Why I’m Still Blogging – Even If Google’s New AI Might Bury My Posts

Blogging in the Age of AI Overviews

If you’ve used Google lately, you’ve probably noticed something different. Instead of clicking into websites, you’re getting answers straight from the search page thanks to AI Overview. Sounds handy, right?

Maybe it is to the casual browser but for small creators like me, it’s a real kick in the teeth.

Traffic has dropped to my website and new blog. Affiliate links don’t get seen and I have the Analytics to prove it. Product reviews and personal blog posts are being buried under summaries scraped from… well, blogs like mine.

So why am I still writing?

Because I enjoy it. Because it helps me sort through what I’ve learned and keep it for my own future needs as well as sharing it with others. And because maybe - just maybe - the internet will swing back to valuing the people who create original, helpful content over machine-fed summaries.

I’m not betting the farm on it. But I’m building something now that I hope will still be standing when the tide turns again. All fingers and toes crossed for that eventuality!

Check out my other post Blogging for Your Small Business: A Practical Guide for tips and practical suggestions after you finish here!

What I’m Doing Differently Right Now

I’ve always split my time between the workshop and my website. But lately, I’ve flipped that balance; spending more time writing, testing, and rebuilding this blog from the ground up.

Some people might say I’m mad putting down the tools just to chase traffic that’s disappearing… but here’s why I’m doing it anyway:

This blog gives me control, something that’s harder to find when the market is flooded with AI-driven content.

I’m documenting what I know now while it’s fresh. Health tips, product finds, small business stories, Internet topics even if they don’t rank today, they might help someone tomorrow.

I believe in slow burn value. Google might be broken or straying from the path right now, but I believe it won’t stay that way forever. I want to be ready if or when things shift again.

I’m not trying to game the system.

I’m just trying to leave behind something real. I’m just trying to leave a trail of useful content that reflects the things I’ve lived through, worked through, and figured out along the way. We as human beings generally look to the experiences of others before trusting machines governed by software.

Like what you're reading? You can buy me a coffee — sure it’s cheaper than a pint!

Why This Shift Hurts Small Creators

All my Affiliate content which I relied upon to generate a modest small income to supplement my main business when things are quiet is now all but gone. Pushed below AI Overviews which I suspect, few will venture beyond. My words - may be stolen for other purposes in future I fear.

Bigger sites will dominate these Overview results because they have the marketing manpower and budget to push into the system to make sure their content is always front and centre.

I believe that blog creators like me are the canary in the coal mine: if we stop creating, what will Google summarise? I know the internet is a vast resource of information but there's only so much content out there that AI can regurgitate and I'm sure it will eventually run out of fresh results. The well will run dry!

Why I Still Think It’s Worth It

I enjoy this process and that counts for a lot - which is why I'm still ploughing ahead with my blog. I put my words and my experiences into every post and I intend to continue.

Deep down I feel blogging lets me help people and build something lasting. Is that not worth it?

Even if Google doesn't send traffic now, things might change again.

A Message for Google (If Anyone’s Listening)

AI Overviews are slick, but they’re crowding out the very people who generate the original content. I have found myself using Overview and instead of going down the page I refined my search and loaded the Overview again.

I'm conscious of this effect on website traffic yet I did it anyway. What are the chances of someone with lesser experience breaking this new habit? I don't think they will.

If you value new voices, you need to make room for them - not just summarise them.

I’m not asking for a handout, just a fair shake in the listings.

So What Comes Next

Once the heavy lifting on this new Blog is done, I’ll return to the workshop full-time; and write one or two posts a week going forward. I can't afford to hang around while Google returns full circle. I need to support myself and go back to the bread and butter jobs.

The blog will stay, hopefully gaining traction over time and if Google rolls back the current model, I’ll be ready with my authentic and hopefully interesting Blog posts.

Final Thoughts

I’m not saying Google’s changes are all bad, just a little short sighted. But they come with consequences and small business owners, niche writers, and solo bloggers like me are currently paying the price.

Still, I believe it’s worth showing up.

I’ll keep shaping this blog just like I shape wood in the workshop: carefully, honestly, and with something real at the end of it. Whether it drives traffic today or six months from now - I’ll be here.

And if someone from Google ever stumbles across this post? Maybe think about how many people like me quietly stepped back from creating… because there was no longer any room left to be seen.

Thanks for reading,
David

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