
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.