The Impact of AI Search on SEO Traffic

AI Search is Changing How People Find You

Here are some insights from the latest Semrush report:

• Google has started rolling out AI Mode → a chat-style search that can replace the entire SERP.

• ChatGPT hit 800M weekly active users in 2025.

• AI Overviews now show AI-written answers above traditional results.

AI Visitors > Traditional Search by 2028

• AI search traffic could surpass traditional SEO traffic in just 2–4 years. 

• If Google defaults to AI Mode, it’ll be even sooner.

AI Visitors Are 4.4x More Valuable

• AI visitors = 4.4x higher conversion rate vs SEO.

• Why? They arrive pre-informed and ready to buy.

• AI responses feel like trusted recommendations.

Ranking Low? Still a Chance in AI Search

90% of ChatGPT citations come from pages ranking 21+ in traditional SEO. AI values relevance and context over just top rankings.

Quora & Reddit Dominate Google AI Overviews

• Quora = #1 cited domain in Google AI Overviews.

• Reddit comes second (boosted by Google partnership).

• Niche Q&As often beat traditional sites in AI visibility.

Half of ChatGPT Links Go to Businesses

• 50% of AI-linked sites are → business/service websites.

• Other categories (media, blogs, ecommerce, forums) = <10% each.

• making it a great opportunity to own your niche.

So, What Now?

Start Preparing for AI Search

• Track your AI visibility

  • E.g. Run prompts in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Mode for your core keywords (e.g., “best [category] brand”).

    
    

• Create LLM-friendly content that answers questions and solves problems

  • E.g. Reformat key product/service info into Q&A, comparisons, and bulleted lists that LLMs can “lift” directly.

  • Add FAQ schema + clear headings to improve crawlability.

    
    

• Get cited on authority sites like ABC, TechCrunch and The Guardian

  • Secure mentions on Quora, Reddit, LinkedIn, and niche forums.

  • Use digital PR to land brand mentions on high-authority media.

    
    

Hi, I'm Patricia Haueiss 👋 I'm an AI consultant & builder. 🌐Work with me: www.patriciahaueiss.com Follow me on LinkedIn, Patricia Haueiss, for more AI & emerging tech insights