Navigating AI in Marketing: What Small Businesses Should Know Today

How SE Ranking's Acquisition of Planable Empowers AI-Driven Marketing Strategies

Update SE Ranking Navigates the AI-First Search LandscapeIn an era where artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way consumers engage with content, SE Ranking's recent acquisition of Planable symbolizes a strategic pivot towards a multi-product and AI-driven future. With this move, SE Ranking is not merely enhancing its product offerings; it is reshaping the narrative around digital visibility in an increasingly fragmented search environment.As a Toronto-based SEO platform, SE Ranking announced the acquisition of Planable on August 4, 2025. This merger extends SE Ranking's reach into the social media realm, a critical space as digital marketing increasingly leans on platforms beyond the traditional web, such as TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The integration of Planable—a platform that facilitates social media content creation and collaboration across nine major platforms—is ideally positioned to tap into the staggering projected total addressable market (TAM) of $117 billion in 2025, as indicated by industry reports.The Transformative Role of AI in Search StrategiesThe ever-evolving search algorithms powered by AI are redefining marketing strategies for agencies and small business owners alike. Vik Kuushynau, SE Ranking's CEO, highlights the urgency for brands to adapt to factors influencing online discoverability. As AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity ascend in importance, they pull diverse information sources into their query responses. This transformation places a premium on social media visibility in addition to traditional SEO practices.This year, notable shifts have been seen in search traffic dynamics. SE Ranking's analysis reveals a marked increase in traffic from AI search tools—from six-fold growth in website traffic via ChatGPT and Perplexity to a slight decline in Google's global organic traffic share. These statistics underscore the urgency of integrating social media strategies into overall marketing plans.Why Social Media Presence Matters More Than EverThe convergence of social media and AI is not just a passing trend; it's a fundamental shift in how the public consumes content. Research shows that YouTube led the pack among sources queried by AI systems in 2025, providing a significant opportunity for brands to engage audiences on multiple channels.Moreover, with platforms like Instagram now being indexed directly onto Google's SERP, businesses cannot afford to neglect their social media presence. This indexing ensures that user-generated content, such as posts and stories, contributes to a brand’s visibility in search results, reinforcing the need for an integrated digital strategy.The Emotional Connection in Digital MarketingIn this intricately connected landscape, the humanized storytelling aspect of digital marketing takes center stage. As digital trends shape consumer behavior, it is essential for brands to foster emotional connections with their audience. SE Ranking’s acquisition of Planable is a step towards supporting marketers in this journey.By enabling teams to collaborate seamlessly on social media content, Planable helps capture the essence of brand narratives that resonate with consumers. Xenia Muntean, CEO and Co-Founder of Planable, reiterates the necessity of user-generated content as a means for brands to communicate authenticity and engage effectively.Implementing Effective Strategies in a Multi-Channel EnvironmentAs digital marketing evolves, business owners and marketers must equip themselves with effective tools and practices. Here are some actionable insights to optimize your online marketing strategy:Integrate SEO and Social Media: Create a cohesive strategy that aligns SEO practices with social media efforts.Leverage Analytics: Use data from multiple platforms to guide content creation and decision-making.Embrace User-Generated Content: Encourage customer engagement through user-generated content, fostering community and authenticity.Stay Informed: Keep abreast of emerging AI tools and trends that might impact your digital strategies.Looking Ahead: The Future of Marketing in an AI-Driven WorldThe landscape of online marketing is shifting rapidly under the influence of AI, and the implications for small business owners and agencies are profound. As SE Ranking builds a robust ecosystem via its acquisition of Planable, it underscores a fundamental shift in how brands can navigate visibility in an increasingly AI-dominated search environment.With AI reshaping customer touchpoints across various platforms, businesses must rethink their marketing strategies to remain competitive. Companies that leverage these tools effectively will not only enhance their reach but also strengthen their emotional connections with consumers.In conclusion, the future of digital marketing is not merely about remaining visible but about becoming an integral part of the conversation across all channels. As marketers adapt to this new reality, the insights from SE Ranking and Planable will become invaluable tools in navigating this landscape.