Google is taking away your clicks - Why your website could soon become invisible

Fewer and fewer clicks – even though your website ranks high on Google?
The problem might be called “AI Overviews”: Google’s new AI-powered answers directly in the search results are increasingly diverting traffic from website owners. What seems like a service for users is putting your content marketing to the test.

In this article, we explain what’s behind AI Overviews, why they’re a real game changer for SEO – and why your website could be affected, even if you’re doing everything “right.”

What are “AI Overviews” – and why are they so problematic?

Since 2024, Google has been increasingly testing so-called AI Overviews. The search engine answers certain queries directly in an AI-generated info box – even before the classic blue links appear.

What seems like a handy tool for searchers has major side effects:

• Fewer clicks on organic search results
• Decreasing traffic for affected websites
• Potential distortion of information due to AI summaries

Smaller and medium-sized websites in areas such as DIY, cooking, travel or education are particularly affected – precisely those that heavily rely on organic traffic.

First real-world impact: -70% traffic in just a few weeks

A striking example comes from DIY blogger Morgan McBride of “Charleston Crafted.” According to a report by Bloomberg, she lost over 70 percent of her organic traffic after the introduction of AI Overviews – even though her content continued to rank well.

The reason: Google had already summarized her page’s content in the AI answer. Visiting the original page became unnecessary.

Studies warn: By 2026, up to 25% of traffic could disappear

According to a Gartner forecast, this development is not an isolated case. By 2026, up to 25 percent of organic search engine traffic could be lost due to AI-driven systems such as Google SGE, ChatGPT or Perplexity.

A trend that affects businesses in nearly every industry – and requires a clear response.

Who benefits from Google’s new search behavior?

While many websites are suffering under the new AI Overviews, others are gaining massive visibility – first and foremost reddit.com.

The reason: Google frequently uses content from forums and discussion platforms for AI answers. As a result, Reddit is not only more prominently linked but also more visible in the classic search results.

This also includes YouTube, which is also heavily featured in AI Overviews. Those relying on classic SEO content are suddenly competing with user-generated content – and often losing attention in the process.

A look at the Sistrix visibility index of reddit.com shows:
Starting in August 2024, visibility suddenly explodes in Germany – and even more so in the USA.

This development makes it clear: Google is restructuring search – and favoring sources that are user-centric, dialogue-driven, and direct.

Conclusion: Search results are changing – and so must your marketing strategy

Google’s AI Overviews are changing the rules of the game. The traffic that was built over years through high-quality content and careful SEO is no longer a given. Even good rankings no longer guarantee visibility.

So what can you do?

That’s exactly what we explain in the second part of this mini-series: Securing visibility despite Google AI – 4 strategies against traffic loss. If you want to make your website not only discoverable but also future-proof in the age of AI, you now need a solid strategy.

We’re happy to support you – with a holistic and performance-oriented online marketing approach focused on measurable results. Our services combine strategic search engine optimization (SEO), targeted advertising (SEA), impactful content marketing, modern web development, and professional social media marketing into a thoughtful all-in-one solution – to generate the right kind of gravity for your audience.