Google denies AI search features are killing website traffic

TechCrunch •

Google says its new AI search features haven’t caused an overall drop in site traffic, claiming stable organic click volumes and slightly improved click quality year-over-year. In a blog post, VP Liz Reid disputes studies pointing to steep declines, attributing losses to broader user shifts—some sites lose traffic while others gain. Despite Google’s denials, experts note AI overviews are driving a rise in zero-click searches. Google urges publishers to focus on “quality clicks” and explores tools like micropayments to help offset changing referral patterns.

Read original ↗

Also mentioned in:

  • The Guardian — Publishers Grapple as Google AI Cuts News Referrals by Up to 89%
  • TechCrunch — Penske Media Sues Google Over AI Overviews, Alleges Content Theft and Coercion
  • The Verge — Penske Media Sues Google Over AI ‘Overviews’ Slashing Traffic & Revenue
  • The Verge — Google Backs AI Overviews Amid Penske Lawsuit, Vows to Keep Publisher Links