AI Is Now Influencing Buying Decisions More Than Ever, New Research Reveals

Artificial intelligence is no longer simply helping consumers and businesses research products and services, it's increasingly shaping the decisions they make.

New research from AI visibility consultancy LLM Listed suggests AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Claude, Microsoft Copilot and Gemini are becoming trusted advisers throughout the buying journey, with an overwhelming 85% of buyers saying they have changed their mind because of an AI recommendation.

The findings come from the company's AI Buyer Journey Report 2026, based on responses from 770 buyers across the United States and the United Kingdom.

Perhaps even more striking is the level of trust respondents now place in AI-generated information. The study found that 97% trust information provided by AI platforms, while 94% said they would stop considering a company altogether if AI presented negative information about it.

For businesses, that represents a significant shift in how customers discover, evaluate and ultimately choose suppliers.

Business buyers appear to be embracing AI particularly quickly. According to the report, 91% of B2B buyers now use AI during the purchasing process, while 90% research potential vendors using AI before ever making direct contact.

Consumer behaviour is also changing rapidly. Around 84% of consumers now use AI somewhere during their buying journey, with 59% turning to AI as their very first stop when looking for product recommendations.

The research also suggests businesses may be underestimating AI's influence because many buyers never click directly through from AI platforms to company websites. Instead, they often search Google for a company name, type the website address directly into their browser or even ask AI tools for telephone numbers and contact details before making contact.

Among consumer users, Google AI Overviews (39%) and ChatGPT (35%) emerged as the two most popular AI platforms for product research. Business buyers showed more varied preferences, using Google AI Overviews (27%), ChatGPT (23%), Claude (15%) and Microsoft Copilot (11%) in significant numbers.

Ben Harper, Founder of LLM Listed, believes the findings demonstrate a major change in customer behaviour.

He said told That's Business: "The findings suggest that AI is no longer simply a research tool. It is increasingly becoming a decision-making tool."

He added that organisations can no longer afford to ignore how they appear across AI platforms, particularly when buyers are placing so much trust in the information they receive.

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday purchasing decisions, businesses may need to pay as much attention to how they are represented by AI systems as they do to their websites, search engine rankings and online reviews. In an increasingly AI-driven marketplace, visibility across these platforms could become just as important as visibility on traditional search engines.

https://llmlisted.com/

The Best Free Antivirus Programmes of 2025

Stay safe without spending a penny

Cyber-threats are always evolving: malware, phishing, ransomware, zero-day threats … the lot. But not everyone wants—or needs—to pay for premium antivirus. 

Fortunately, several free options offer surprisingly strong protection. Here are the top free antiviruses in 2025, what they do well, and what their limitations are.

What to Look for in a Free Antivirus

Before we get started, here are the essentials you want your antivirus to deliver:

Strong detection rates against known and new threats

Real-time protection, not just manual scans

Minimal impact on system performance

Frequent updates for definitions and the engine

Useful extras like phishing protection or browser safety tools

Trustworthy privacy practices with minimal upselling

Top Free Antivirus Programmes

Bitdefender Free Antivirus

Bitdefender continues to rank highly for malware detection and overall reliability. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and keeps itself updated automatically. However, it doesn’t include many extras—advanced tools like a firewall or parental controls are reserved for the paid version.

Avast Free / Avast One Basic

Avast’s free edition is packed with features, including phishing protection and network scanning. It runs on multiple operating systems, making it a good choice for households with a mix of devices. The trade-off is regular upgrade prompts and a reputation for being a little heavy on system resources.

Avira Free Security

Avira is known for excellent all-round protection with minimal impact on performance. It even throws in a free VPN (with limited data) and a password manager. The catch is that the VPN allowance is tiny, and you’ll see frequent reminders to upgrade.

AVG AntiVirus Free

AVG, which shares the same parent company and detection engine as Avast, delivers a clean interface, solid protection, and helpful features like email and link scanning. Like Avast, it comes with its share of upgrade prompts and keeps some functions fairly basic.

