“`html
Remember when everyone thought AI would kill SEO? The robots were coming for our traffic! Well, new data suggests those fears might have been a bit overblown. It seems SEO is still kicking, even with the rise of AI-powered search experiences.
A recent analysis by Graphite, partnering with Similarweb, dug into the actual impact of AI on organic traffic. They looked at over 40,000 websites. The results? Not quite the SEO apocalypse everyone predicted.
Let’s break down some of the biggest myths and see what the data really says.
Debunking 4 Myths About AI’s Impact on Organic Traffic
There are many loud opinions about AI’s impact. Some are reasonable. Others sound like panicked ramblings. Let’s look at four common myths floating around. We will see what the numbers tell us.
Myth 1: SEO Traffic Has Dropped Drastically
The scary claim: SEO traffic is down 25-50%! That sounds like a nightmare. But the Graphite and Similarweb analysis paints a different picture. The actual drop in organic traffic from Google was only -2.5%. That’s a far cry from the doomsday predictions.
The study found that mid-sized websites experienced the biggest traffic dips. Interestingly, smaller and larger sites often saw *increases* in organic visits. Some categories even thrived. Shopping portals, clothing, and marketplaces all saw organic traffic gains.
It’s worth remembering that Google themselves stated that the total volume of organic clicks from Google Search to websites has remained relatively stable year-over-year.
Myth 2: People Are Abandoning Search Engines for LLMs
Another worry: are people ditching Google for chatbots? Are Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT stealing all the search engine users? Data suggests that isn’t happening either. Global web traffic in 2025 actually *increased* for both Google (+0.8%) and major search engines (+0.4%).
Looking back, search engine traffic grew steadily from 2019 to 2021. There was a slight dip in 2022, but things have stabilized since 2023. People are still searching. They have not disappeared.
The analysis even looked at duplicate visits to Google Search. There was a tiny decrease between 2024 and 2025. However, the last quarter of 2025 actually showed an increase.
Myth 3: AI Has Caused a Critical Drop in CTRs
Now, let’s talk about click-through rates (CTRs). The rise of AI Overviews (those AI-generated summaries at the top of search results) has caused some concern. Some studies show a CTR drop of around -34.5% when an AI Overview appears. That sounds bad, right?
Here’s the thing: AI Overviews don’t show up all the time. They appear about 30% of the time. Plus, they are more common for informational searches. If someone is looking to buy something, they probably won’t see one. This means the most valuable keywords might be less affected.
AI Overviews appear for 25% of non-branded keywords and 13% of branded keywords. Think of them as a replacement for Featured Snippets, which used to appear about 20% of the time.
Myth 4: Google Is Diverting Traffic to Ads
Is Google “stealing clicks” by showing more ads? It’s a common complaint. The Graphite analysis looked at the ratio of organic clicks to ad clicks. There has been a slight shift. But the big picture is that 90% of all clicks on Google are still for organic results. Paid results only account for 10%.
While ad clicks have increased somewhat, organic search still dominates. It is still where the vast majority of traffic goes.
Key Takeaways: SEO’s Resilience in the Age of AI
So, what does all this mean? The main thing is this: SEO is not dead! The rise of AI hasn’t killed organic traffic. The impact is real, but it is not the catastrophe some predicted. Check out these Affordable SEO Services in Pakistan to improve your website ranking. Also, read more about AI search and how it affects your business.
SEO is evolving. Search professionals need to adapt. That might mean focusing on different types of content. Maybe creating content that earns Featured Snippets or avoids triggering AI Overviews. Or improving website performance to rank higher. It is more important than ever to consult an expert at SERPrankers for personalized insights.
The future of search is here. And SEO still has a big role to play.
FAQs
Will AI eventually replace SEO entirely?
It’s unlikely. AI will keep changing how people search. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will adapt alongside it. Focusing on high-quality content and website experience remains crucial.
Are AI Overviews always bad for my website?
Not necessarily. If your website is cited in an AI Overview, it can boost your brand’s authority. Plus, AI Overviews tend to appear for informational queries, which might not be your primary target anyway.
What types of content are best for SEO in the age of AI?
Content that provides unique value and answers specific user questions is ideal. Also, well-structured content that’s easily understood by both humans and search engines has the best chance of ranking.
How can I optimize my website for AI Overviews?
Focus on creating clear, concise, and accurate content. Use structured data markup to help search engines understand your content. Aim to be the best source of information for your target keywords.
Is link building still important for SEO?
Yes! High-quality backlinks from authoritative websites are still a strong ranking factor. They signal to search engines that your website is trustworthy and valuable.
“`
