Episode 436
Nonprofits Are Losing Web Traffic. AI Search Is To Blame (news)
Using the Whole Whale - A Nonprofit Podcast
March 10, 202518m 8s
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Show Notes
In this episode, we focus on declining nonprofit website traffic due to AI search tools. Key points include:
- Nonprofit website traffic is declining as AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI overviews reduce the need for users to visit original content sources.
- Major content creators like HubSpot have lost up to 80% of their traffic due to these changes.
- We recommend:
- Adjusting traffic expectations (considering "break-even" the new growth)
- Focusing on conversion rate optimization
- Creating original research and data that AI can't replicate
- Using Google Search Console to identify which content triggers AI results
Additional stories covered:
- A discussion about nonprofit mergers based on Idealist.org's merger with VolunteerMatch.org
- USAID funding cuts affecting humanitarian aid organizations and their life-saving programs
- A success story about a Massachusetts movie theater saved by converting to a nonprofit model