Core Insights - The rise of AI-driven search is prompting brands to adapt their visibility strategies, necessitating a shift from traditional SEO to Engine Optimization (EO) to maintain brand discoverability in a machine-mediated environment [1][5][6] Industry Trends - AI agents are increasingly providing direct, "zero-click" answers, leading to a significant 527% increase in AI traffic in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a rapid change in consumer behavior [2] - The concept of Engine Optimization (EO) is introduced as a strategic discipline to influence how AI systems interpret and reference brands online, focusing on AI visibility as a new metric for brand performance [3][4] Company Strategy - Monks emphasizes the need for brands to adopt a disciplined, data-led approach to remain visible and trusted in the evolving digital landscape, highlighting the importance of integrating paid, organic, and generative search strategies [5][6] - The report "Owning the Answer" serves as a practical roadmap for CMOs to develop EO capabilities, focusing on structure, citations, and trust signals to enhance brand presence in AI-generated responses [5][6] Client Engagement - Monks is actively collaborating with clients to assess their AI-readiness and implement EO strategies to ensure long-term discoverability in a zero-click search environment [6]