Opens in a new tab

Free research report · 2026

Beyond the Blue Links: The State of Search & AI Visibility 2026

Google now shows an AI answer on 61% of searches, and it takes 42–45% of the clicks when it does. We analyzed 190M+ keywords, 165M+ AI answers and 1.1B+ backlinks to show where customers find businesses now, and what earns you a place there.

Get the free report

Free · 23 pages · 14 charts · Instant download

What's inside

How AI Overviews took over search

From 6% to 61% of Google results in two years, and what it did to clicks.

Which searches AI answers first

By intent, keyword volume, difficulty, cost per click and industry.

Who AI actually cites

The sources Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT trust, and why they differ.

Reddit, links and AI citations

How community presence and backlinks relate to rankings and citations.

A playbook you can use

Six steps to rank in an AI-first search world, plus how to measure it.

Cover of the Beyond the Blue Links 2026 report

Get the report

Where to send your copy?

Enter your name and email. You will get the download right away, and a copy in your inbox from stephen@coreconnect.com.