NewsBite analysis · AI, WebDev
ZDNet
Earning citations from AI search
Recent trends indicate a significant increase in AI search traffic, though it still represents a small fraction of overall website visits. The article emphasizes that traditional SEO practices must evolve to align with AI's distinct evaluation criteria. Sites previously thriving on conventional SEO metrics are now finding it necessary to adjust their strategies to capture visibility in AI platforms. Effective tactics for being cited include optimizing content for clear answers and enhancing site structures to cater directly to AI crawling.
MonitorConfidence: MediumShort term horizon
Published 14 Jul 2026, 12:00 UTC5 min read
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Summary
TL;DR
- AI traffic to websites grew by 66% in 2025.
- AI accounts for only 0.15% of total web visits.
- Traditional SEO tactics still matter but need adaptation for AI.
- Content answering specific user questions is prioritized by AI.
- Tools exist for measuring visibility in AI search.
Interesting facts
- Websites focusing solely on traditional SEO may experience traffic declines.
- AI is increasingly serving as both search entry and final destination for users.
What changed
The way search engines evaluate content has shifted to prioritize immediate answers over traditional SEO factors like backlinks and authority.