Home / AI Search Index / 2026-W43

Weekly edition 2026-W43 · collected 2026-10-22 · US, English · CC BY 4.0

Who AI recommends: 10 software categories, 231 answers

Every week we ask ChatGPT (with search), Perplexity, Gemini and Google AI Mode the same 6 buyer questions in each of 10 software categories and count which brands they name, which they name first, and which websites they cite. This is the first weekly edition.

231AI answers (240 asked)
10categories × 6 questions
5/10categories where all engines share a top pick
69%of citations go to third-party sites

Key findings

The sites AI engines cite

Bar chart: domains cited most often in AI answers about software, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/top-cited-sites.svg" alt="Sites AI engines cite most, AI Search Index 2026-W43">

Vendor sites still matter (a vendor's own pages were 31% of citations), but most of what the engines lean on is third-party: software blogs, review sites, publishers and forums. Getting onto those pages is the most direct lever a brand has.

How the engines differ

EngineAnswersAvg. wordsTracked brands namedDomains cited
ChatGPT605524.58.5
Perplexity602054.99.0
Gemini605034.73.0
Google AI Mode513664.55.2

Averages per answer. ChatGPT runs with web search; Perplexity is the Sonar API; Gemini and Google AI Mode are collected as served to a US, English user with no login.

Categories: CRM software · Project management software · Email marketing software · Accounting software · Help desk software · SEO tools · AI coding assistants · Payroll & HR software · Website builders · Ecommerce platforms

CRM software

HubSpot is named in 100% of 24 answers. All four engines put the same brand first most often: HubSpot.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each crm software brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/crm.svg" alt="CRM software AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
HubSpot100% (86.2-100)54.2%1.62100%100%100%100%
Zoho CRM100% (86.2-100)12.5%2.83100%100%100%100%
Pipedrive70.8% (50.8-85.1)4.2%2.5967%67%67%83%
Salesforce62.5% (42.7-78.8)25%2.7367%67%67%50%
Freshsales25% (12-44.9)0%3.8317%50%17%17%
monday CRM20.8% (9.2-40.5)4.2%3.20%0%50%33%
Microsoft Dynamics 36516.7% (6.7-35.9)0%5.017%17%17%17%
Less Annoying CRM12.5% (4.3-31)0%4.017%17%17%0%
Attio8.3% (2.3-25.8)0%4.517%0%0%17%
Copper8.3% (2.3-25.8)0%5.00%0%17%17%
Close4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%3.00%17%0%0%
Insightly0% (0-13.8)0%-0%0%0%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)HubSpot (3/6)HubSpot (4/6)HubSpot (3/6)HubSpot (3/6)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best CRM software for a small business?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Freshsales 2→1, Less Annoying CRM 1→2. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): ActiveCampaign (4), Salesflare (2). Most-cited domains: zoho.com (10), hubspot.com (9), pipedrive.com (9), salesforce.com (8), pcmag.com (6), zapier.com (6).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best CRM software for a small business?
  2. Which CRM should a 10-person B2B sales team use?
  3. What is the easiest CRM to set up for a startup?
  4. What is the most affordable CRM with good automation?
  5. Which CRM is best for a growing company that needs marketing and sales in one place?
  6. What are the top 5 CRM tools in 2026?

Project management software

Asana is named in 95.7% of 23 answers. The engines disagree on the top pick: Asana, ClickUp, Trello.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each project management software brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/project-management.svg" alt="Project management software AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Asana95.7% (79-99.2)30.4%2.36100%100%83%100%
ClickUp82.6% (62.9-93)26.1%2.42100%83%67%80%
monday.com82.6% (62.9-93)8.7%3.083%83%83%80%
Trello69.6% (49.1-84.4)26.1%2.0667%50%83%80%
Jira43.5% (25.6-63.2)0%4.450%50%33%40%
Wrike39.1% (22.2-59.2)0%4.4417%50%67%20%
Basecamp21.7% (9.7-41.9)0%3.40%33%17%40%
Teamwork.com17.4% (7-37.1)8.7%2.2517%33%17%0%
Smartsheet17.4% (7-37.1)0%4.2517%0%33%20%
Notion17.4% (7-37.1)0%4.7550%0%0%20%
Linear8.7% (2.4-26.8)0%6.00%33%0%0%
Airtable4.3% (0.8-21)0%4.00%0%17%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)ClickUp (3/6)Asana (2/6)Asana (2/6)Trello (2/5)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best project management software for a small team?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: monday.com 3→4, Wrike 0→1, Basecamp 1→2, Teamwork.com 0→1. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): Zoho Projects (2), Productive (2). Most-cited domains: asana.com (11), clickup.com (11), zapier.com (8), ones.com (7), monday.com (7), trello.com (6).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best project management software for a small team?
  2. Which project management tool is best for remote teams?
  3. What is the best project management software for agencies managing client work?
  4. What is the easiest project management app for non-technical teams?
  5. What is the best free project management tool?
  6. What are the top 5 project management tools in 2026?

