Is blogging dead and why are so many blogs and small independent websites and businesses seeing a huge drop in website visitors or giving up? What does AI have to do with this and should I keep blogging?
The Struggle To Be Seen In Search
Early last year I shared with you my struggle to be found on Google after many years of success and positive feedback. That is still a big problem for bloggers and small businesses and independent websites. Organic traffic to our blogs is disappearing fast…
Google search results seem to only focus on big corporations, shopping ads, news sites or Reddit posts. You just can’t compete with them. This is now common knowledge to website owners and bloggers.
The New Problem in 2025 is even bigger…
I really did not expect what happened in 2024, though… For the first time since the start of the internet, search engines were under threat. A.I. quickly became the new way to get answers or learn things, fast. I remember hearing people in public last year say “I just asked A.I. how to…” and people I know say “A.I. told me how to…”.
How things have changed. Even if you think that you don’t use AI like this or haven’t noticed, this is just the same as email or smartphones. Eventually, it will reach you, every app and major website is adopting AI tech and it’s getting more intelligent every day.
Google and other search engines must have seen a drop in people using them and realised the search engine could be about to become extinct. Google took action quickly. What did they do? They put an AI response at the top of the web search results…
Why This Was A Bad Move
Now users get an answer straight away just like they did with ChatGPT and all the AI apps. They didn’t have to look through search results, read different blog posts or articles and try to figure out what was true or best… A quick fix that was very short-sighted.
In 2024, this led to a dramatic drop in people visiting websites and blogs in general. I’ve heard the drop in traffic is crippling most information-based websites (where you learn things). Nobody is reading what they wrote or paid a writer to write anymore.
This leads to another issue they don’t seem to have considered (more on this in a moment).
How This Has Impacted Me As A Blogger
I saw this too, views continue to reduce in 2023-2024. See the screenshot above of my website visitors for the last five years to understand what I’m seeing at my end. What Google forgets is we are paying money to have a website and all types of fees such as website security for crickets…
People get annoyed when their social media posts don’t reach anyone anymore but imagine if you paid to have a social media profile? It’s so discouraging and demotivating to experience this. I have kept at it for years, posting twice a month but see no improvement no matter what I do…
Why This Is So Hurtful To Bloggers & Writers
What Google and other search engines didn’t think about is who taught AI? It was us… AI scraped the internet for information written by human beings to learn everything it knows.
AI search results rarely give credit to where the info is from or if they do, few will read the original post as they got the answer anyway…
What is so short-sighted is, if people stop blogging or websites stop paying for hosting as nobody is visiting them, how exactly is AI going to learn anything new? Does Google think we want to put valuable time, effort and money into training their AI responses?
What will they do when everyone stops writing? Because there isn’t much left to justify blogging or writing articles any more when so few people still read them. I really appreciate those of you who do still read my articles but as you can see it’s a fraction of what I saw four years ago.
Should You Start A Blog?
Right now you know my answer. Definitely not anymore. Maybe things will change? Social media is also a shifting landscape but you have more chance of reaching people there these days as a human being.
Do You Even Need A Website Anymore?
I still think a website is useful but not in the way they used to be. They are more like business cards to keep important info or sell products and services. Websites also show you are professional and can help you with getting people to join your email list.
But remember the current low web traffic means fewer people subscribe to anything. Websites that sell products seem to turn up in search results but most have to pay for ads to be seen.
On A More Positive Note
For me, I am seeing continued growth on my YouTube channel. This is the only social media site I have which is effective these days. I am able to reach existing and new people. It’s also a new way to share and teach what I know online. It’s also personal and you can see I am not an AI robot, unlike text websites which can be AI-generated now…
Yes, there are AI channels on YouTube but they are not given a higher status than real-life human channels. Also, YouTube lets me stop AI from learning/stealing from my videos! You have to OPT IN to AI learning, which I can’t see channels wanting to do that.
Will I Stop Blogging?
Right now, I am seriously wondering why I am bothering. I really appreciate those of you who read my blog posts but there’s no growth here. Readers are vanishing monthly, my posts are SEO but nothing is working. I understand the Internet has changed and people learn differently.
