Surviving Google’s AI Shift: A Comprehensive Guide for Content Creators
In May 2024, Google launched AI OVERVIEW, an AI feature that searches and summarizes the internet. At the top of the search results page, it offers a quick overview of search results. This feature saves users time and reduces the need to click through multiple websites for a comprehensive understanding of a topic.
by Ray (MediaBrain VP)
So, what does this mean? AI Overview ensures that when users ask a question, Google pulls the essential information from various web sources to provide the best possible answer tailored to the search query.
Users don’t need to search multiple sites; Google’s answers are now enough. While this might seem convenient and efficient for users, it’s bad for content creators. With users not searching, traffic drops. Google admits this. This puts those who rely on traffic for reporting or earn revenue from advertising in a tough spot. Google benefits from the content, but the original creators get nothing in return.
It’s great for the public, but bad for creators. The content market just got destroyed. With Microsoft’s influence growing, there’s talk about optimizing for Bing instead of Google. After all, ChatGPT uses Bing.
Some people joked that you had to look good for AI, but it’s important to understand how AI generates summaries and to make your content shine in AI OVERVIEW. Find out the AI logic and tailor your content. It sounds logical, but it’s tricky to implement.
AI focuses on text, so it’s important to move beyond simple text and integrate multimedia elements like videos, podcasts, and infographics. These elements can’t be summarized, so they need links.
Thirdly, everyone says content is important, but few invest in it. You can’t just copy or patch up content to get traffic. You need to offer in-depth analysis and focus on specialized topics that go beyond superficial information. To stand out from AI-generated summaries, your content must be unique and exceptional. In a world of lots of clickbait and sensational headlines, relying on ads is becoming more difficult. Consider other ways to make money, like subscriptions, memberships, or sponsored content. Without exclusive content, you won’t get traffic or revenue.
Also, build a community around your content. This means creating a space where people can discuss related topics. This ties into the social trend of gatherings. People today want to feel connected. They want to find a group where they can share ideas and have fun. This is why content and community go together.
As AI gets better, the way we use digital content and search engines will change. The days of just making content and letting AI spread it are over. Now, you need to create your own content. Whether it’s Google AI OVERVIEW or another content search method, content creators will be asked for originality, rarity, and specialty.
Are you ready?
