Artificial intelligence has become the most overperformed act in modern business. Executives announce bold initiatives. Marketing teams publish thought leadership. Product teams demo impressive prototypes. Slide decks glow with neural networks and arrows pointing toward “transformation.”

Yet beneath the performance, something is often missing: human direction.  

More and more people are skipping search engines entirely.  They’re not typing queries into Google, scanning results, or clicking links. Instead, they’re asking questions directly to AI or large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, and accepting the answer they’re given.

So the natural question becomes:  If users aren’t searching anymore, does SEO still matter?

Yes, but not in the way it used to.

As we look toward 2026, the role of digital agencies continues to change. We see clients navigating more complex ecosystems, tighter budgets, and rapidly evolving technology. They’re no longer looking for vendors who simply execute tasks. They’re looking for partners who can help them make sense of change, prioritize wisely, and build digital experiences that last.

At Marker Seven, we see 2026 as a year to double down on what matters most: thoughtful strategy, strong product thinking, and long-term partnerships that deliver real value.

Since OpenAI introduced ChatGPT to the public, speculation has been fierce around the potential benefits (and imagined hazards) of this cutting-edge technology.