I have a huge free library of crystal healing articles here and I’ve covered so much already. I do struggle to know what to write about sometimes. I’m often left with more obscure topics which are not that popular with readers. Things that would work better for books and courses.
However, I have very little on my YouTube channel. I haven’t even covered the basics there (cleansing crystals etc). Moving forward, it would make more sense to put my time and energy into that.
That’s what I feel is a better time investment. I’m thinking about perhaps doing 3 videos a month and one blog post for now. Please note that videos take me more time to produce so this will be more work for me.
UPDATE: To be clear I am more than happy to put the time into a YouTube video because it is more rewarding. My videos are evergreen on that platform and the community is very active. Plus since last year I now get paid by YouTube for putting my content on their platform.
Meanwhile, Books Are Doing Great!
Books are selling well worldwide in all formats and bookshops are having a revival. Since I released Crystal Grids Power 2, my book sales have been doing really well and I am very happy with how it’s going.
At some point this year I will be able to dedicate time to an online video course, which I am now capable of putting together because of the YouTube learning curve.
What are your thoughts on AI vs Search, is blogging dead? I would love to hear from you in the comments below (PLEASE keep any questions you have concise and stick to this blog post topic if you want a response).
If you’re looking for help with something else then please check to see if I’ve already covered it in a blog post by searching my website:
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With gratitude,
Ethan
P.S. If you feel I have helped you and you want to support me you could share this post, check out my books or leave an honest book review. Thank you!
Copyright © Ethan Lazzerini – The text and photos should not be used or appear elsewhere without permission from the author Ethan Lazzerini. You can share links to it but don’t copy it! Thank you.
Doing more on YouTube sounds like music to my ears. I’m already a subscriber, I love your video’s.
Personally I despise AI, it is so annoying and it destroys the video itself. The world is inhumane enough nowadays, we don’t need AI. I rather go to YT than to a website but I sometimes do.
Thanks you for everything Ethan. ❤️
Thank you for all the information you have published. It has been very helpful to me. I still prefer physical books more than internet.
Out of all the people I knew, I was one of the last to get a computer and log on to the www. Now with all the changes in the internet world, I feel again just like the beginner I was in the mid 90s. I have no understanding of AI or what it does, or can do, or how people learn those things in order to use them. At nearly 72 I think books are the very best way for me to study and learn.
Will people be left alone to use the internet at their own capacity? Or will it slam shut if you don’t buy a blue check mark? Maybe that would be best for me!
Thank you,I enjoy your interesting information and also your Books.Understand where you are coming from.Watch your You Tube channel as well.You Tube is the most popular channel I think from most channels.
Take care
Kind regards
Magda
I don’t know if I understand blogging. I follow you on your link through the email, go to youtube and buy your books. The information you give cannot be duplicated by AI; it isn’t the same at all. In fact, when I am looking for information and the letters AI appear, I move on . There is little trust for this system in the medical community I serve.
So for me, keep doing what you are doing. I have come to rely on your information.
Hi Ethan, I am 76 yrs old and still love the computer and internet. AI ? I hate it. Absolutely despise it. I do a ton of genealogy searching and usually in the middle of an in depth question, AI will change it just enough to get me off track which is infuriating! I have tried to get rid of it but that’s impossible. I also found that if I ask a certain question, if AI doesn’t know the answer, they will skirt around it and start babbling about something of which I did not ask. I do understand your predicament totally.!
Yes, sometimes it gives incorrect information or avoidsanswering things it could give an answer to
The quality of internet searching, especially Google, has plummeted in recent years. I am not sure if this is because of some censorship, search engine optimization, paywalls or other. Information is being withdrawn from the public space.
DIGITAL = EPHEMERAL, and the longevity of paper books still outlasts any of the e-books (whose hosting company will inevitably go bankrupt). I find myself squirreling away anything that looks useful (Print As PDF File) so I appreciate when someone’s blog is formatted to be saved cleanly by that method.
