I’ve stopped using Google search as much, now I just check the AI snippets from Gemini and even ChatGPT. If I’m doing this, I feel like a lot of other people are too. Are we seeing a big shift away from content websites?
It feels strange, and I’m starting to think I should focus on videos and podcasts. What do you all think?
There’s room for everything. No need to see it as a battle.
@Alexander
That sounds ideal, but if the piece of the pie that OP is depending on (Google search traffic) keeps shrinking in favor of AI, then we have a real issue.
Jane said:
@Alexander
That sounds ideal, but if the piece of the pie that OP is depending on (Google search traffic) keeps shrinking in favor of AI, then we have a real issue.
Exactly! A lot of bloggers rely on Google search traffic, and yeah, social media is another option, but with all the algorithm changes, that’s tough too in 2024.
This is just the beginning.
From my experience, I’ve tried both Google and AI, and I wanted AI to work so badly because it’s supposed to be the future. But I keep going back to Google because it feels like it knows exactly what I need. The search bar’s suggestions are so spot on.
Content websites were already taking hits from Google’s algorithm updates. Now with AI summaries, people don’t even need to click on actual sites anymore. If you’re relying on search traffic alone, it’s going to be a rough road.
@SarahLays
I’m with you. It’s forcing me to think a lot about what blogging will even look like in an AI-dominated internet.
Google search wasn’t even good years ago, way before AI got into the mix. Google’s goal is making money, not necessarily helping you find what you want. It’s been getting harder and harder to find real info over the past 5+ years.
There’s even a study by a German university about this, proving how bad it’s gotten. I don’t have the link, but try to Google it… and if you can’t find it, well, that kinda proves the point!
AI is changing how we search, but search isn’t going away.
I’ve noticed some of my content referenced in AI results, and I still get some referral traffic through Google Analytics. But a mix of search, AI, and social traffic (Pinterest, for example) can still work.
Most readers come back to trusted blogs regularly. I don’t think they’ll switch fully to AI. It’s more about how you build your blog’s brand and keep people coming back with unique perspectives and personal insights.
My search routine has completely changed since Microsoft Copilot and Gemini came out. I start with Copilot, then Gemini, and only if I need more, I turn to ChatGPT. For more detailed stuff, I go to YouTube.
As long as AI can ‘hallucinate’ or give wrong info, I still use search engines to double-check. AI is good for getting ideas, but I verify with Google after.
Jesse said:
As long as AI can ‘hallucinate’ or give wrong info, I still use search engines to double-check. AI is good for getting ideas, but I verify with Google after.
That’s a great point. Validation is going to be key for bloggers moving forward. Even though Gemini gives sources, I haven’t been clicking on the actual websites much.
I watched a YouTube video about the Dead Internet theory last night (basically, the idea that AI is going to kill the web as we know it). It was wild, but nobody I know really cares, so I’m sharing it here!
If you’ve got 17 minutes and want to get a bit mind-boggled, here’s the link: https://youtu.be/y0N9fD3rFaw?feature=shared
Same here. I had to switch to YouTube content to stay afloat. I still get some direct traffic from social media, but my Google search hits have plummeted. I used to get 15,000 hits a week—now it’s down to 800.
The internet as we know it is going to die. The only question is how long it will take. I’m guessing 10 years, max, before AI takes over everything.
Franky said:
The internet as we know it is going to die. The only question is how long it will take. I’m guessing 10 years, max, before AI takes over everything.
I hate to agree, but I do. So where will people write? How will writers make money off their work?
@Ameliascarlet
The problem is, people don’t want to read long blog posts like they used to unless they really have to. Paid blog writers are already losing jobs. There will still be a space for niche content that gives a real human touch, but it’s getting harder and harder to find these sites through Google. Writers are burning out and quitting altogether.
I can’t stand going to websites full of clickbait articles and ads. AI search is so much cleaner, and 9 times out of 10, it gives me exactly what I need.
Reynolds said:
I can’t stand going to websites full of clickbait articles and ads. AI search is so much cleaner, and 9 times out of 10, it gives me exactly what I need.
That’s so true. All those pop-ups and ads make AI search feel like a breath of fresh air. But how long before it starts getting cluttered like that too?