Search Engine Land: “AI search is growing, but Google still dominates, as 95% of ChatGPT users visit Google, but just 14% of Google users go to ChatGPT. Despite ChatGPT’s explosive growth, nearly all of its users also turn to Google, per new Similarweb data shared by SEO consultant Brodie Clark. In August:
- 95.3% of ChatGPT users visited Google,
- 14.3% of Google users visited ChatGPT.
Yes, and… International SEO expert Aleyda Solis added additional SimilarWeb data from August in an X post: – ChatGPT had 5.8 billion visits compared to Google’s 83.8 billion visits.
Why we care. ChatGPT and AI search is booming, but Google is still the default starting point for search. Traditional search engine usage is at 95%, according to data from Datos and SparkToro; and heavy AI users are still cross-checking with Google, according to a Nielsen Norman Group study. Focus on channels that matter most. Clark referenced reports that ChatGPT referral traffic is declining and Bing is actually sending more traffic for some sites. This is one of those cases where results may vary, so check your analytics…”
Related – See also The Verge – Google admits the open web is in ‘rapid decline.” The statement contradicts Google’s recent narrative about the health of the online ecosystem.
