top of page
Guidance Grove Research _ Favicon _ Logo

Guidance Grove Research
Nurturing Business Growth with Data-Driven Insights

How is the rise of AI search affecting organic website traffic and how to respond?

  • Writer: Sam White
    Sam White
  • Jun 9
  • 3 min read

Have you noticed how Google’s AI Overviews are eating up clicks—some sites like HubSpot have seen traffic plunge by as much as 75%? Even though people are still searching just as much, those AI-powered summaries are driving a surge in zero-click searches—up to 60% of queries now end without a click. Information-packed sites are taking the biggest hit, so it’s time to rethink how we structure and optimize our content for this new AI-first world.


Customer being distracted with futuristic technology and AI. Focused and engaged mood, as he ignores traditional internet search.

Google AI Overview’s Impact on SEO


Google AI Overviews are re-writing SEO. Sites that once were ranked #1 for search, now are placed under the AI overview. And the sites that win attention the one’s ranked #1 in the AI Overview.


Here’s what this means for businesses:

  • Lower visibility: answers sit above #1 ranked SEO and sponsored ads

  • Fewer clicks (but more intent): organic traffic may drop 18–64 %, but those that land on your page are more likely to convert 

  • Longer queries: users are asking longer questions, not just keywords. And some ask follow‑up questions 

  • Better visitors: Getting traffic from AI summaries lead to more engaged audiences that linger longer on your site

  • Prioritize getting AI Overview ranking: Leading businesses have changed their strategies to rank first in AI Overview. However, future Google has teased that these precious spots will soon be paid for.


How can you optimize your blog content for AI search results now?


AI search results (like Google’s AI overviews or chat-based answers) love content that is clear, concise, and well-structured. Think of it this way: you’re not just optimizing for human readers anymore, but also for AI algorithms that read your page and decide if it’s worth featuring. The good news is that many classic SEO best practices still apply – high-quality, unique content and solid page experience remain crucial.


Here's your roadmap to optimize your blog in the AI – era


1.      Use questions for your title and section headings – It helps humans and AI know exactly what your content is answering. Ex. “Why are consumer insights important?”


2.      Start immediately with a short, direct answer in 1‑3 lines – this no-nonsense answer or TLDR helps your content get features in AI summaries. Ex. “Consumer insights are crucial because they help businesses understand what customers want, so they can create better products and marketing strategies.”


3.      Organize your content with follow‑up Qs – Just like in this blog, each follow up question becomes it’s own section heading. Answered by an immediate answer. AI loves self-contained chunks of information it can extract.


4.      Use structured lists & tables – AI loves tidy info that is organized and easy to scan. Even this roadmap you are skimming is an organized list.  


5.      Include visuals with alt text – AI reads pics too, and adding alt text can help it understand when to serve up your content. Ex. “Chart showing rising organic traffic after content update optimized for AI search.”


6.      Backlinks signal trust to humans and AI alike – link out to credible and expert sources. Don’t forget that internal links within your site also help.


7.      Provide a TL;DR summary – put quick takeaways at the top or bottom of your blog.


8.      Stay human – Google’s algorithms are pretty smart; they can tell if content is written solely for machines or if it actually helps people. In fact, Google explicitly advises to focus on people-first content even as you optimize for AI.


9.      Lastly: All the blog optimization in the world will not solve for slow loading speeds. So make sure your pages load, the links work and your user experience is a smooth one.


Google search page showing questions about AI's impact on web traffic; text mentions declining click-through rates and 75% SEO drop.

TL;DR: Embrace change & plan for future growth


Consumer insights + trend agility + AI‑ready content = growth trifecta for 2025. Remember to serve humans first, and let AI spotlight your brilliantly structured content. Stay empathetic, stay adaptable, and get growing.

Comments


bottom of page