Email marketing software

MailerLite is named in 71.4% of 21 answers. The engines disagree on the top pick: Klaviyo, Mailchimp, MailerLite.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each email marketing software brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/email-marketing.svg" alt="Email marketing software AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
MailerLite71.4% (50-86.2)19%3.1350%67%83%100%
Klaviyo66.7% (45.4-82.8)14.3%2.6467%67%67%67%
Brevo66.7% (45.4-82.8)14.3%3.0767%67%50%100%
Mailchimp47.6% (28.3-67.6)9.5%2.850%50%67%0%
ActiveCampaign42.9% (24.5-63.5)19%2.8933%67%33%33%
Kit42.9% (24.5-63.5)9.5%4.6750%33%50%33%
HubSpot38.1% (20.8-59.1)9.5%3.7517%67%33%33%
Omnisend33.3% (17.2-54.6)0%3.4317%33%50%33%
Constant Contact28.6% (13.8-50)0%3.3317%17%50%33%
beehiiv14.3% (5-34.6)0%2.017%17%17%0%
GetResponse9.5% (2.7-28.9)4.8%4.017%17%0%0%
Substack9.5% (2.7-28.9)0%5.017%0%17%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)Klaviyo (1/6)Mailchimp (1/6)MailerLite (1/6)MailerLite (2/3)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best email marketing platform for a small business?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Mailchimp 2→3, ActiveCampaign 2→1, HubSpot 1→2, Omnisend 3→2. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): Drip (3), Sender (2), EmailOctopus (2), Zoho Campaigns (2). Most-cited domains: brevo.com (8), zapier.com (7), klaviyo.com (7), hostinger.com (5), sequenzy.com (5), getresponse.com (5).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best email marketing platform for a small business?
  2. What is the best email marketing tool for an ecommerce store?
  3. What is the best email marketing software for creators and newsletters?
  4. What is the cheapest email marketing service that is still reliable?
  5. Which email marketing platform has the best automation?
  6. What are the top 5 email marketing tools in 2026?

Accounting software

QuickBooks is named in 100% of 24 answers. All four engines put the same brand first most often: QuickBooks.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each accounting software brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/accounting.svg" alt="Accounting software AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
QuickBooks100% (86.2-100)62.5%1.92100%100%100%100%
Xero91.7% (74.2-97.7)8.3%2.64100%67%100%100%
FreshBooks91.7% (74.2-97.7)20.8%2.9183%100%100%83%
Wave87.5% (69-95.7)8.3%3.6283%100%100%67%
Zoho Books83.3% (64.1-93.3)0%3.7583%83%83%83%
Sage20.8% (9.2-40.5)0%5.633%33%0%17%
NetSuite16.7% (6.7-35.9)0%5.7517%33%0%17%
Puzzle12.5% (4.3-31)0%3.3317%17%17%0%
Pilot8.3% (2.3-25.8)0%4.00%0%33%0%
Bench4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%5.00%0%17%0%
Kashoo0% (0-13.8)0%-0%0%0%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)QuickBooks (3/6)QuickBooks (4/6)QuickBooks (4/6)QuickBooks (4/6)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best accounting software for a small business?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Zoho Books 3→4, Sage 1→0. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): none with 2+ answers. Most-cited domains: xero.com (10), nerdwallet.com (8), quickbooks.intuit.com (8), waveapps.com (7), pcmag.com (6), freshbooks.com (6).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best accounting software for a small business?
  2. What is the best accounting software for freelancers?
  3. What is the best alternative accounting software for a small business that wants to switch?
  4. What is the easiest bookkeeping software for a non-accountant?
  5. Which accounting software is best for a growing startup?
  6. What are the top 5 accounting software tools in 2026?