Microsoft Defender

Built into Windows, Defender offers a surprisingly good level of protection for a free programme. It requires no extra installation, integrates neatly with Windows, and has improved significantly in independent lab tests. Its main weakness is the lack of extra features such as VPNs, password managers, or advanced firewall controls.

Kaspersky Security Cloud – Free

Kaspersky’s free edition uses the same strong detection engine as its premium products. It’s efficient, easy to use, and doesn’t slow your system down. The free version does come with restrictions—VPN and password manager tools are capped—and some users remain cautious about data privacy.

Which One Should You Use?

If you want minimal fuss and strong detection, Bitdefender Free or Microsoft Defender are excellent choices.

If you’re after extra tools like a VPN or password manager, Avira or Avast are worth a look.

If you have an older PC, Bitdefender and Defender are the most lightweight.

If you want cross-platform protection across Windows, Mac, and mobile, Avast and Avira are more versatile.

Trade-Offs of Free Antivirus

Free antivirus software almost always comes with some limitations:

Regular prompts to upgrade

Restricted features, such as VPNs with data caps or firewalls locked behind paywalls

Limited customer support (forums instead of direct help)

Potential performance slowdowns on lower-spec machines

Privacy trade-offs, as some providers collect more data in free versions

Final Verdict

Free antivirus software is now good enough for most everyday users. For strong, simple protection, Bitdefender Free Antivirus is hard to beat. For those who want bonus extras like a VPN or password manager, Avira Free Security is a solid option.

Paid antivirus suites are still worth considering if you need advanced features, multiple device coverage, or identity protection. But for home users who simply want to browse, shop, and bank online safely, today’s free antivirus programmes can do the job very well.

How Flexibility in the Workplace Can Improve Productivity

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: flexibility is not a perk, it’s a necessity. 

For business owners and managers, adopting flexible working practices isn't just about keeping up with the times — it’s a proven strategy to boost productivity, increase employee satisfaction, and retain top talent.

Why Flexibility Matters

Flexible working allows employees to tailor their schedules, locations, and workloads in a way that suits both their personal lives and the demands of their role. When implemented effectively, it creates a culture of trust and autonomy — two key drivers of motivation and performance.

But what does workplace flexibility actually look like in practice? And how can it be harnessed to enhance productivity?

1. Offer Remote or Hybrid Work Options

One of the most significant shifts in recent years is the rise of remote and hybrid working. Many employees find they are more focused and efficient when working from home, free from daily commutes and office distractions.

What you can do:

Allow employees to work remotely part or full time.

Provide the tools and support they need to stay connected and productive, wherever they are.

2. Embrace Flexible Working Hours

Not everyone thrives during traditional office hours. Some people are early risers, while others hit their stride later in the day. By allowing staff to adjust their hours, you can tap into their natural productivity rhythms.

What you can do:

Offer flexible start and finish times.

Trial compressed workweeks or staggered shifts.

3. Prioritise Outcomes Over Hours

Focusing on how much time employees spend at their desks misses the bigger picture. Productivity is about results, not presenteeism.

What you can do:

Set clear goals and performance indicators.

Allow staff the autonomy to meet their targets in a way that works best for them.

4. Support Employees with Caring Responsibilities

Balancing work and personal life can be especially challenging for those with children, elderly relatives, or other dependants. Providing flexibility shows compassion and builds loyalty.

What you can do:

Introduce family-friendly policies, such as flexible hours or unpaid leave.

Encourage open conversations around individual needs.

5. Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing

Burnout and stress are productivity killers. Encouraging regular breaks, respecting boundaries, and offering mental health support can lead to a more energised and engaged workforce.

What you can do:

Offer wellbeing days and access to mental health resources.

Foster a culture where taking time to recharge is not only accepted but encouraged.

6. Use Technology to Enable Flexibility

Digital tools can streamline collaboration and project management, making it easy for teams to stay productive from anywhere.

