Search.com Says Gen AI Ends the Keyword Search Era for Consumers

Search.com has boldly proclaimed the end of keyword-based search for consumers, asserting that generative AI has ushered in a new era defined by intent-driven discovery. In its first white paper, “The Keyword is Dying – Long Live Intent,” the platform outlines how organic SEO keywords are becoming obsolete, while social feeds have faded in relevance. Rising in their place is generative AI, which now serves as the main gateway for how people interact with the Internet through advanced interfaces, agents, and specialized tools.

Since launching in June, Search.com has seen 90% organic growth a trajectory expected to reach nearly 1,200% annually. This momentum isn’t a niche anomaly but rather a sign of a major structural transformation in how consumers find, navigate, and engage with online content. “When 42% of users are asking conversational questions instead of using keywords, it’s clear we’ve crossed into a new era,” said Melissa Anderson, President of Search.com, which operates as a division of Public Good. “Intent-based AI isn’t the future, it’s happening now. The platforms that adapt to this will shape the next phase of the Internet.”

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Search.com is positioning itself at the forefront of this shift, replacing keyword-centric mechanisms with AI that can understand and respond to the underlying purpose and intent of user queries. The platform’s unique approach also extends to its relationships with content creators: unlike other generative AI search engines, Search.com partners directly with publishers, secures content only with their explicit permission, pays them fairly, and supports their businesses with technology in return.

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This collaborative, equitable approach is already attracting high-profile media and news partners, who are adopting Search.com’s AI-powered search engine to replace the old paradigm of keyword-based search. For users, the service is entirely free, and includes innovative rewards programs such as cashback, discounts, and special offers, even allowing up to 10% cashback for purchases made through a subscription membership. Anderson emphasized, “Our cashback approach not only democratizes AI search, but also fosters stronger connections between consumers, publishers and brands.” She added, “Publishers have gotten the short end of the stick, and we’re here to change that. We are passionate about how our publisher monetization solutions support journalism.”

With Search.com’s new intent-driven platform growing and reshaping digital search, the company is not only helping users access answers and commerce in more natural, conversational ways, but also sharing the benefits with content creators and brands in a way that could redefine the economics of the web.