: we searched for “best laptop 2025” and clicked on links.

Now: we ask AI directly:

“What is the best laptop for video editing under $1000?”

AI responds with a structured list, based on sources that the model considers “reliable” and your history.

This redefines the rules of the game:

  • You no longer compete for clicks.
  • You compete for being mentioned and cited by AI.
  • Algorithmic reputation matters more than SEO positioning.

Relevance is no longer optional. It’s vital.

The report is clear:

“It’s not a generational trend, it’s a new interaction logic.”

If AI doesn't learn from you or doesn’t consider you relevant, you do not exist for that consumer.

Therefore, brands must:

  • Be present in databases and indexes used by AI.
  • Ensure their products are properly tagged and supported.
  • Encourage reviews, mentions, and data that AI perceives as trustworthy.

How to survive (and thrive) in the era of prompts

These are the rules that every marketing team should adopt:

Strategy

Objective

Algorithmic visibility

Your brand must be in the conversation of AI

Demonstrable trust

Use verified data, reviews, certifications

Structured content

Create clear fact sheets, FAQ responses ready for AI

Prompt monitoring

Analyze how people ask about your products

Conclusion: a change you can no longer ignore

The LLYC + Appinio report reveals something we cannot postpone:

The future of consumption has arrived.

And it is not about SEO, CPC, or clicks.

It is about smart mentions and algorithmic trust.

Brands that understand this now will lead the next wave of digital competitiveness.

Because competing in AI is no longer an option.

It is a survival.

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