Traditional SEO is becoming more difficult. Anyone who wants to remain visible online today will quickly realise that the rules of the game have changed. Artificial intelligence is not only changing the content on the internet, but also the way people search, read and select information.
More and more often, Google answers search queries directly without anyone clicking on a website. At the same time, AI-generated texts are flooding the web. This makes it harder for smaller companies to remain visible in Google Search – even with good SEO.
But this is exactly where there is room for new ideas.
Rethinking marketing: Why a simple game often achieves more than another blog article
I tried out for myself what such an alternative could look like – with a little browser game called Karate Jump.
The idea: instead of relying on classic Google optimisation with keywords and blog posts, I developed an entertaining game. In this simple runner game, users jump through Berlin – and learn about the locations of real Berlin karate schools.
The game is not a high-end product, it’s an experiment. But that’s exactly the point: new marketing formats such as web apps and games are easier to implement than ever before thanks to AI-powered tools and platforms.
And it is precisely these opportunities that can be attractive for small and large companies alike.
Visibility is not just created through SEO
Of course, classic Google optimisation still makes sense – but it is not the only way to remain visible online. Small businesses in particular can now:
- Develop easy-to-use web applications
- Create interactive content such as small games, calculators or quiz formats
- Reach target groups directly, e.g. via events, QR codes, social media or partner networks – without any Google ranking
These formats offer a real advantage: They generate attention, stick in the mind – and can function independently of search engines.
Karate Jump as a prototype: No hype, but a spark
My game ‘Karate Jump’ is not a viral hit. Not yet, anyway. It probably never will be. But it shows that with the right tools, you can break new ground even without a big budget.
And in the age of AI, that means you don’t need to employ a team of developers to try new things.
Optimise Google search
If you want to remain visible in marketing, you have to ask yourself:
- How can I create added value beyond text and images?
- Can I create my own formats that are particularly well suited to my target group?
- What could be my ‘Karate Jump’ – in my market, for my customers?
Maybe it’s a game. Maybe a small web app. Maybe a digital quiz at a trade fair.
The important thing is that the possibilities are there – and they’re closer than you think.
FAQ – New ways to optimise Google in the AI age
Google answers many questions directly in the search (e.g. through AI overviews). At the same time, websites compete with millions of AI-generated content. It is becoming more difficult to stand out with text alone.
Instead of relying solely on keywords and text, companies can use interactive formats such as games or web apps to engage users – Google also evaluates user signals such as dwell time and engagement.
A game attracts attention, increases the time spent on the website and is more likely to be shared. It can also be promoted independently of Google rankings via QR codes, social media or events.
No – it’s more of a supplement or a new way to gain visibility. Anyone who wants to optimise Google Search today should think beyond classic SEO and include alternative formats.
That depends on the scope. A simple game or a small web app can be created on a small budget, especially if AI tools are used to support it.
Start with an idea that fits your target audience – and try something small. You can find inspiration in projects such as Karate Jump – or by asking yourself: What would my customers enjoy or find really helpful?
Karate Jump was programmed in Cursor based on Three.js and with the help of Claude Sonnet (v4). Visual elements and textures were created with ChatGPT.
