Agentic Engine Optimization: Why Your Content Strategy Needs Both Human and AI Readers in 2026
Google’s AI director reveals token limits and front-loading strategies. Learn how to optimize content for both human engagement and AI agent parsing…
Understanding customers needs and testing prototypes or wireframes are the primary reasons for customer research, according to a survey of over 2000 professionals by UserTesting.com
Interestingly, over half (53%) conduct user testing, or use user testing results to inform senior management or stakeholders. It's great to see research is being used to show management and stakeholders evidence for a particular cause and to influence change, based on customer needs.
The study also found that UX research is influencing better quality products and services, as well as that the voice of the customer is considered hugely important.
User research is also having a positive effect on marketing campaigns too. It's great to see marketing teams are bought into UX and are seeing the benefits of it.

By Robert Jones
Robert Jones is a specialist in CRO, UX Research, insight and digital Marketing. He is CRO Analyst at Enjoy Digital. He has a Psychology Masters of Research, has run large digital marketing campaigns to build research panels and worked in insight roles for Vision Critical, ASDA and WhatUsersDo. He also managed all of Smart Insights member resources and published several guides including "How to conduct Persona Research" as well as contributing over 100 blog posts to the Smart Insights blog. When he isn’t working on marketing campaigns he is most likely eating authentic Italian food or planning his next short trip. You can connect with Robert on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter.
Strengthen your strategy with RACE-powered templates, frameworks and planning tools designed to help you review performance, identify improvements and build a more effective marketing approach.
Strengthen your strategy with RACE-powered templates, frameworks and planning tools designed to help you review performance, identify improvements and build a more effective marketing approach.
Start your Digital Marketing Plan today with our Free resources.
Recommended Blog Posts
Google’s AI director reveals token limits and front-loading strategies. Learn how to optimize content for both human engagement and AI agent parsing…
OpenAI’s 600 early advertisers hit $100M revenue in 6 weeks, but CTRs trail Google Search. Why conversational ads need different success metrics…
Reddit gained 14.5% visibility while traditional SEO content lost ground. Here’s what Google’s latest algorithm shift means for your content strategy…