How to prepare your brand for AI Search
At Google I/O 2025, one statement cut through the noise:
“Visual search is on fire.” – Google Executive
And it wasn’t hyperbole.
Google Lens already clocks over 1.5 billion monthly users, and the latest rollout (Search Live via the Gemini app) ,takes things to a whole new level. Now, users can point their phone’s camera at the world around them, ask a question in real-time, and receive relevant search results instantly.
Think of it as “FaceTime with Search,” as Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, put it.
But this isn’t just a shiny new toy, it’s a tectonic shift in how users discover information, interact with content, and ultimately, engage with brands.
Visual-first search isn’t coming. It’s already here. And if your brand isn’t preparing for it, you’re already behind.
A Real-World Example: The Broken Bike Chain
Let’s say you’re out on a weekend ride. Your bike chain slips off, and you’re stuck on the trail. You don’t know what it’s called, let alone how to fix it.
Now, with the Gemini app, you simply open your camera, point it at the chain, and ask:
“How do I fix this?”
Within seconds, you get results—step-by-step guides, videos, product listings, or a nearby repair shop.
No typing. No guesswork. Just answers.
For consumers, it’s convenience.
For brands? It’s a seismic shift ( and a new headache) in how discovery happens.
Why Visual-First Search Is the New Digital Battleground
1. Search is now real-time, intuitive, and visual
People are starting to search as they experience the world. Whether it’s a DIY issue, a fashion inspiration, or a product they see in a shop window—they’re pointing, asking, and expecting answers on the spot.
Industries being transformed by this shift include:
- Home & Garden DIY
- Fashion & Accessories
- Automotive Repairs
- Travel & Outdoors
- Local Services & Trades
If your brand’s content isn’t optimised for visual discovery, you’re not in the conversation.
2. Keyword SEO isn’t enough anymore
We’re entering a multimodal era—where text, images, and voice converge. That demands a new kind of optimisation:
- Crisp, high-quality product images (multi-angle where possible)
- Descriptive alt tags and metadata that help Google understand the visual context
- Schema markup for products, how-tos, and locations
- Visual landing pages that load fast and serve immediate intent
The old rulebook, keyword focused marketing, isn’t going to cut it.
3. A new surface means new competition
Visual search opens up new entry points into your customer journey—and that means new rivals. Your visibility depends on:
- How clearly your product is presented
- Whether your content maps to real-world, real-time queries
- How well you connect visuals to helpful, immediate answers
If your competitor is optimised for these touchpoints and you’re not, they win the customer.
Is Your Brand Visually Discoverable
Visual-first search isn’t a trend. It’s the new normal.
If someone points their phone at a product you sell, and you’re not the answer they get—someone else will be.
Media M 
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