With the recent Google updates, many website owners are saying they’ve lost a big chunk of their traffic. It makes me wonder—if some sites are losing traffic, isn’t that traffic going somewhere else? I keep seeing posts about traffic dropping, but not much about anyone gaining. Is anyone here actually seeing a boost after these updates? Or is traffic not just a zero-sum game like that?
Could it be that the traffic is heading to this forum? 
Whenever I search, there’s always a result from here at the top.
ContentCrafter said:
Could it be that the traffic is heading to this forum?
For sure. I’ve got a feeling Google might be using this forum to improve its AI, and in return, it prioritises forum posts in search results.
ContentCrafter said:
Could it be that the traffic is heading to this forum?
Every single time.
Yeah, it’s going to bigger brands, forums, this site, and even low-effort AI content. Small website owners are really struggling.
Joan said:
Yeah, it’s going to bigger brands, forums, this site, and even low-effort AI content. Small website owners are really struggling.
What makes you think low-quality AI sites are part of this?
@Maya
Probably because they’re flooding search results and taking away views from legitimate sites.
@Maya
Google search feels broken. A lot of AI-generated sites rank high for a while, then disappear, only to be replaced by more of the same. Google seems unsure how to filter out low-effort content from high-quality work.
Traffic losses are often because Google keeps pushing organic results lower. Page one of search results is usually packed with videos, forum discussions, and those ‘people also ask’ boxes. Sometimes you’ll only see one or two organic links. Even my best keywords have dropped to page two, but for organic, they’re still ranked high.
> shouldn’t that traffic have gone somewhere else?
Yes, and it’s going where Google directs users.
Most of the traffic went to Google itself or to big sites already dominating the market. In my niche, the top result is usually Google’s own service.
Chris said:
Most of the traffic went to Google itself or to big sites already dominating the market. In my niche, the top result is usually Google’s own service.
So none of the smaller blogs are benefitting? It’s all going to the big players?
@Maya
Exactly. It looks like most of the traffic has shifted to the big names that can afford it. Sadly, it’s kind of what you’d expect from a company with monopoly-like behaviour.
I actually saw a big traffic increase during the August update. That said, I’m not relying on Google anymore. I’m spreading my traffic and income sources. It feels like the days of purely informational niche sites are fading.
It’s strange how these updates seem to help bigger sites and Google’s own products while smaller publishers get hit hard. Some niche sites are doing better by focusing on really specific keywords or engaging with their communities. It’s tough, but adapting your strategy might help.
Traffic’s gone to the bigger sites.
Most likely, yes. Sometimes users don’t even click on a link anymore—they just get the answer straight from Google.
Yep, but now there are AI-generated answers at the top of searches. That’s probably cutting into everyone’s traffic. For most searches I do, I just read the AI summary.
People losing traffic are usually louder about it, especially if they feel unfairly treated.
Those who are doing well tend to keep quiet, maybe because they don’t want others copying their approach. There are likely some who have gained, but they’re hesitant to share and look like they’re bragging.
More ads, AI answers, YouTube links… organic traffic is just getting squeezed out.
I actually gained traffic after the last two updates, but it’s only brought me back to about half of where I was earlier this year when I took a huge hit.