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Businesses Adapt as AI Transforms Digital Marketing Landscape
31 Aug
Summary
- Mid-sized D2C brand's SEO campaign fails to rank on AI-powered search
- Surge in demand for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) training
- GEO programs now account for over 20% of digital marketing enrollments

In August 2025, a mid-sized direct-to-consumer (D2C) skincare brand ran what it thought was a foolproof Search Engine Optimization (SEO) campaign, only to find that its brand was nowhere to be seen on Google's AI-powered search results. This rude wake-up call has driven a surge in demand for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) training, as businesses scramble to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape.
According to industry experts, the transition to an AI-first search world has led to a significant shift in the way information is discovered. Over the past year, digital marketing has become a far more data-driven and AI-enabled field, with GEO modules now accounting for over one-fifth of all digital marketing enrollments, compared to less than 10% a year ago.
The demand for GEO training is coming primarily from working professionals in marketing, content, and growth roles, who recognize the need to stay ahead of the curve. Recruiters have also seen a surge in interest, with GEO-trained learners consistently outperforming those focusing on traditional SEO alone in terms of placement conversions.
The momentum is not limited to major metropolitan areas, as startups, D2C brands, and agencies in tier-2 hubs are also investing in GEO-related programs. By 2026, industry experts predict that GEO-related programs will form as much as 30-35% of all digital marketing enrollments, as businesses and professionals alike view GEO as the future of discoverability in the digital ecosystem.