Why zero-click is becoming more important than you think
What if people read your content without ever clicking through to your website? Sounds like a nightmare for any business owner investing in SEO, right? But this scenario is already a reality today. Enter: zero-click searches. And they're quickly becoming the norm.
According to recent studies by Semrush and SparkToro, more than 50% of all searches today are zero-click. Users get their answers directly in search results - via featured snippets, AI summaries, knowledge panels or tools such as ChatGPT.
For smart entrepreneurs and marketing teams, this is not a reason to panic, but a great opportunity. In this article, you'll discover why zero-click is becoming more important than you think - and how to increase your visibility and impact in a world with fewer clicks.
What exactly are zero-click searches?
Zero-click literally means a search where the user does not click on any links. The answer already appears in Google, Bing, ChatGPT or another search interface. Consider:
Featured snippets at the top of Google
Local results with phone numbers and opening hours
Direct responses to AI(SGE, ChatGPT, Gemini)
Knowledge panels and carousels with summaries
➡️ Also read: From SEO to GEO: how to make your brand visible in AI
This behavior is increasing as users prefer speed over click-throughs. And AI are actively feeding this behavior.
"All over the world, the way people search is changing. You have to learn to participate with the engines, not fight against them."
Find out how our SEO optimization service helps you stay visible even without a click.
Why is this such a gamechanger?
For many SMEs, website visitors and clicks are essential to generate leads. But what if Google or ChatGPT provides the answer before that click?
What you lose:
Less traffic to your website
Less data on user behavior
Fewer chances to convert
What you can win:
Authority through 'source citation' in AI
Visibility without paying for clicks
Trust as an expert in your domain
💡 Read more: Combining SEO and AI in 2025: the perfect marriage for smart content strategies
"It's no longer about who gets the most clicks, but who gives the first and best answer."
Want to use AI smartly for content creation? Then check out our service: AI content creation
How do you optimize for zero-click?
1. Focus on featured snippets and structured data
Use formats such as lists, tables or clear definitions. Always include structured data:
FAQ schedule
Product info diagram
How-to diagram
📘 Want to know more? Here's how to add structured FAQs to your content
"Structured data is your ticket to visibility in AI. Without that structure, you're just invisible."
See how AI automation helps you make this scalable.
2. Create AI content
AI use your content to generate answers. So provide:
Clear headings (H2, H3)
Answers in 2-3 sentences max.
Conversational tone: as if you were really helping someone
➡️ Also read: Writing better prompts: this is how to get more out of AI
"Those who want to score in AI must structure their content as if it were for both a robot and a human."
With customizedAI, you'll learn how to apply this concretely in your content team.
3. Claim your authority through AI
Insert entities (such as company name, location, people) smartly. Relevant info about your brand will thus be cited more often in tools such as Perplexity or Gemini.
4. Think beyond Google
Being visible in:
ChatGPT (via GEO optimization)
Gemini/Perplexity (with structured content and citations)
Social snippets that show answers directly
💡 A lso read: Top 10 strategies for generative engine optimization (GEO) in 2025
"GEO is the bridge between classic SEO and the future of AI."
Let ClickForest help you with a GEO audit to identify your opportunities.
Specifically, what does this mean for your strategy?
Zero-click forces you to create content that:
Smoothly scannable (good headings, short paragraphs)
Provides value directly (no detours)
Citable by AI (clear, factual statements)
In addition, it becomes more important to feed your authority smartly:
By consistently publishing valuable content
Through mentions on other platforms (e.g., LinkedIn)
By linking your name to topics (author schedule)
📘 Also read: ChatGPT 2025 masterclass: the ultimate guide for advanced marketers and entrepreneurs
"The future of content is not about clicks, it's about trust at the right time."
For a stronger funnel, consider our approach around Performance marketing
Zero-click is not hype; it is the new reality. Entrepreneurs who commit now to scannable, AI and structured content are building long-term visibility - even when there are fewer clicks.
Want to know how your business ranks in zero-click search results? Request a GEO audit and find out where your opportunities lie.
Frequently asked questions about zero-click
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Zero-click searches are searches where the answer is already visible in the search results, without the user having to click through to a website.
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Because AI and search engines are increasingly showing instant answers. Users prefer speed and convenience to visiting multiple Web sites.
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Not necessarily. You may get fewer clicks, but if your brand or content is in the response, you still increase your visibility and authority.
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Use clear headings, short answers, structured data (such as FAQ diagrams) and adapt your writing style for AI.
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Weather reports, calculators, local business info, featured snippets, instant answers in ChatGPT or Google SGE.
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SEO focuses on classic search engines. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) optimizes your content for AI such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity.
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By creating content that is clear, factual and quotable, with correct brand and person mentions and structured data.
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We perform GEO audits, optimize your content for AI, and help make your brand visible without clicking.
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It's not mandatory, but it's highly recommended. Without structured data, an AI has a much harder time recognizing your content as a reliable response.
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A concrete picture of where your brand is or is not visible in zero-click results - and how to increase that visibility.
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