Key Digital Marketing and Industry Updates From Q3 2025

Quick Takeaways

• Google rankings remain volatile after the latest Core Update
  DOJ takes on Google’s ad tech monopoly
  OpenAI rolls out checkouts + hints at future ads
  ChatGPT now 700 million users strong
  AI traffic is small but growing across industries

Continued High Google SERP Volatility

Search results remain unstable across industries like storage, home services, multi-family and senior living, and finance. These fluctuations stem from Google’s most recent Core Algorithm Update, which means businesses may experience frequent shifts in their rankings. Staying flexible and monitoring performance is key.

DOJ vs. Google as the Ad Tech Monopoly Trial Begins

The Department of Justice has initiated its case against Google, focusing on its control of the AdX exchange. The outcome could reshape digital advertising by 2026, with advertisers likely exploring alternative platforms in the meantime.

OpenAI Expands Its Capabilities

• Agentic eCommerce Checkouts. OpenAI is partnering with Shopify and Stripe to enable product purchases directly within ChatGPT. While currently limited to U.S. single-product checkouts, expansion to multi-product and broader merchant support is planned.
• Ad Placements on the Horizon. OpenAI is hiring for a Growth Paid Marketing Platform Engineer, signaling early steps toward incorporating paid advertising within ChatGPT. While no immediate action is needed, brands should prepare for potential ad opportunities on the platform.
• Usage Study. A recent study from Harvard and OpenAI revealed ChatGPT has 700 million active users, or around 10% of the global adult population. Only 30% of chats are work-related, showing broad personal adoption.

AI Traffic Trends Across Industries

While AI-driven traffic remains small but notable for several industries, with the following insights from August 2025:

• Pest Control: 0.29% (ChatGPT 92%)
• Self Storage: 0.16% (ChatGPT 93%)
• Multi-Family: 0.10% (ChatGPT 91%)

How To Navigate These Changes With Go Local Interactive

Whether you’re running a self storage facility, managing multi-family communities, or growing a pest control business, staying visible online is harder than ever with constant SERP volatility, AI-driven changes, and increasing competition. Go Local Interactive specializes in helping industries like yours turn digital challenges into opportunities for growth.

Partner with us today and let’s build a marketing strategy that drives consistent results, even in a changing landscape.

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