Introduction to Google’s AI Search
Google has often been criticized for its obsession with AI search, with many claiming that it is harming web traffic. In response to these concerns, Google’s search head, Liz Reid, has written a blog post addressing the issue. According to Reid, the use of AI in search is not decreasing clicks, but rather driving more searches and providing higher-quality clicks.
The Claims
The blog post claims that the total organic click volume has remained relatively stable year-over-year, and that Google is seeing more searches than ever before. Reid also notes that the web is constantly changing, and that it’s common for trends to shift. Additionally, Google sees AI Overviews as an evolution of its past features, such as Knowledge Graph or sports scores, which did not reduce clicks.
The Impact of AI Overviews
Google’s use of AI Overviews has been shown to result in lower click-through rates, according to a recent Pew Research Center analysis. However, Google has objected to the conclusions and methodology of this study, and Reid’s blog post expands on the company’s rationale. Google claims that AI Overviews are providing higher-quality clicks, which are identified as people clicking on links without immediately backing out.
Uneven Benefits
The benefits of Google’s AI search may not be evenly distributed. Reid notes that search users are increasingly looking for "authentic voices and first-hand perspectives," which may favor certain types of websites, such as Reddit. Google partnered with Reddit in early 2024, gaining access to its wealth of authentic voices for AI training, and has since increasingly surfaced Reddit links in search results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google’s blog post aims to alleviate concerns about the impact of AI search on web traffic. While the post claims that clicks are not declining and that AI is driving more searches, it stops short of providing any actual data to back up these claims. As the use of AI in search continues to evolve, it’s likely that the debate over its impact on web traffic will continue.
FAQs
- Q: Is Google’s use of AI search decreasing clicks?
A: According to Google, no, the total organic click volume has remained relatively stable year-over-year. - Q: What are AI Overviews, and how do they affect search results?
A: AI Overviews are a feature of Google’s search that provides a summary of search results, and according to Google, they are providing higher-quality clicks. - Q: Has Google partnered with any websites to improve its AI search?
A: Yes, Google partnered with Reddit in early 2024, gaining access to its wealth of authentic voices for AI training. - Q: What type of content is favored by Google’s AI search?
A: According to Reid, search users are increasingly looking for "authentic voices and first-hand perspectives," which may favor certain types of websites, such as Reddit.