I am not sure how this all will evolve with respect to AI stealing everyone’s lunch money. It mystifies me why the tech community is embracing AI, for it surely will cause most of those people to lose their jobs, and not provide a life of ease in its place. AI will squeeze every freely available resource (blogs included) and spit such back out without proper attribution. The masses will be happy to have answers handed to them, simplicity being more important than accuracy.
I think conventional wisdom will see gradual evolution at a pace where we can individually adapt. I think we are instead likely to have rather sudden and shocking societal changes in our near future so over-planning how to roll with it might not be the best use of time. We shall see how it all turns out.
I am very new to your blogs, you tube and website, but I have gotten a world of information and knowledge from my short time enjoying this journey with you. I thank you profusely for that education, given freely by you for the taking..
IMHO only, AI is both unreliable and a genuine threat to humans in general. Often, the AI response is incorrect at best. At worst, as people start to rely on AI, they are in danger of believing misinformation and when AI becomes an “Adult”, and has learned all that it can, humankind may be in big trouble. Bringing AI into the WWW was a giant step in the wrong direction for humans. There may be some value to AI, I have no doubt, however, unleashing it uncontrolled into the world presents a real danger, again, in my humble opinion only.
As to your question, you need to do what best serves you. You have been so very generous with your hard earned knowledge, and I am so very grateful for what you have taught me in the short time I have been following you. I, selfishly of course, would love for you to continue both your blogging, your books and your videos, however, I am sure it takes it’s toll and you need to be satisfied and fulfilled in your work. To blog or not to blog is strictly your decision.
Apropos of absolutely no importance or relevancy, I will be 75 in February and worked as a computer programmer for most of my career, which is why I can visualize the dangers that are coming down the road for all of us with AI. I thank you for what you have given, Ethan, I support whatever you decide going forward and I am sorry it has come to this for all of us. Jo
Thank you Jo. It is concerning if people become reliant on it. AI has no actual human experience, it can only learn from data fed to it. I have a friend in tech who is also not a fan of the AI takeover
I always look forward to your blogs and love the info you provide. Have you looked into Substack? They have free and paid subscriptions. Most people I follow have moved to there. There are also You tube subscriptions/memberships I understand and Patreon. Just an idea. I’m sure you know all this, but since you didn’t mention it, I thought I would add it. Good luck. I’ll still be watching or reading your content wherever you end up.
I will look into it. The rise in memberships is really interesting and at least people are learning from a person not a robot
Personally, as I age and my desire for change dwindles, I prefer blogs but YouTube is okay. I dislike and distrust AI.
I refuse to use AI willingly. I would order books but I refuse to use amazon because of their monopoly and treatment of employees. So if a book is on amazon, I have to wait for someone to want to sell their used copy on a thriftbooks or ebay. I do not have time to watch videos either. I am sorry because I can understand how frustrating this is to you. I have all your books except the last one because I cannot buy it on amazon and you told me it is not for sale elsewhere.
The biggest thing people do not realize is that AI is using all the natural resources we need to survive as human beings-it uses tons of electricity (when we have problems with our outdated grids to begin with) and water (when so much of the US is in a drought no matter where you live).
Hi Ethan
I sadly agree with you on AI. It seems people are rushing head long into this & its being forced on us when we do a search. Its so frustrating, I don’t want AI to do the thinking for me. I want to poke around & decide what sources I want to read & make my own mind up. I don’t like the way AI is stealing original work without compensation to the authors & there seem to be no copyright laws protecting content creators.
I’ve been following you for years, & very much appreciate it that when I send you an email you respond!!!! I don’t watch the YouTubes all the time, but do read your blogs & find you to be a wonderful source of all things crystals & tarot.
Many thanks for what you have done & continue to do.
Colette
I read your emails and your blog post and watch your videos on your YouTube channel
Thank you for everything you shared in this post, and all previous posts.
As someone who is newly starting a blog, this gave me a lot to think about and consider.
My hope is that eventually the AI Google results end up needing clear recognition for all sites it got its info from and that it also counts as traffic for the page(s). But who knows.
