Retailers Blending AI and Human Talent for Marketing Optimization

A new survey published in the Fiverr 2026 Holiday Marketing Index found that retailers are pairing AI tools with specialized freelancers to manage marketing efforts. The findings, based on interviews with top-rated Fiverr freelancers across eight countries, show that 67% of those surveyed report rising retailer demand for generative engine optimization (GEO). Specialists noted that this trend is driven by shoppers using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews to inform purchasing decisions.

The report highlights that while AI offers efficiency, market visibility requires retailers to invest in both GEO and traditional search rankings. Furthermore, successful marketing relies on earning shopper trust through user-generated content (UGC).