Clear Ads Launches AI Search Optimization

Clear Ads, an advertising agency, launched a new AI search optimization service on February 22, 2026, to help e-commerce brands gain visibility in AI-generated purchase recommendations. This service addresses a growing 'visibility gap' as consumer search behavior shifts from traditional search engines to AI tools, with studies showing a significant percentage of consumers starting product searches with AI. The timing coincides with Google's announcement on January 11, 2026, of the Universal Commerce Protocol, an open standard co-developed with Shopify, Walmart, Target Corporation, and Etsy, and endorsed by payment partners like Visa Inc., Mastercard, Stripe, and PayPal. This protocol enables AI agents to compare products, check inventory, and complete purchases directly within AI interfaces, leading to increased 'zero-click' behavior. George Meressa, Founder of Clear Ads, noted that brands are currently optimizing for a search page that fewer customers visit, highlighting the need for this new service.