How do your customers find you? Ten years ago, they typed a few keywords into Google and voila.
Today, AI tools like voice assistants, image recognition and conversational chatbots have transformed the search landscape. Siri, Alexa, Google Lens and ChatGPT are faster, smarter and more personalized, making simple keyword searches feel outdated.
Customers are now discovering businesses in ways we couldn’t have previously imagined. For mattress retailers, this shift is both a challenge and an opportunity.
Your customers aren’t just typing “best mattress for back pain” anymore — they’re asking voice assistants, snapping product photos and relying on AI for tailored recommendations.
If your business isn’t adapting to these trends, you risk losing visibility to competitors who are. Embracing AI-driven search isn’t optional — it’s essential to staying relevant and growing your business in 2025 and beyond.
The new rules of search
The way customers search for products and businesses has fundamentally shifted. And keyword searches are just one piece of the puzzle.
- Visual search is here. Tools like Google Lens and Pinterest Lens allow customers to shop using images. A photo of a friend’s mattress or a showroom display can quickly lead to a search for similar items.
- Voice search is booming. Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant are now trusted shopping companions. Customers are asking natural-language questions like, “Where can I find the best mattress for side sleepers near me?”
- Conversational AI changes everything. Chatbots and platforms like ChatGPT are becoming integral to the shopping journey. Customers might ask, “What’s the best mattress for back pain under $1,000 near me?”
Adapt your business for AI-driven search
As AI transforms how your customers search for products you sell, simple, actionable steps will deliver big results.
- Focus on long-tail keywords. Target conversational queries like “best mattress for side sleepers under $1,000” instead of broad terms like “mattress sale.” Use these natural language phrases in website copy, product descriptions and blog posts to align with how customers search today.
- Keep local listings accurate. AI tools prioritize local businesses. Update your Google Business Profile and directory listings with correct hours, contact details and location information to ensure customers — and AI — can find you.
- Invest in mobile optimization. Most AI-powered searches happen on mobile devices. Ensure your website loads quickly and is easy to navigate on smaller screens. A mobile-friendly site appeals to customers and ranks higher in search results.
- Build an AI-friendly FAQ page. Anticipate questions like “What’s the difference between memory foam and latex mattresses?” or “How often should I replace my mattress?” Structure your answers with clear headers and bullet points, making it easier for AI to present your solutions to potential customers.
- Encourage reviews and testimonials. Reviews influence AI recommendations and build trust with consumers. Actively ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google and Yelp. Highlight positive testimonials on your website to improve credibility and visibility.
Leveraging AI tools to drive traffic and sales
Integrate AI-driven strategies into your marketing and you’ll create more personalized experiences to capture customer attention and drive sales.
- Personalize marketing with AI. Platforms like Klaviyo or Mailchimp will analyze customer behavior so you can send tailored recommendations. For example, if a customer recently browsed mattresses for back pain, send them a personalized email showcasing products designed for comfort and support.
- Test and optimize with predictive analytics. AI-powered analytics platforms can forecast trends and customer preferences. GA4, for example, can monitor which ads, content or products drive the most engagement, allowing you to refine your approach in real time.
- Create smarter ads with AI. AI tools in Google Ads or Meta Ads Manager refine ad targeting by analyzing demographics, behaviors and interests. Experiment with dynamic ads that adjust in real time to user interactions.
- Enhance customer interactions with chatbots. Integrate AI chatbots on your website to provide instant answers to common customer queries 24/7.
- Use AI to repurpose content. AI tools like Jasper or Canva Magic Resize can help you quickly reformat existing content for different platforms. A blog post can become a series of social media posts, while product images can be resized and optimized for ads or newsletters. This saves time and ensures your content stays fresh across all channels.
Hyper-focus on local search
AI tools and voice assistants prioritize local businesses, making a local strategy essential to be front and center when potential customers are ready to buy.
- Keep NAP info consistent. Ensure your name, address and phone number are accurate and consistent across all your digital platforms: Google Business Profile, Yelp, social media, etc. Inconsistencies confuse customers and make it harder for AI tools to recommend your business.
- Use location-specific keywords. Incorporate terms like “best mattress store in Albuquerque” or “mattresses near Schenectady” into your website content, meta descriptions and blog posts to attract local traffic.
- Leverage customer reviews. Encourage reviews on Google and Yelp to build trust and improve rankings in local search results. Respond to all feedback professionally to demonstrate care and credibility.
Create AI-friendly content
AI-powered search relies on structured, targeted content. Create content tailored for AI parsing to ensure your business appears in search results and recommendations.
- Publish FAQ pages. Create a detailed FAQ page that addresses common queries, like “How do I know if I need a new mattress?” or “What size mattress is best for a couple?” FAQs provide value to your audience and help AI tools find and deliver your answers in search results.
- Develop niche blog posts. Position your business as an authority and trusted resource by diving deeper into specific customer concerns with blog posts. Answering targeted questions, such as “What’s the difference between latex and memory foam mattresses?” or “Top mattresses for back pain relief.”
- Structure content for AI parsing. Make your content easy for AI to read and understand by using headers, bullet points and/or shortened, concise paragraphs. Implement schema markup on your website to highlight key details like product reviews, pricing and availability to help AI tools extract and display your content accurately in search results.
Adapting to AI-driven search is future-proofing your business
It’s clear AI is shaping the future of how customers discover and engage with businesses. As search behaviors evolve, staying ahead of these changes will be critical to maintain visibility and relevance in an increasingly competitive market.
As AI tools grow smarter, faster and more integrated into everyday life, ongoing education and experimentation with new search tools and trends are key to staying competitive. Keep an eye on developments in voice and visual search, explore emerging platforms and stay informed about AI updates from major players like Google and Meta.
Adapting to AI-driven search trends may feel daunting, but small, intentional steps can make a big impact. As the search landscape continues to evolve, those who embrace AI-driven strategies will future-proof their business while building a stronger connection with their customers. Take action now and position your business for long-term success in an AI-powered world.
