How the Customer Journey Has Changed

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The customer journey isn't simply moving online anymore, it has fundamentally changed.

In this episode of the ProfileTree Podcast, we explore how AI search, social media algorithms, creator influence, modern websites, online reviews and e-commerce have completely reshaped the way customers discover, research and buy from businesses in 2026.

Instead of following a predictable path from advert to website to purchase, today's buyers move between AI assistants, TikTok, YouTube, search engines, websites and customer reviews before making a decision.

In this discussion we cover:
• How AI Search is replacing traditional keyword searches
• Why SEO is becoming more conversational
• What falling website traffic actually means
• Why websites still matter in an AI-first world
• TikTok as a search engine
• Social commerce and TikTok Shop
• Why checkout speed now determines conversions
• How advertising has evolved to blend into content
• The growing importance of reviews, testimonials and creator recommendations
• Practical advice for businesses adapting to the modern customer journey

Whether you're a business owner, marketer, digital strategist or simply interested in where online behaviour is heading, this episode explains what has changed—and what you should do next.

ProfileTree Services:
Web Design Belfast: https://profiletree.com/web-design-belfast/
WordPress Web Design: https://profiletree.com/wordpress-web-design/
eCommerce Web Design: https://profiletree.com/ecommerce-web-design/
SEO Services: https://profiletree.com/services/search-engine-optimisation/
Local SEO: https://profiletree.com/seo-in-ireland/
Content Marketing: https://profiletree.com/marketing-agency-services/content-marketing-services/
Digital Strategy: https://profiletree.com/services/digital-strategy/
Video Production Belfast: https://profiletree.com/video-production-belfast-ni/
Digital Marketing Training: https://profiletree.com/services/digital-training/
AI Training for Business: https://profiletree.com/marketing-agency-services/ai-training/

Educational Voice — Animation & Explainer Videos:
ProfileTree's animation studio, producing explainer videos, eLearning and brand storytelling for businesses across the UK and Ireland. https://www.educationalvoice.co.uk/

Future Business Academy — AI Courses & Training:
Practical AI training for SMEs covering ChatGPT, AI strategy, prompt engineering and AI adoption. Belfast-based, delivering across the UK and Ireland.
https://futurebusinessacademy.com/

About ProfileTree:
Founded by Ciaran Connolly, headquartered in Belfast. We specialise in WordPress web design, SEO, content marketing, video production, animation and AI training. We build websites that rank, generate leads and drive sales.

ProfileTree, McSweeney Centre, 31 Henry Place, Belfast BT15 2AY
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=883562690640249580
Email: info@profiletree.com | Phone: +44 28 9568 0364

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Chapters
00:00 Advertising Now Looks Like Content
00:37 Introduction
01:50 AI Search Has Changed Everything
03:36 How AI Is Changing SEO
06:10 Should Businesses Worry About Lower Website Traffic?
10:01 Why Websites Still Matter
15:09 Social Media Is the New Discovery Engine
16:03 TikTok Has Become a Search Engine
18:19 Social Commerce & TikTok Shop
20:54 Modern E-Commerce Expectations
22:50 Advertising That Blends Into Content
26:01 Why Reviews Matter More Than Ever
31:40 Final Advice for Businesses
34:09 Outro

#customerjourney #aisearch #digitalmarketing #seo #tiktokmarketing #businessgrowth #marketingstrategy #ProfileTree