Podcast Episode: Blunt Force Business – “Where Are Your Customers Now?”

“You should really go Google this podcast,” said my 90-year-old grandfather.

Ironically, that moment perfectly captures a marketing truth every business needs to hear in 2025: not everyone is Googling anymore—especially your next wave of customers.

In the latest episode of the Blunt Force Business podcast, we dive into what this shift means for your business and how to meet your customers where they actually are. If you’re still treating Google as the be-all-end-all of search, you’re already late to the game.

Here’s how to adapt—and why exploring Google search engine alternatives is no longer optional.

Step 1: Acknowledge That Google Isn’t the Only Search Engine Anymore

Google is still a giant—but it’s no longer the only giant. Gen Z and Millennials are just as likely to search on Instagram, TikTok, or ask ChatGPT and Perplexity as they are to fire up Google.

This shift is fueling the rise of Google search engine alternatives—platforms that don’t look like traditional search engines but function like them.

❝If you’re saying ‘just Google it,’ you’re like 50.❞ – Blunt Force Business

In our latest podcast, Brian LaFauci outlines the importance of remaining flexible with your marketing.

Step 2: Know Where Your Customers Actually Search

Your customers might not be on Google at all. Here’s where they are searching:

• Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for how-to content, reviews, and business discovery
• AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude for quick answers and decision-making
• Apple Maps, Facebook, and Bing—often by default
• Reddit for real opinions and deep-dive answers

These are the Google search engine alternatives you can no longer ignore.

✅ Action:

Make a list of where your customers are spending time and tailor your content to live there—not just link out to your website.

Step 3: Make Your Content Natively Discoverable

Today’s searchers expect answers in the platform—not a link to another site. If you’re not optimizing directly on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube, you’re invisible.

That means:

• Using relevant keywords in your captions and video text
• Posting educational or behind-the-scenes content that answers common questions
• Claiming and optimizing your profiles on platforms like Apple Business Connect, Bing Places, and Meta Business Suite

❝We’re moving from the monoculture internet to the fractured internet. You have to be everywhere.❞

Step 4: Embrace Short-Form Video

Video content is dominating both traditional search and Google search engine alternatives like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. This is no longer optional.

Even if you’re camera-shy, you can:

• Record voiceovers over B-roll of your work or workspace
• Turn blog posts into animated quote cards
• Answer FAQs with your phone in under 60 seconds

✅ Pro Tip:

Use tools like Descript, Opus Clip, or Veed.io to simplify editing and repurposing.

Step 5: Still Optimize for Traditional Search—But Think Beyond Google

Google is still important—but you must think of it as part of your strategy, not the whole thing.

• Keep your Google Business Profile active and review-rich
• Add schema markup for better AI parsing
• Publish blogs that answer questions people might ask AI tools, not just search engines

And don’t forget: optimizing for Google search engine alternatives like Bing, Perplexity, and voice assistants can expand your reach faster than ranking on page 1 of Google ever could.

Step 6: Move Now—Not Later

Every day you wait, someone else gets found on Instagram, TikTok, or Perplexity instead of you.

If Gen Z is part of your customer base—or will be soon—then adapting your marketing to fit Google search engine alternatives isn’t just smart. It’s survival.

❝If you’re not on Instagram or TikTok, you’re officially late. But don’t worry—you can catch up.❞

Recap: How to Show Up Where Your Customers Are Now

1. Recognize that search is fractured—Google isn’t everything.
2. Explore and embrace Google search engine alternatives.
3. Create natively discoverable content where your audience lives.
4. Use short-form video to build visibility and trust.
5. Continue SEO—but broaden your strategy for AI and social platforms.
6. Start now. Don’t wait for next quarter.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
Blunt Force Business – “Where Are Your Customers Now?”

Your customers aren’t Googling the way they used to—and if you’re not adapting to that, you’re handing business to someone who already has.