Google is increasingly prioritizing its own properties and utilizing AI Overviews, which detract from organic traffic for other websites while boosting its own revenue. As traditional SEO strategies become less effective, businesses are urged to focus on brand building and diversifying traffic sources rather than relying solely on Google. The article emphasizes the importance of protecting valuable content and reconsidering engagement strategies to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Google's introduction of AI Overviews in search results has significantly reduced website clicks, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis. The study found that click rates dropped from 15 percent to 8 percent when AI summaries are present, contradicting Google's claims that these features do not impact web traffic. SEO experts support these findings, highlighting the need for further evaluation of AI's influence on online engagement.