Help desk software

Freshdesk is named in 81.8% of 22 answers. The engines disagree on the top pick: Intercom, Zendesk.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each help desk software brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/help-desk.svg" alt="Help desk software AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Freshdesk81.8% (61.5-92.7)4.5%2.5683%83%67%100%
Intercom68.2% (47.3-83.6)31.8%2.067%67%67%75%
Zendesk68.2% (47.3-83.6)31.8%2.1367%67%67%75%
Help Scout63.6% (43-80.3)4.5%3.2983%67%50%50%
Zoho Desk54.5% (34.7-73.1)13.6%2.9233%83%50%50%
Gorgias31.8% (16.4-52.7)13.6%3.033%33%33%25%
Jira Service Management31.8% (16.4-52.7)0%4.050%33%17%25%
HubSpot Service Hub31.8% (16.4-52.7)0%4.5733%17%33%50%
Kustomer4.5% (0.8-21.8)0%3.00%0%17%0%
Front0% (0-14.9)0%-0%0%0%0%
Gladly0% (0-14.9)0%-0%0%0%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)Zendesk (2/6)Intercom (2/6)Intercom (2/6)Zendesk (2/4)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best help desk software for customer support?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Freshdesk 4→3, Intercom 4→3, Help Scout 3→4, Zoho Desk 2→3, HubSpot Service Hub 2→3. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): Salesforce Service Cloud (3), ServiceNow (3), Tidio (2), eDesk (2), Fin AI Agent (2), osTicket (2). Most-cited domains: intercom.com (14), freshworks.com (8), helpscout.com (7), helpdesk.com (6), alloysoftware.com (6), zendesk.com (5).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best help desk software for customer support?
  2. What is the best customer support software for a small ecommerce business?
  3. Which help desk tool has the best AI agent for answering tickets?
  4. What is the best help desk software for a SaaS startup?
  5. What is the most affordable help desk software?
  6. What are the top 5 help desk tools in 2026?

SEO tools

Semrush is named in 95.5% of 22 answers. All four engines put the same brand first most often: Semrush.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each seo tools brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/seo-tools.svg" alt="SEO tools AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Semrush95.5% (78.2-99.2)59.1%1.67100%83%100%100%
Ahrefs81.8% (61.5-92.7)9.1%2.44100%67%83%75%
SE Ranking72.7% (51.8-86.8)9.1%3.1950%83%67%100%
Google Search Console63.6% (43-80.3)13.6%3.4367%67%67%50%
Mangools40.9% (23.3-61.3)0%3.7850%33%50%25%
Screaming Frog31.8% (16.4-52.7)0%4.033%50%17%25%
Profound18.2% (7.3-38.5)4.5%2.517%17%17%25%
Otterly13.6% (4.7-33.3)0%2.017%17%17%0%
Ubersuggest13.6% (4.7-33.3)4.5%2.3317%33%0%0%
Surfer13.6% (4.7-33.3)0%4.00%0%33%25%
AccuRanker13.6% (4.7-33.3)0%4.6717%17%17%0%
Moz9.1% (2.5-27.8)0%6.017%17%0%0%
Similarweb0% (0-14.9)0%-0%0%0%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)Semrush (3/6)Semrush (3/6)Semrush (4/6)Semrush (3/4)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What are the best SEO tools for keyword research and rank tracking?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Mangools 1→3. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): Google Keyword Planner (4), Keywords Everywhere (4), AgencyAnalytics (2), Searchable (2), Geoptie (2). Most-cited domains: zapier.com (8), semrush.com (5), ahrefs.com (5), seo.com (4), search.google.com (4), mangools.com (4).

The 6 questions
  1. What are the best SEO tools for keyword research and rank tracking?
  2. What is the best SEO tool for a small business on a budget?
  3. What is the best SEO software for an agency managing many clients?
  4. What is the best tool to track rankings in AI search like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews?
  5. What is the best alternative SEO tool for keyword data that costs less?
  6. What are the top 5 SEO tools in 2026?

