AI-Powered Searches Cause Widespread Decline in Website Traffic

The rise of AI-driven search tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google's AI Overviews is dramatically reshaping how consumers find information and make purchasing decisions, threatening traditional SEO and website traffic. These AI platforms provide direct, context-aware answers that reduce the need for users to visit external websites, causing significant traffic declines across sectors including travel, news, e-commerce, and finance. Companies like The Prompting Company have emerged to help brands optimize their presence in AI-generated responses by tailoring content specifically for AI recognition, marking a shift from traditional keyword-based SEO to Generative Experience Optimization (GEO). This transition risks reducing organic traffic by 15% to 25% for many businesses, limiting their ability to engage customers and collect valuable data. Meanwhile, digital marketing firms such as OMN are leveraging AI-powered analytics and tools to help businesses adapt by enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency in this evolving landscape. Overall, brands must pivot towards AI-centric strategies to maintain visibility and competitiveness as AI becomes the new primary interface for search and discovery.