一场对抗OpenAI们的“危险游戏”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) as a new business model driven by AI, highlighting the challenges and opportunities it presents for brands and startups in the evolving digital landscape [3][4][25]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Over 60% of consumers are now bypassing traditional search engines like Google and Baidu, opting to ask AI assistants directly for product information [3]. - The global AI search engine market is projected to reach $43.63 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% from 2025 to 2032 [12]. - A report from Adobe indicates that traffic to U.S. business websites increased by 1200% from July 2024 to February 2025, largely driven by AI assistant referrals [11]. Group 2: Company Insights - Profound, a startup founded in 2024, has quickly gained traction, securing $20 million in funding and being adopted by thousands of marketers from Fortune 100 companies [3][10]. - Profound offers various services, including Answer Engine Insights and Agent Analytics, to help brands understand and optimize their presence in AI search engines [17][18]. - The company has processed over 100 million AI search queries monthly and operates in 18 countries, with early adopters reporting a 25%-40% increase in AI response volume within 60 days [23]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other players in the GEO space include Daydream, which focuses on consumer shopping searches, and Goodie AI, which specializes in AI search visibility [13][14]. - Companies like Ahrefs, which transitioned from SEO to GEO, pose significant competition due to their established customer bases and expertise [14]. - The GEO model faces challenges as it relies heavily on understanding and adapting to the algorithms of large language models, which are subject to frequent changes [25][26]. Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - The GEO business model is seen as a "cat-and-mouse game," where startups must continuously adapt to changes in AI algorithms, which can render previous strategies ineffective [5][26]. - The effectiveness of GEO tools is often difficult to attribute, complicating budget decisions for brands [27]. - Despite the challenges, there is potential for GEO companies to evolve by expanding their service offerings and leveraging brand data to create long-term value [28].