AI coding assistants

GitHub Copilot is named in 95.7% of 23 answers. The engines disagree on the top pick: Cursor, GitHub Copilot.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each ai coding assistants brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/ai-coding-assistant.svg" alt="AI coding assistants AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
GitHub Copilot95.7% (79-99.2)17.4%2.68100%100%83%100%
Cursor91.3% (73.2-97.6)47.8%2.0100%83%100%80%
Claude Code87% (67.9-95.5)13%2.5583%83%83%100%
Windsurf47.8% (29.2-67)4.3%3.1833%50%67%40%
Devin30.4% (15.6-50.9)13%2.8617%33%50%20%
OpenAI Codex30.4% (15.6-50.9)4.3%3.2950%50%0%20%
Aider21.7% (9.7-41.9)0%4.60%33%33%20%
Cline17.4% (7-37.1)0%5.017%33%17%0%
Tabnine13% (4.5-32.1)0%4.670%17%17%20%
Replit13% (4.5-32.1)0%5.3317%0%17%20%
Sourcegraph Cody8.7% (2.4-26.8)0%2.50%17%0%20%
Gemini Code Assist8.7% (2.4-26.8)0%3.033%0%0%0%
Zed8.7% (2.4-26.8)0%5.00%17%0%20%
Amazon Q Developer4.3% (0.8-21)0%5.00%17%0%0%
JetBrains AI0% (-0-14.3)0%-0%0%0%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)Cursor (3/6)GitHub Copilot (2/6)Cursor (4/6)Cursor (2/5)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best AI coding assistant for developers?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Aider 0→1, Cline 1→2. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): none with 2+ answers. Most-cited domains: zapier.com (11), daily.dev (8), github.com (8), cursor.com (7), resources.rework.com (6), sourcegraph.com (4).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best AI coding assistant for developers?
  2. Which AI coding tool is best for large codebases?
  3. What is the best AI code editor in 2026?
  4. What is the best AI coding agent for autonomous pull requests?
  5. What is the best free AI coding assistant?
  6. What are the top 5 AI coding tools in 2026?

Payroll & HR software

Gusto is named in 91.7% of 24 answers. All four engines put the same brand first most often: Gusto.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each payroll & hr software brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/payroll.svg" alt="Payroll & HR software AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Gusto91.7% (74.2-97.7)45.8%1.68100%83%83%100%
Rippling75% (55.1-88)33.3%2.2267%67%83%83%
Deel58.3% (38.8-75.5)12.5%3.2950%67%67%50%
ADP50% (31.4-68.6)0%3.5850%50%50%50%
OnPay45.8% (27.9-64.9)4.2%2.9150%50%50%33%
QuickBooks Payroll33.3% (18-53.3)0%2.8833%33%33%33%
BambooHR29.2% (14.9-49.2)0%4.1433%17%33%33%
Remote25% (12-44.9)4.2%3.1717%33%33%17%
Oyster16.7% (6.7-35.9)0%3.517%17%17%17%
Justworks8.3% (2.3-25.8)0%4.00%17%0%17%
Paychex4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%5.00%17%0%0%
Paylocity4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%5.00%17%0%0%
Paycom0% (0-13.8)0%-0%0%0%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)Gusto (3/6)Gusto (2/6)Gusto (3/6)Gusto (3/6)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best payroll and HR software for a small business?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Deel 0→1, ADP 4→3, QuickBooks Payroll 2→4, BambooHR 1→0. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): Patriot (3), Wise Business (2). Most-cited domains: gusto.com (10), onpay.com (6), rippling.com (6), deel.com (6), adp.com (5), fitsmallbusiness.com (5).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best payroll and HR software for a small business?
  2. What is the best payroll software for a company with remote employees in several states?
  3. What is the best HR platform for a startup that is hiring fast?
  4. What is the best payroll service for hiring international contractors?
  5. What is the easiest payroll software for a business with under 20 employees?
  6. What are the top 5 payroll and HR tools in 2026?

