Beyond Google: Navigating the Multi-Channel Search Revolution

In this episode of the Affiliate Marketing Podcast, Lee-Ann Johnstone sits down with search industry veteran Colin Jeavons to unpack one of the most significant shifts in digital commerce since Google's CPC revolution. With 25% of global search queries now bypassing Google in favour of AI-powered answer engines, affiliate managers and publishers face a crossroads: adapt to emerging channels or risk becoming obsolete. Colin, whose career spans from the Yellow Pages era through to building semantic search technology for defence and intelligence, brings rare historical perspective on what's actually changing—and what isn't. This episode is essential listening for affiliate managers questioning their channel strategy, publishers wondering if SEO is dead, and any e-commerce brand trying to understand where consumer discovery is headed.Talking points include:From Yellow Pages to Answer Engines: How search has evolved from browser distribution monopolies to AI-driven discovery, and why Google's 2002 business model is facing its BlackBerry moment.The 75/25 Rule: Why traditional search still commands three-quarters of queries despite rapid AI adoption, and how to balance legacy channels with emerging opportunities.Beyond Traditional Affiliates: How CPA models are expanding into apps, creators, influencers, and AI search—creating entirely new verticals for performance marketing.Listen to find out more about: How browser distribution, not search quality, created Google's monopoly—and why that same moat is now crumbling.The specific verticals where CPA commerce is experiencing explosive growth: apps, creators, influencers, and AI search.The "fail fast" philosophy that's kept Colin relevant through 25 years of continuous technological disruption.Key segments of this podcast and where you can tune in to go direct: [11:45] The case for not abandoning traditional search.[13:57] The 10-month revolution: how AI answer engines captured 25% of search volume at unprecedented speed.[29:13] Colin's advice for publishers and affiliate managers: always ask for help and don't fear failure.Would you like to talk about sponsoring our podcast, or gaining a brand mention? Take a look here.Never miss out on FREE insights and training! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter.Send me a text with your questions