I admire how you are recognizing the changes and creativity working through them. I am thrilled to hear about your book successes- you are very talented and generous with sharing your talents and knowledge. You also present things in a user friendly and efficient manner, which I value very much and is why you are the first person I recommend to anyone wanting to learn about crystals.
I hope you see many successes and growth through this very discouraging challenge.
Thank you for the positive feedback, I appreciate that. Definatly just trying to navigate the changes
Follow your heart. Many people out there will appreciate your own intelligence than some AI rendition of human’s original thought anyways.
Remember you are here to serve a collective. Follow your passions. Sometimes we outgrow certain mediums. Sometimes it’s a timing thing. Sometimes it’s a bit of both.
Your own unique perception is always worthy of someone’s attention. There is no competition in truth.
I’m struggling with similar problems but with oracle decks.
My Twin Ray told me recently, nothing happens before it’s time. Just allow the path to unfold and follow your GUIDANCE!
The main thing is the message being shared with the world.
What you seek.
Is seeking you.
– Rumi
Thanks Angali, completely agree about divine timing and how it all makes sense afterwards. Even my own oracle has been hovering in the ethers for a few years but I am ready to finish the guidebook now and take the next step.
Hi Ethan, I totally agree with your post. I have had my website healing-crystals-for-you.com since 2009 and its got really bad, with AI but so far I haven’t decided to throw it in, but have considered it.
Thanks for this insightful post.
Yes, its such a shame but maybe things will go the other way in time. Strange times
To be honest, I don’t think people realise how detrimental AI is or that using ChatGPT will hurt writers and bloggers in the long run. It still seems a silly little gimmick to Ask Alexia or Siri and they just spit out the answer.
I for one will be sticking with trusted sites where a human is doing the writing and gathering the information or teaching what they know.
Thank you for posing the question and for all the work you put in writing and creating content.
I too am not a fan of AI as it’s impersonal. Alexa is switched off on all my tablets and laptop and I still prefer Google and manually skimming through a range of websites. I feel I get a variety of opinions and info that way, which you won’t from a government/corporate controlled outlet like AI.
I always read your blogs and newsletters, Ethan, and will continue to do so. I also watch the Youtube vids and really appreciate your depth of insight, which I won’t get from Alexa/Siri or any other bot AI. You can always tell something produced or translated by AI – I’m an author and it’s obvious to anyone that writes when fiction content is AI produced. There’s no imagination, the key magic, there. It’s a shame this is happening. I suppose it was inevitable, but sad in the knock-on effect for people such as yurself.
Yes, its still got glitches in but I have seen people fooled by AI youtube channels “I love your voice”. Its clearly an AI generatd voice over to me. I was actually contacted by an “AI Publisher” the other week asking if they could turn one of my blog posts into an book! I was like NOPE. Its scary!
It’s so disheartening to read what is happening. I personally do not like the idea of AI so will try to avoid it if I can. I do enjoy reading your blogs and posts so will continue to do so. You put so much effort and passion into your work, which comes across to the recipient, something which AI cannot do. Everything changes sooner or later so whatever happens you have my support Ethan. Best of luck and good wishes for the future x
Something you could try is to use your Facebook and Instagram account and post all your historical blogs on there at a pace. As you’ve said, you’ve been doing this for years and have hundreds of blogs, you could voice over the blogs to post on Insta and Facebook, or you could just move everything over to your Youtube channel and just update any of the old blogs with new info (if there is any), that way you will reach a new target and your existing target will get a reintroduction to some of your older posts. There is an individual that I follow that has thousands of posts over the years and they are rehashing them, I am new to this person and so I am happy that I am learning new stuff, I like the way that the Universe sometimes puts the info in front of me when I least expect it.
Thanks Sam, well the plan is to make youtube videos of some of my best blog posts ands I have done this for a few and its worked out really well. Also, it gives me a chance to add new and updated info or tips like you said.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I’m a Reiki and gemstone healer and teacher. Recently I’ve started building a Patreon page to share my content and class videos. Have you found Youtube to be versatile enough to handle a job like this?
