I’m seeing traffic to my sites drop… 
Is this the way of the future? Or not?
AI - ironically - suggests q and a - forums - video - etc
I tried a Forum before I switched hosting companies - had three people sign up - didn’t put a new one on the new hosting company - decided I didn’t want to spend my life moderating posts…
So is there something new? Or is the web dying?
I see my articles summarized in the top of duck duck go - example: how to play high notes on the trumpet…
Why go to my site when the answers are there?
Short answer: yes, this is the future if you rely upon SEO.
AI is going to force independent small businesses that are content based to go behind paywalls, at least for some of their (best) material. That, and/or establish a community (which is why the AI probably suggested forums).
In Google’s case, they would simply say “pay to play.” In other words, use Google advertising to promote you in what they still call “search.” The problem with this is that this is like having a full-time parasite, sucking some of your blood (money) all the time. Which is another reason why you want to somehow attract the customer, then somehow move them behind a paywall and into fora you control and don’t allow to be indexed.
FWIW, I put myself through college by playing trumpet in the Spokane Symphony. Every now and then I dabble at playing, so I’d probably be a potential customer. However, I’d say this: you’re not enticing me to be a customer with your current set up.
“Hook them and hold ‘em” is the mantra you need to follow.
This is definitely the trend. Your not alone—this is happening to a lot of people.
Most marketers are leaning on social media, teaming up with other brands, and sending people to brochure websites or straight to landing and sales pages. From there, the goal is to get people to subscribe to your content or join your email list so they can learn more and stay connected. Your website must look good—but it also needs to guide visitors toward taking action. If you don’t catch them the first time, there may not be another chance.
I personally have a love/hate relationship with AI. It’s hard to know how sustainable it will be for companies like Google, especially with so much of their revenue tied to ads which requires traffic and time on site. For many, possibly most websites, search traffic has dropped, and so has the income that came with it.
That’s why we must now think about marketing in layers rather than leaning on just one source of traffic. This is how I am setting up my retail businesses:
1. Use short-form video for reach.
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are where people spend their time. Even quick, low-production clips can grab attention and direct people to your site.
2. Build your email list.
Email still works better than almost anything else for keeping in touch. Offer something useful—like a free guide, discount, or exclusive content—to encourage sign-ups.
3. Partner with others.
Co-marketing with complementary brands or influencers can give you access to new audiences without paying heavily for ads.
4. Focus on the first impression.
Your landing page should be clear, fast, and built around one action you want visitors to take. Confusing layouts, multiple messages, or too many choices often drive people away.
5. Test and adjust.
Small tweaks, like changing a headline, image, or sign-up button, can make a big difference in conversions.
The main idea is balance—use social media and video to grab attention, use email to build trust, and make sure your website does its job in turning visitors into subscribers or customers.
I know this is not ideal but it seems to be the trend going forward for now. I have had to adapt or be left behind.
All the best to you!
I’m posting 5 times a day, my music, my books, about 70 videos 10-20 seconds - to 13 social media platforms - trying to get more traffic and knowledge of my music…
Trying this for a year then will re-evaluate its effectiveness
Congratulations on playing the trumpet!!! Awesome playing in college…
I’m trying to broaden content for the high end of trumpet skill levels…
Best
—Mike
Just mentioning - don’t know if you saw the final verdict…
Doing a slide in to join the email newsletter ONCE every 7 days!!!
Small unobtrusive notice ….
-Mike
I agree AI is changing everything, and will hit the Bloggers the hardest at first.