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• Anthropic asked the AI industry to hit the brakes – what does that mean for SEO and search marketers? This crazy hard truth was dropped by a company whose IPO is just about to hit the market. The premise of the AI industry halting development after one blog seems too far off to become reality. SEJ article’s “3 Things You Should Do Right Now” section echoes one of our pillars for SEO and SAIO success: “Build your authority on things AI cannot replicate” by leveraging content that demonstrates expertise and lived (i.e., human) experience.

• Google zero-click searches hit 68% in early 2026 — that sounds like a high percentage, but let’s add a little more perspective. The article includes data on zero-click searches from 2020 — pre-AI era — that showed 65% of Google searches ended with zero-clicks (so not that much has changed). The research focuses on the initial search and not follow-up searches in Google. Data on clicks from AI Overviews or AI Mode results are still not being parsed and factored. Finally, we do not know the search intent behind the searches. (Some searches are informational and don’t require a click for more information.) Still, we’re not ignoring the zero-click data and the importance of optimizing content to be referenced in initial answers and for the right keywords and prompts that will drive relevant clicks to your website when someone wants more info and clicks through. 

• A fresh look on how Claude and ChatGPT differ in their approach in retrieving answers to prompts. Some of the findings:
  • Claude only does web searches to find relevant information about 37% of the time compared with about 90% for ChatGPT. Of course, that number varies based on search intent.
  • Claude results overlay with Google rankings at a 64% rate (higher than ChatGPT).
  • Claude’s fan-out queries often include years as a way to discover recency factors.
  • Takeaways we have for consideration: 1. There continues to be a strong link between SEO and traditional search rankings as a necessary ingredient for AI citation success. 2. While the LLMs may differ in their approaches to answering prompts, there are enough similarities to warrant concentrating on a SAIO strategy that covers all vs. trying to game each individually.

• Get this… you can edit the elements of your ChatGPT-generated image in Canva!

• We knew it was coming… Instagram Plus is here with a subscription model. Features include extending visibility of your Stories, Stories insights, and a more custom bio.

• When your likeness can be cloned in seconds through AI, how do we moderate and protect creators and, well, everyone? Some celebrities are trademarking specific phrases and clips. Others are working with GenAI to develop these clones. I think regulations about AI cloning will be making their way across the bend soon.

We know that the mental illness crisis is widespread and needs support. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is working to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness. They have awarded 6,880+ grants to over 5,730 scientists leading breakthroughs in this area. Learn more: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

Our President & CEO, Niki, shared a beautiful metaphor on the people in our lives in her latest Niki’s Notes newsletter:

“By framing our lives as theater productions, I saw these people on the stage with me in the story of my life—they were central characters. But in their life story, I wasn’t on the stage. In fact, I didn’t even rate a front-row seat. I was in the back of the theater handing out programs—somewhat useful, but not at all central to the play. 

And in realizing this, I had an “ah ha!” No more hurt feelings, no more misaligned expectations. I could choose to keep handing out programs, ask for a front-row seat or a part on the stage, or I could simply exit the theater. The choice was up to me.”

Some people will come in and out of your life, while some will stick around for the long haul. Don’t forget that you’re the casting director of your own show.

Take a deep breath. Hold it. Then, let it out slowly. You got this, my friends.

Natalie

Niki’s Notes has it all!