What you can do:

Invest in tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Trello, or Asana.

Ensure remote workers have access to secure systems and training.

7. Build a Culture of Trust and Autonomy

Employees who feel trusted are more likely to take initiative and go the extra mile. Micromanagement, on the other hand, can stifle creativity and morale.

What you can do:

Give employees ownership of their work.

Focus on coaching and support rather than control.

Final Thoughts

Flexible working isn’t about doing less — it’s about working smarter. By creating a more adaptable and responsive workplace, business owners and managers can unlock new levels of productivity while supporting the wellbeing and growth of their teams.

Flexibility is the future of work. Is your business ready to embrace it?

The Battle of Titans: Microsoft Teams, Google Groups, and Zoom for Business Communications and Marketing

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, effective communication and marketing tools are absolutely vital for businesses to thrive. 

Three major players in this arena are Microsoft Teams, Google Groups, and Zoom. Each of these platforms offers distinct advantages and drawbacks, making it crucial for organisations to choose the right tool based on their specific needs. In this blog post, we'll delve into the pros and cons of each platform to help you make an informed decision.

Microsoft Teams:

Pros:

Seamless Integration with Microsoft 365: Microsoft Teams seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it a powerful platform for document collaboration and sharing. This integration streamlines workflow and enhances productivity.

Advanced Security Features: Microsoft Teams offers enterprise-level security and compliance capabilities, making it a suitable choice for organizations that prioritize data protection.

Unified Communication: Teams combines messaging, video conferencing, file sharing, and project management tools into one platform. This all-in-one approach simplifies communication and reduces the need to jump between various apps.

Integration with Third-Party Apps: Microsoft Teams supports integration with a wide range of third-party apps and services, enabling businesses to customize their communication and marketing stack.

Cons:

Learning Curve: The platform's extensive features can be overwhelming for new users, leading to a steeper learning curve.

Subscription Costs: While Microsoft Teams offers a free version, many advanced features are available only through paid subscriptions. This can be a significant expense for small businesses.

Google Groups:

Pros:

Cost-Effective: Google Groups is available for free and is included with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite). This makes it a cost-effective solution for small businesses and start-ups.

Collaboration Tools: It seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace apps like Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar, providing a cohesive collaboration environment.

Easy Sharing and Collaboration: Google Groups allows for efficient document sharing, discussion threads, and collaboration on projects, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized teams.

Customisation: Users can customise their group's settings and permissions to suit their needs.

Cons:

Limited Features: While Google Groups is great for basic collaboration, it lacks advanced communication and marketing features found in other platforms, like video conferencing and extensive project management tools.

Security Concerns: Some businesses may have security concerns regarding Google's data policies and privacy practices.

Zoom:

Pros:

High-Quality Video Conferencing: Zoom is renowned for its high-quality video and audio conferencing, making it an excellent choice for webinars, virtual meetings, and marketing events.

User-Friendly: Zoom is user-friendly and easy to set up. It doesn't require a steep learning curve, making it accessible to users of all tech levels.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: It is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, making it accessible to a broad audience.

Recording and Analytics: Zoom offers features like meeting recording and detailed analytics, which are valuable for post-event analysis and marketing purposes.

Cons:

Security Concerns: Zoom has faced security and privacy issues in the past, although the company has made efforts to address these concerns.

Pricing Tiers: The free version of Zoom has limitations, and the advanced features come with subscription costs, which can be steep for larger organizations.

In conclusion, the choice between Microsoft Teams, Google Groups, and Zoom for business communications and marketing largely depends on your specific requirements. Microsoft Teams excels in security and integration, Google Groups is a cost-effective option for basic collaboration, and Zoom is ideal for high-quality video conferencing. 

It's essential to assess your organisation's needs and budget to make an informed decision. Furthermore, many businesses opt for a hybrid approach, using a combination of these tools to leverage their unique strengths while mitigating their weaknesses.

(Image courtesy of Jagrit Parajuli from Pixabay)