B2BVault's summary of:

We Studied the Impact of AI Search on SEO Traffic. Here’s What We Learned.

Published by:
Semrush
Author:
Rachel Handley

Introduction

AI search tools like ChatGPT and Google AI are changing how people find websites. If you don’t adapt now, you’ll fall behind.

What's the problem it solves?

The article helps businesses understand how AI search affects website traffic and gives advice on how to stay visible and valuable as AI tools replace regular search engines.

Quick Summary

This article explores how AI search tools are slowly replacing old-school search engines and changing how people visit websites. By 2028, AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI Mode may bring in more visitors than regular Google searches. These AI tools give direct answers and often don’t link to the source, which lowers the number of people clicking through to websites. That means businesses will need to change how they create and share content.

Even though there may be fewer clicks, the visitors coming from AI search are much more likely to take action. AI users often come with a clear goal and more knowledge, so they’re more ready to buy. The study also found that AI tools don’t just show top-ranked websites-they often quote smaller or lower-ranked ones that offer useful, clear answers. This means companies that create focused, easy-to-understand content have a good chance to be featured.

To keep up, businesses should write content that AI tools can easily use. This includes guides, comparison pages, and clear product information. Posting on sites like Reddit and Quora also helps because AI often pulls answers from those places. The main lesson is: adapt now by writing smarter, simpler, and more helpful content or risk being left behind.

Key Takeaways from the article

  • AI search may pass regular Google search traffic by 2028
  • Google AI Mode and ChatGPT often give full answers with fewer clicks to websites
  • AI visitors are 4.4x more valuable than regular search visitors due to higher intent
  • ChatGPT often links to pages that rank lower in traditional search results
  • Quora and Reddit are top sources in Google AI Overviews
  • ChatGPT links to business sites 50% of the time, showing brand sites matter
  • Even smaller websites can get mentioned if content is clear and focused
  • AI prefers content written for real people, not just search engines
  • Companies should focus on specific, useful answers and comparison pages
  • Websites must be easy for AI to scan-avoid complex code like JavaScript
  • AI-ready content should include plain language, good structure, and real value
  • Tools like Semrush help track how often your brand shows up in AI results
  • Writing for AI search today helps secure future visibility and trust
  • AI optimization isn’t only for traffic-it builds long-term brand strength
  • Start testing and measuring your AI visibility before your competition does

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