January 2026 Agency Search Trends Report
A key trend revealed in the search data is growing demand for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Not only has search intent for agencies with expertise in GEO surged, but search traffic for “AI Public Relations” is also growing .
The new report reveals the top searched agencies in January, as well as those most searched in relation to specific industries. It also details what’s important to clients in the searches including outcomes and agency size.
The Rise of the AI Boutique
The report shows that boutique agencies with AI and GEO are seeing a high-level search interest. Buyers are seeking out firms not just for their reputation, but for their artificial intelligence technology savvy. We are also seeing a strong focus in searches on outcomes.
Demand for PR is Strong in the AI Landscape
The report shows growth in both PR and communications search terms is strong with new search terms underscoring overall growth in search traffic.
Surge in Crisis Communications Searches
January saw an 18% increase in searches for crisis communications consultants compared to December. While further research may be helpful to detail why this may be the case, there’s little doubt that the current political climate is a contributing factor.
Search results on CommunicationsMatch which includes those conducted on AI search engines, communicationsmatch.com, and PRSA’s Find A Firm (More than 55,000 in January) are consistent with the broader trends surfaced in the January research report and past monthly reports.
Click here to view or download the full CommunicationsMatch and CommPRO report for January.
CommunicationsMatch™’s research team uses a proprietary structured research prompt built and tested to analyze search data and uncover search trends based on actual searches conducted on Google and other sources for the period Jan 1-31, 2026. The search report results are indicative of search trends. Read the report for a full description of the research methodology and its limitations.
