The way people search online is changing—and fast. If you’re running a small or medium business in Malaysia, especially without a strong digital presence yet, it’s time to pay attention.
You might already be working on your website or learning about SEO. Maybe you’ve considered doing it yourself, or you’re working with an agency like Solbright Digital Services. Either way, what’s coming next will affect how customers find your business online.
The reality is, having a website is just the beginning. To attract visitors and potential customers, your website needs to be visible on search engines like Google. This is where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes into play.
In this guide, we’ll demystify SEO, explain how Google ranks pages, and highlight recent changes that every Malaysian SME should be aware of—including how AI-powered search, like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), will shake things up.
What Is Generative Search?
Generative search is the next evolution of how we get answers online. Instead of showing a list of blue links, platforms like Google and Bing are rolling out AI-powered summaries right at the top of the search results. These summaries pull content from various websites to generate instant, conversational answers.
For example, instead of typing “how to register a business in Malaysia” and clicking through multiple sites, users might see a summary that outlines the steps instantly—without needing to visit a page.
This is called Search Generative Experience (SGE), and it’s being tested in stages across different markets, including Asia.
Why Is This a Big Deal for Businesses?
According to Bain & Company, about 80% of search users rely on AI summaries at least 40% of the time—and that number is growing. On top of that, around 60% of all searches now end without the user clicking on a link.
This means:
- Even if your site ranks on page one, users may never visit it.
- Your visibility depends on whether AI includes your business in its summary.
- Traditional SEO tactics alone may no longer be enough.
And here’s something else to think about: Gartner predicts that by 2026, traditional search volume will drop by 25%, as users shift towards AI tools and chatbots for answers.
The Opportunity for Malaysian Local Businesses
This change isn’t all bad news. In fact, there are real opportunities for small and local businesses in Malaysia:
Level Playing Field
AI tools don’t always favour big brands. They favour helpful, trustworthy, and relevant content. If your business can clearly explain what it does and answer common customer questions, you have a chance to show up—even without a big marketing budget.
Local Intent = Local Visibility
AI relies on structured data, business profiles, and contextual info. That means if your Google Business Profile is well-optimised, your business has a better chance to show up in AI-powered local searches like:
- “best nasi lemak in Petaling Jaya”
- “wedding venues in penang, beach side, western style”
The Challenges You Need to Know
Lower Organic Traffic
If AI provides the answer directly, users may never reach your website. This could lead to fewer clicks, fewer conversions, and less traffic overall.
More Competition for Less Visibility
There’s limited space in the AI-generated summary. If you’re not clear, consistent, or active online, your competitors could take that spot—even if their services aren’t better.
Weak Branding Gets Ignored
AI tools are trained on patterns—and businesses with stronger, clearer online signals (content, reviews, branding, mentions) are more likely to be included in those AI responses.
What Should Malaysian SMEs Do to Stay Competitive?
Here’s how you can protect your online visibility—and maybe even grow it—in the AI search era:
1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
This is your business card in the AI world.
- Make sure your name, address, phone number (NAP) is consistent
- Choose the right business category
- Upload recent photos and videos
- List your services
- Post updates regularly (offers, events, etc.)
Learn more about setting up and optimising GBP in this post.
2. Encourage & Respond to Reviews
AI tools often pull review data when generating summaries.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews—especially with keywords like your service + location
- Respond to every review, and mention your service in the reply when possible
3. Create Helpful, Localised Content
Think beyond keywords. Focus on answering real customer questions.
- Use Malaysian examples, local slang, or local pain points
- Create FAQ sections for each service
- Blog about how your services apply to local industries or scenarios
4. Build Brand Presence Across Platforms
The more consistently your business is mentioned across the internet, the better.
- Be active on social media
- Join relevant local directories
- Make sure your brand name appears the same everywhere
5. Use Structured Data Markup
This is behind-the-scenes code that helps AI “read” your site.
- Add schema markup for services, locations, FAQs, and reviews
- A good web design agency (like Solbright Digital Services) will handle this as part of your site setup
Is SEO Still Worth It?
Absolutely—but the goals have shifted. It’s no longer just about ranking on page one. It’s about being useful enough to get mentioned in AI answers.
That means:
- Clear, well-structured content
- Strong local presence
- Consistent branding
- Technical SEO best practices
Final Thoughts: Adapt, Don’t Panic
Search is changing—but that doesn’t mean small businesses will lose out. In fact, the businesses that adapt early can stand out faster than ever.
Solbright Digital Services helps Malaysian SMEs build websites and SEO strategies that are ready for the future. From local SEO to content planning to full website design, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Ready to prepare your business for AI search? Let’s chat. Whether you’re building your first website or upgrading your SEO, Solbright Digital Services can guide you step by step.