I think things like Pateon are a great thing and I am so glad to see we now have these options available for teachers and creatives. Youtube does have a paid membership option now but I havent used it. The benefit of youtube is that now I am monetised I get paid for videos, old and new through the ads. I will consider memberships in the future but it is also a big commitment when people are paying you directly and I would need to really think about it.
Thank you so much for sharing this post. I am sorry that this is what it’s coming to. I really enjoy your monthly readings and the emails I get with your blogs and other information. I have subscribed to your You Tube channel so I know that I can go there anytime and watch and rewatch your videos. Oddly enough, I was considering starting a blog myself this year but have been hesitating, perhaps my intuition was telling me something.
WOW ! at 85 I am still up to date on computers and “AI” and personally it is extremely threatening to our own ability to discover with proper research. I enjoy blogs as they give me information from personal experience and not plagiarized info. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have found your site as it is without a doubt, inspirational, educational and a free sharing of your journey with energy from the universe. Thank you and remember there are still many people who depend on facts not fake. I will continue to follow you in any presentation you use as I know your information comes from a spiritual realm not an AL REALM Again… thank you!
THAT WAS UNEXPECTED? TO BE HONEST … I AM AMONG THE OTHERS APPRECIATE YOUR BLOGS AND YOUR BOOKS IMMENSELY. EVEN YOUR YOUTUBE CONTENT IS GREAT, THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD IS HUGE. UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL INNOVATIONS, AI INCLUDED DOING A FAVOR FOR HUMANITY. WE, WHO LIKE TO THING FOR THEMSELVES, SHOULD RESIST THOSE INNOVATIONS. I, PERSONALLY, DON’T WANT HUMANS BEING REPLACE BY ROBOTS ! THANK YOU ETHAN FOR EVERYTHING YOU DOING FOR US
I think you are ‘right on’ with your thinking!!! I’m new to crystals & you’ve been extremely helpful with all of your very interesting information!!! I, for one, will be happy to follow you in ALL of your endeavors…thanks so much!!!!
Thanks so much Connie
I can read faster than I can hear, and I concentrate better reading. Listening, I easily tune out. I find the internet a minefield full of rabbit holes, some of which are helpful, but mostly timewasting when I could be revisiting your grid books instead. Your term “website security for crickets” sent me back down the rabbit hole. I wonder if David Attenborough might add a series on www “life”, perhaps in collaboration with Brian Cox. See what happens, and that’s even without AI!
You certainly received quite a few responses to this blog post. ;o)
I appreciate all the info you share and have read your blogs via having it emailed to me. If you can not get people to sign up for the info you share there is no reason to spend the time doing it.
However, I do know quite a few YouTube channels which always post links to their website and other information, such as where someone can get their books. They often talk about something and then mention the link below to buy or find out more about that something. Other links are there with it.
I have ended up taking a couple of classes I found out about via YouTube and used the link to get to where I could find out more about them. The classes were done via Zoom.
I love your blogs and your YouTube videos. I will continue to follow you no matter where you go. Thank you for all you do!
I have mixed feelings about the you tube videos. Most of the time I skip the blog if it’s only available by video because I just don’t have time or patience to sit here and watch a video. I can read a blog 10x faster than watching a video. Plus I’m the type of learner who does 100x better at remembering info I’ve read with my own eyes vs. listening to any audio version. If I can’t remember something I have listened to and have to keep replaying a video to hear again, I’m less likely to bother doing so.
Videos are not for everyone. But just bare in mind you can change the speed of any youtube video to be 25% or more faster. I use this myself if needed sometimes. There’s subtitles available, plus the transcripts are there as well for those who want to read what Im saying.
I really enjoy your Blogs and videos but you need to do what feels right. As you often say ‘follow your gut’. Whatever you choose I will continue to enjoy the content you have put on and I’m truly grateful for the time and effort you give.
Ethan, I love the YouTube idea. It is easier for me to listen to YouTube audio than to sit and read a posting.
Thank you for sharing this, I know AI is taking over writing jobs in many industries by scanning the work of current their writers in order for the AI to learn. When one door shuts another always opens. I enjoy your insights and respect your knowledge. Thank you for your work.
Thank you Stella, I didnt think of that but yeah, videos can be used like a podcast now