October 2025 Edition

Pat's October industry review revealed widespread stability after months of volatility, with automotive showing modest gains (Toyota +1%, Stellantis +7%), B2B e-commerce trending upward 14-15% overall (Uline +35%, Granger +24%), and higher education displaying mixed results (Sacred Heart +12% vs Ohio State flat). AI Overviews plateaued across all sectors for the first time, maintaining steady state for 90 days following the June update surge.

The post-August spam update period marked the calmest 45-50 days the industry has experienced recently, with Pat noting the end of sustained algorithm volatility. Industry discourse shifted from "SEO is dead" conversations toward productive AI adaptation discussions at major conferences.

Pat addressed the frequently asked question about Monthly Search Volume for AI prompts, explaining that traditional 3-4 word Google queries differ fundamentally from 23-word ChatGPT prompts. The hyper-personalized nature of AI prompts makes individual MSV calculations nearly impossible, with most prompts likely having an MSV of 1 due to unique user circumstances and intent complexity.

ChatGPT launched instant checkout capabilities in partnership with Etsy/Shopify sellers, representing the first major implementation of the Agentic Commerce Protocol. This marks a significant step toward AI-mediated transactions, with merchants retaining full control over orders and fulfillment while transactions occur within the ChatGPT interface.

This month, Pat covers:

• 10-Year Anniversary Milestone - The Origin Story of 30|30
• October Industry Review - Automotive, B2B E-commerce & Higher Education Analysis
• MSV of AI Prompts - Why Traditional Keyword Volume Doesn't Apply
• ChatGPT Commerce Integration - The Future of Agentic Shopping
• Algorithm Stabilization - Return to Normal After Months of Chaos