Over 8.5 billion Google searches happen every day. Now imagine what happens when most of those searchers stop clicking on websites because Google’s AI Summaries give them answers right on the results page. This new reality is hitting small business owners hard.
Google’s AI Summaries are transforming how people find information online. These smart summaries appear at the top of search results, giving users quick answers without them needing to visit any websites.
While this makes searching easier for users, it creates serious challenges for small business owners and solopreneurs who depend on website visitors to make sales.
What’s Happening to Your Website Traffic
Traffic drops when AI summaries appear: Research shows clicks to websites drop by 34.5% when these AI summaries show up in search results [Ahrefs study]. This means if your website used to be #1 in search results, you’re getting about one-third fewer visitors now.
People don’t click at all: Many users now get their answers directly from Google’s summary and never visit any websites [Search Engine Journal]. This is bad news if you depend on visitors coming to your site.
Competition is tougher: Getting your content featured in these AI summaries is harder than regular search rankings because Google is pickier about what information it uses.
What You Can Do About Google’s AI summaries
1. Make Your Content AI-Summary Friendly
- Use clear headings and bullet points – Break up your text so it’s easier for both people and AI to understand
- Answer specific questions – Figure out what questions your customers are asking and answer them clearly on your website
- Be the expert in your field – Make sure your information is correct and backed up by good sources so Google sees you as trustworthy [Search Engine Land]
2. Don’t Rely Just on Google
- Get active on social media – Build connections on platforms like Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn to bring people to your website
- Start an email newsletter – Collect email addresses so you can talk directly to customers without depending on Google
3. Focus on Local Customers
- Update your Google Business listing – Make sure your hours, phone number, and address are correct
- Ask happy customers for reviews – More good reviews help local people find you
4. Try the New “GEO” Approach
- GEO stands for “Generative Engine Optimization”—it’s like SEO but for AI systems [Content Marketing Institute]. This means writing in a natural way that answers questions clearly, and organizing your content so AI can easily understand it.
Finding Opportunity in Change
While these changes are challenging, they also give you a chance to show up right in the search results as the expert. By changing how you create content and finding other ways to reach customers, your small business can still do well online.
Think about this: In a world where AI is giving instant answers to people’s questions, how can your business become the trusted source that customers still want to hear from?
Small business owners: Google's AI Overviews cutting your website traffic? New data shows 34.5% fewer clicks when these summaries appear. Learn 4 practical ways to adapt your strategy and keep customers coming to your site. Share on X
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