The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
Long Purchase Timeline = AI Search Suitable
AI search optimization only makes sense for products where customers have long research phases and purchasing decisions, not for impulse or repeat purchases.
Decision Rule
If customers typically research multiple options over weeks/months before buying, AI search is worth investing in. If they buy immediately or frequently, focus elsewhere.
How It Works
AI search serves as a research tool where people educate themselves before becoming buyer-ready. Products with quick purchase decisions don't benefit from this research phase.
Failure Modes
Applying AI search to impulse purchase products
Assuming all customers want to research extensively
Ignoring customer behavior patterns in your specific category
Example Decision
“CRM software (long research cycle) gets 30% budget for AI search. T-shirt brand (impulse purchase) gets 0% budget for AI search, focuses on social media advertising instead.”