Google says its AI search features are not causing website traffic to decline, despite recent reports suggesting otherwise. According to Liz Reid, head of Google Search, click volume has remained “relatively stable” compared to the same time last year. However, some types of websites are getting more clicks, while others are getting less.
Reid’s comments contradict a Pew Research report that found people are less likely to click on links presented with AI Overviews. Reid attributes third-party reports’ flaws in methodology and notes that Google’s findings show that AI is actually helping the web.
The changes to Google Search have led to decreased traffic for some sites, but also increased traffic for others, particularly those with forums, videos, podcasts, and authentic voices. Users are more likely to visit sites with in-depth reviews or original posts. Reid believes the value exchange between search and the web remains strong.
While some users may not click on citations within AI Overviews, those who do click through spend longer on the website, making the clicks more valuable. Google is also testing a new search results page curated by AI, which has sparked concerns among digital publishers.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/720069/google-ai-overviews-search-web-traffic-stable