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Are Informational Blogs and Websites Facing Extinction?
For years, my ad-supported informational site thrived. However, since September 2023, everything has been in decline, particularly with Google.
I’ve noticed a similar trend among competing sites, with an 80-90% drop in Google traffic.
Even well-known figures like Neil Patel have seen significant traffic losses; he’s not posting new articles, instead focusing on sending emails to generate business.
So, is producing informational content now a futile effort, given that AI provides quick answers, and platforms like Google and Bing source and replicate content without linking back?
If you’ve managed to navigate and succeed through the HCU challenges, please share how you achieved this.
Yet, I suspect those success stories might be rare.
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2 responses to “Are we seeing the end of the informational blogging era?”
The landscape of informational blogs and websites is shifting drastically due to advancements in AI and changes in search engine algorithms. However, declaring these sites “dead in the water” may be an oversimplification. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and strategies you might consider:
1. Understanding the Decline
Several factors are contributing to the challenges faced by informational sites:
Algorithm Changes: Search engines like Google periodically update their algorithms, which can drastically affect site rankings. The September 2023 update you’ve mentioned likely included such changes.
AI Integration: Tools like ChatGPT and Google’s BARD can provide instant answers, reducing the click-through rates of traditional search results.
Content Saturation: The internet is flooded with content. Competing for attention has become increasingly difficult unless your content offers exceptional value or unique insights.
2. Adapting to AI-Powered Search
While AI can provide direct answers to simple queries, there are still strategies to optimize your content for the current ecosystem:
Focus on Originality and Depth: Create content that offers in-depth analysis, personal stories, expert interviews, or unique perspectives that AI can’t replicate.
Diversify Content Formats: Incorporate videos, podcasts, and interactive content, which are harder for AI to directly scrape or replicate.
Leverage E-E-A-T: Google’s emphasis on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) requires that content demonstrates these qualities. Publish authoritative and credible content to establish trust.
3. Engagement and Community Building
As search traffic becomes less reliable, focus on building a direct relationship with your audience:
Email Newsletters: Encourage visitors to subscribe to emails, building a direct line of communication unaffected by search engine algorithms.
Community Platforms: Use forums, social media groups, and other platforms where you can cultivate a loyal audience interested in your niche.
4. SEO and Technical Adjustments
While content is crucial, ensuring your site adheres to modern SEO and technical standards is equally important:
Technical SEO: Maintain fast load times, mobile optimization, and secure connections (HTTPS) to improve user experience and search rankings.
Long-Tail Keywords: Targeting specific phrases can reduce competition and attract users seeking particular information.
5. Exploring New Monetization Avenues
Declining ad revenue from
This post raises some crucial points about the shifting landscape of informational blogging, particularly with the increased influence of AI and evolving search engine algorithms. It’s clear that traditional approaches to content creation may no longer yield the same results, prompting us to rethink our strategies.
One critical aspect missing from this discussion is the role of community engagement. While AI can provide quick answers, it often lacks the nuanced perspectives and unique insights that only human content creators can offer. Bloggers who succeed in this new era might focus on creating interactive content—such as webinars, podcasts, or live Q&A sessions—that encourage real-time interaction and build a loyal audience.
Moreover, diversifying income streams beyond ad revenue is essential. Exploring affiliate marketing, subscription models, or offering valuable online courses can provide more stability in turbulent times.
Lastly, SEO should evolve with these changes. Prioritizing user experience and creating high-quality, in-depth content that answers specific questions—potentially through niche topics—may help maintain visibility amidst algorithm changes. Collectively, these strategies may not just prevent obscurity but can also lead to a more engaged and loyal following.
I’d love to hear more thoughts from others on this topic and any strategies they’ve implemented to adapt in this changing landscape!