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National research on SMB adaptation to AI-driven search

LLM Research is a grant-funded initiative studying small business preparation for the shift to AI search systems. Our mission is to inform and educate the business community on strategy that can safeguard their online presence in the new AI landscape.

Join thousands of small businesses preparing for AI search

Partnering With the Future of Search

Our research

At LLM Research, we examine how AI search tools are changing the way small businesses are found online.

While no one can predict exactly how AI will reshape search, we do know it is already changing how customers discover businesses online. That’s why we focus on understanding the impact on small businesses, who make up 99% of the U.S. economy. We aim to provide clear insights and practical guidance on what adaptation to AI-driven search looks like in practice.

LLM Research – Search Visibility Card
AI Search Impact Study
Only 12% of search now comes from Google.

Search Visibility

We examine how AI answers in tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Perplexity are reshaping discovery pathways—and reducing reliance on traditional SEO.

+15.2%
with robots.txt
+18.7%
with structured data
Adoption Gap Study
Average SMB readiness score: just 38%.

Readiness & Adoption

Through national surveys and data collection, we track how small businesses are adapting, what practices they adopt, and where critical gaps remain.

AI Adaptation Gap
SMBs close the gap on enterprises by 35% when tools are shared.

AI Readiness & Performance

Tracking how enterprises and SMBs adapt to AI shows that with equal access to tools and knowledge, smaller businesses catch up quickly and thrive.

Our process

Turning complex shifts in AI search into clear, reliable insights for the business community.

1
01

Define

(01)

We frame key hypotheses on AI’s effect, informed by prior studies and emerging platforms we find the missing gaps.

 

2
02

Collect

(02)

We combine owner insights with AI search simulations, blending qualitative and quantitative measures to gauge impact.

3
03

Analyze

(03)

We benchmark readiness, visibility, and adaptation with structured models, showing where businesses stand in the AI search transition.

4
04

Publish

(04)

We translate findings into accessible insights and reports for the business community. Our goal is to ensure that small businesses can act on reliable, research-backed evidence.

1
01

Define

(01)

We frame key hypotheses on AI’s effect, informed by prior studies and emerging platforms we find the missing gaps.

 

2
02

Collect

(02)

We combine owner insights with AI search simulations, blending qualitative and quantitative measures to gauge impact.

3
03

Analyze

(03)

We benchmark readiness, visibility, and adaptation with structured models, showing where businesses stand in the AI search transition.

4
04

Publish

(04)

We translate findings into accessible insights and reports for the business community. Our goal is to ensure that small businesses can act on reliable, research-backed evidence.

contact us

Inquiries for the research team

LLM Research is a national study initiative. We welcome outreach from small business owners, academic institutions, policymakers, and press. Whether you want to access our findings, collaborate on surveys, or request methodological details, please fill out the adjacent form.

All inquiries are reviewed by our research team. We respond within 3 business days.

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