Website builders

Wix is named in 100% of 24 answers. The engines disagree on the top pick: Squarespace, Wix.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each website builders brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/website-builder.svg" alt="Website builders AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Wix100% (86.2-100)54.2%1.75100%100%100%100%
Squarespace95.8% (79.8-99.3)16.7%2.61100%83%100%100%
Shopify75% (55.1-88)0%3.9483%83%67%67%
Webflow66.7% (46.7-82)12.5%3.067%83%50%67%
Hostinger54.2% (35.1-72.1)0%3.7733%67%67%50%
WordPress50% (31.4-68.6)12.5%4.050%67%50%33%
Framer29.2% (14.9-49.2)4.2%3.1433%33%33%17%
Duda12.5% (4.3-31)0%4.00%17%17%17%
Carrd8.3% (2.3-25.8)0%5.017%17%0%0%
GoDaddy4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%5.00%0%0%17%
Weebly0% (0-13.8)0%-0%0%0%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)Wix (3/6)Wix (5/6)Squarespace (3/6)Wix (4/6)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best website builder for a small business?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: Webflow 0→1, Hostinger 3→4, WordPress 4→3. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): Wix Studio (4), Adobe Portfolio (2), Yoast SEO (2). Most-cited domains: wix.com (14), squarespace.com (9), techradar.com (8), hostinger.com (7), websitebuilderexpert.com (6), shopify.com (6).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best website builder for a small business?
  2. What is the best website builder for a portfolio?
  3. What is the best website builder with good SEO?
  4. What is the easiest website builder for a beginner?
  5. What is the best website builder for a designer or agency?
  6. What are the top 5 website builders in 2026?

Ecommerce platforms

Shopify is named in 91.7% of 24 answers. All four engines put the same brand first most often: Shopify.

Bar chart: share of AI answers naming each ecommerce platforms brand, 2026-W43

Embed: <img src="https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/ecommerce-platform.svg" alt="Ecommerce platforms AI Search Index 2026-W43"> · credit "Wrenfield Data AI Search Index" with a link.

BrandNamed in (95% CI)Named firstAvg. positionChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Shopify91.7% (74.2-97.7)58.3%1.64100%100%83%83%
BigCommerce66.7% (46.7-82)8.3%2.7567%67%67%67%
WooCommerce62.5% (42.7-78.8)0%2.6750%67%67%67%
Etsy33.3% (18-53.3)12.5%2.7533%17%33%50%
Wix33.3% (18-53.3)0%3.3833%33%33%33%
Payhip25% (12-44.9)8.3%1.6733%17%17%33%
Gumroad25% (12-44.9)8.3%3.017%50%17%17%
Adobe Commerce25% (12-44.9)0%3.533%50%0%17%
Square Online16.7% (6.7-35.9)4.2%2.750%33%17%17%
Squarespace8.3% (2.3-25.8)0%4.50%0%17%17%
Amazon4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%4.017%0%0%0%
Ecwid4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%4.00%0%0%17%
Salesforce Commerce Cloud4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%4.00%0%17%0%
Lemon Squeezy4.2% (0.7-20.2)0%4.00%0%17%0%
Most often named firstChatGPTPerplexityGeminiGoogle AI Mode
Brand (answers)Shopify (4/6)Shopify (3/6)Shopify (3/6)Shopify (4/6)

Same question as Oct 19 ("What is the best ecommerce platform to start an online store?"), engines naming each brand, Oct 19 → Oct 22: BigCommerce 3→4, Etsy 0→1, Payhip 1→0, Gumroad 0→1. With 4 answers per day, single moves are noise until they repeat.

Other brands named (not tracked): Wix eCommerce (3), Facebook Marketplace (3), OroCommerce (3), Big Cartel (2), eBay (2), Teachable (2). Most-cited domains: shopify.com (14), bigcommerce.com (9), woocommerce.com (6), wix.com (6), etsy.com (5), ecomm.design (5).

The 6 questions
  1. What is the best ecommerce platform to start an online store?
  2. What is the best ecommerce platform for a growing brand doing $1M a year?
  3. What is the cheapest way to start selling products online?
  4. What is the best ecommerce platform for selling digital products?
  5. What is the best B2B ecommerce platform?
  6. What are the top 5 ecommerce platforms in 2026?

Method

Download and cite

Brand table (CSV) All 231 answers (CSV) JSON

The answers file has one row per answer: category, question, engine, model, first brand, tracked brands in order, other brands, cited domains, word count and a short excerpt. Licensed CC BY 4.0.

Cite as: Wrenfield Data (2026). AI Search Index, weekly edition 2026-W43. https://wrenfielddata.com/ai-search-index/2026-w43/. CC BY 4.0.

Run this for your own brand, or for every client

The AI Search Visibility Tracker runs the same measurement for any brand and question set. Agencies: weekly white-label packets per client.

See a sample client packet