12 Experts on AI Search Strategy in 2026

AI search is moving from "emerging trend" to "material impact on business" faster than most marketing teams can adapt. The challenge isn't lack of tactics - it's lack of clarity about what matters and what doesn't.

We gathered insights from 12 leading practitioners to answer the questions that actually affect strategy:
- Where should budget go?
- What's overrated?
- What are the metrics that connect to business outcomes?

The report organizes expert consensus around the decisions you need to make now - not speculative futures, but practical realities about citation frequency, measurement, and the shift from optimization tactics to genuine brand building.

These are people managing real budgets and seeing real results. Their perspective gives you a foundation for making smart decisions rather than guessing or following the loudest voice on LinkedIn.