The way we search is changing (fast af)
If you’ve noticed Google looking a little different lately, that’s because AI-powered search is taking over.
With features like Google’s AI Overviews (formerly SGE) and ChatGPT-powered search tools, traditional SEO is evolving in a big way, and websites that once relied on organic search traffic are seeing fewer clicks, while AI-generated results now dominate the top of the page.
Soooo what does this mean for businesses trying to rank on Google?
And how do you keep your website from getting lost in the AI scramble? WEIRD is here to break it down for you!
The Impact of AI Search on Organic Traffic (Spoiler: It’s a Big Deal)
Traditional SEO used to be simple – rank on page one of Google, get clicks, grow your traffic. But now, AI-generated search results are changing the game.
Here’s what’s happening:
1. AI Summaries Are Stealing Clicks
Google’s AI Overviews now generate full answers right at the top of search results…
This means users don’t have to click on websites anymore to get the information they need.
So it’s all good and well for the websites appearing in these AI results as they are seeing more clicks, but those excluded experience MAJOR traffic drops. Some sites have even seen traffic drop by up to 60% after AI Overviews launched.
These AI summaries prioritize quick, digestible information, pulling from multiple sources and presenting it in a structured way. If your content isn’t optimized for AI Overviews, your site might not even get a mention at all.
2. More Zero-Click Searches
Google’s AI pulls answers from multiple sources, often summarizing information from different websites without the user ever visiting those pages.
This means that less and less people are clicking through to read full articles or blogs, especially for informational searches like “best skincare ingredients” or “how to increase engagement on Instagram.”
For brands that relied heavily on organic traffic, this is a HUGE shift, and it means that just ranking well isn’t enough anymore. Now, you need to be the source AI WANTS to use.
3. Search Results Are Being Rewritten
Instead of displaying individual web pages, Google is now curating information and presenting it in an easy-to-read format.
This means your website miiiiight not be shown as a standalone result anymore, and instead, parts of your content could be blended into AI summaries without crediting you properly.
This change has already affected a bunch of industries, like health, finance, and e-commerce, where Google is more likely to generate AI answers rather than direct users to third-party sites.
4. Traditional SEO Rankings Matter Less
Before AI search, businesses fought to land in the top 10 Google results.
But AI Overviews don’t always pull from the highest-ranked pages…
Instead, they prioritize:
- Well-structured content (think bullet points & clear answers)
- Trusted, authoritative sources (Google LOVES expertise)
- Pages with fresh, up-to-date information
If your website isn’t optimized for AI search, it could lose traffic—even if you ranked #1 before.
Yeah, talk about a glow down.
So… How Do You Rank in AI Search? (Here’s What You Need to Do)
AI search is here to stay, which means your SEO strategy needs an upgrade.
Here’s how to stay visible in an AI-powered world:
1. Optimize for AI Summaries
Since Google is pulling quick, clear answers into AI Overviews, your content needs to be:
- Structured properly (use bullet points, lists, and clear headings)
- Concise but detailed (answer common questions directly)
- E-E-A-T Approved (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness – these are Google’s fav ranking factors)
Pro Tip: Add an FAQ section to key pages – it increases your chances of being featured in AI-generated answers!
2. Go Beyond Basic Keywords
Old-school SEO was all about exact-match keywords.
Now, AI search understands intent, so it’s better to focus on natural, conversational phrases instead.
For example, instead of targeting “best social media strategy 2025,” you might write “What’s the best way to grow on social media in 2025?”
Another good strat would be to use long-tail keywords and question-based headings to align with AI-driven searches and what they’re looking for.
3. Create Content That AI Wants to Feature
AI favors content that’s clear, informative, and well-formatted. So, if your content is structured like an answer, it’s more likely to be featured in AI results.
Here are little tweaks to make that happen:
- Use tables, bullet points, and quick summaries at the top of your articles
- Add statistics and expert quotes to boost credibility
- Write in a way that’s easy for AI to pull into search results
4. Focus on Engagement & Conversions
With AI search reducing traffic, you need to make EVERY visitor count.
Pro Tip: Optimize your site for conversions (better calls-to-action, lead magnets, and engaging content that keeps visitors on your page longer)
5. Diversify Your Traffic (Don’t Rely on Google Alone)
SEO isn’t the only way to grow. In 2025 you should be investing in:
- Email Marketing (to own your audience, not just rent it from Google)
- Social Media (build direct relationships with your followers)
- Paid Ads (still get seen even if your search rankings drop)
WEIRD can help with all of the above! Book a discovery call and let’s chat about the best way forward to future-proof your brand.
