Analytics Updated 2026-07-04

Share of Search

Share of Search is the percentage of search queries for a keyword or topic that mention or result in a specific brand or competitor. It measures a brand's share of the total search interest in a category.

Definition

Share of Search is calculated by dividing branded queries or branded keyword volume by the total search volume for a category or topic. It reveals competitive positioning in search. For example, if 100 people search for 'running shoes' and 15 search for 'Nike running shoes,' Nike has a 15 percent share of search for that category.

Brands monitor share of search to track market positioning relative to competitors. Growth in share of search indicates increasing brand preference or awareness. The metric guides keyword strategy and helps teams identify underserving or overserving segments. Paid search marketers use share of search to benchmark campaign reach.

Why it matters for AI visibility

Share of search must now account for AI search as a distinct channel. As users shift from Google to ChatGPT or Perplexity, the search landscape fragments. Teams need to measure share of voice across both traditional search and AI assistants. This reveals whether a brand maintains visibility as users migrate to new search platforms.

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