How to Reach 450 Million AI Users with Your Product

AI is transforming e-commerce—84% of companies now consider it their top business priority, showcasing the scale of market transformation. Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search engine similar to ChatGPT Search, recently introduced its 67 million users to the "Shop like a Pro" feature. This solution, part of conversational commerce, turns a simple chat conversation into a personalised shopping experience.

Users are already familiar with AI assistants in e-commerce chats. They gain access to a virtual salesperson who is an expert in the store's offerings, works 24/7, and precisely addresses their needs—all via a website or social media chat. The effectiveness of this approach is proven by its adoption by market leaders like Zalando, Levis, and Burberry, who are already using AI chatbots in their sales channels on Facebook Messenger and their own e-commerce platforms.

AI is changing how we spend money online

Users can interact with a virtual assistant who knows exactly what they're looking for, is available 24/7, knows every product, and never loses patience. Companies like Zalando, Levis, and Burberry are already benefiting from such solutions on Facebook Messenger and their websites.

Perplexity AI shows the future of shopping

Perplexity AI, a search engine visited by over 67 million users monthly, has introduced conversational commerce to its AI chat platform, similar to ChatGPT. The new feature, "Shop like a Pro," currently being tested in the U.S., allows users to compare products during a chat with AI and purchase them with one click, including free shipping. The system also supports visual search, similar to Google Lens. This is just the beginning—ChatGPT, with 200 million active users monthly, is experimenting with similar features that could revolutionize e-commerce and integrate it into everyday AI tools.

"This is the first clear signal that positioning in AI search engines will become key for e-commerce. Soon, most shopping decisions may rely on AI assistant recommendations. Users are moving away from Google in favor of effortless conversations with ChatGPT or Perplexity AI. Companies that optimize for GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) early will gain a significant competitive advantage," says Marta Zalewska, co-founder of AIteammate.ai, a GEO agency.

Positioning in AI is the new SEO

Today, over 200 million ChatGPT users search for product recommendations every month, and soon they may be able to make purchases directly within the chat. "This is a fundamental shift in how people discover products and services. Just as companies without a website were once invisible, soon businesses that aren't visible to AI will lose customers," adds Marta Zalewska.

GEO is becoming crucial not only for major players. Local businesses—like hairdressers, accountants, or mechanics—will all need to ensure their services are visible and well-described for AI. When a user asks ChatGPT for "the best hairdresser nearby," AI will suggest options based on available data and optimization.

Commerce is conversational

The conversational commerce market is projected to grow from $11.04 billion in 2024 to $16.82 billion in 2028. Already, 70% of large companies actively engage with their customers via AI-powered messaging platforms. WhatsApp, with its Channels feature (500+ million monthly users), demonstrates what this can look like.

"Recent data shows that companies using conversational marketing achieve a 53% higher conversion rate, and their campaigns generate 30% more customer engagement. Even within the first six months of adopting conversational commerce, companies report an average 10% revenue increase. However, the true revolution is still ahead. With systems like Perplexity Shopping, AI will advise customers on every purchase—from clothing to cars—and businesses must be ready for this new service standard," comments Przemysław Kot, CEO of Mizzox, a platform that optimises business management for Polish entrepreneurs.

"In 2–3 years, companies without a GEO and conversational commerce strategy will be like businesses without a website in the 2000s. The key to success will not just be implementing chatbots but understanding how to be visible in the AI-first commerce era."

How to prepare your business for the AI-commerce era

Implementing AI assistants starts with a simple bot for basic customer service. The next step is gradually expanding functionalities and analysing user interaction data and "crum data" (data fragments and metadata generated during user interactions with AI chatbots, enabling personalised shopping experiences).

Optimisation for AI requires a clear structure for company data, regular content updates, and a consistent message across all channels. Testing various forms of conversational commerce, adopting industry best practices, and monitoring the development of AI-commerce platforms are key steps.

A strategy for a new era

An effective conversational commerce strategy goes beyond implementing technology—it’s a thoughtful transformation of the entire sales process. "Today, being on the first page of Google is not enough. You need to be among the top recommendations in ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity," emphasises Marta Zalewska. "Companies that first understand how to position themselves for AI and build lasting relationships through conversational channels will gain a significant market advantage."