I know this was a month ago but, a month later I'm wondering of the aftereffects of this. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/google-ai-hurting-your-traffic-catherine-maley-mba-bmjzf
A look at what has been going on, part of the link summed up as.
Google is set to roll out its search generative experience (SGE). This will cause an enormous shift in SEO and content marketing, forcing you to change your approach if you want to be found in the search rankings. Basically, standard information and keyword-based content will no longer drive traffic as before. Instead, Googles automated Artificial Intelligence (AI) will provide most of the information for most search queries directly, thereby bypassing your website. That means youll need to be more thoughtful and creative in your marketing strategies to get found organically to drive traffic to your website. PRIMARY CHALLENGES WITH GOOGLE AND AI AI has shaken up the marketing landscape in all industries. Although it will open up more opportunities down the line, it poses challenges as we learn and adapt to it. Here are three key challenges to be aware of over the next one to three years. Competition The introduction of Google SGE means you now have an even stiffer competition to deal with. Since youre now vying for authority with Google and competitors, you must adapt to the changing landscape. Uncertain Economy In June 2022, the inflation rates in the United States increased by over 9%. Although inflation has slowed in 2023, the economy is now in a state of uncertainty and that affects our industry greatly, so you must market optimally to stand out. Less Data Changes in privacy laws and cookie policies mean that we now have less quality data than in previous years. Therefore, youll have to operate on your own intuition to provide the quality content that your audience is looking for. HOW DO YOU COMPETE WITH GOOGLE? If youre used to creating content on topics like, Whats the downtime for a breast lift?, you wont drive the same levels of traffic as you used to. Customers will find short answers to queries like this through Googles AI. For the most part, theyll have no reason to click on your articles or blog posts since google gave them the answer within seconds of their query. So, one of the priorities for plastic surgeon marketing strategies should be a focus on your unique content. Its crucial to ensure its not made redundant by Google and SGE. Think of it this way.if AI can pull the answer itself, its not unique enough. Here are content strategies to help you reinvent your content to compete with google and AI:
Personality-Driven Content One of the negative aspects of AI is that it has led to an abundance of lazy, low-value articles, in all industries. However, Google doesnt reward websites that produce obvious AI-based content. Instead, it grants authority to valuable, first-person, and personality-driven material. Come up with ways you can assert yourself as an influencer, thought leader or trusted resource to consumers looking for plastic surgery. This means creating content that appeals to consumers and using specific case studies and patient stories as examples that AI cant replicate.
Interactive Content Cosmetic prospective patients in research mode, are open to learning. They are curious about procedures and if they are a good candidate. They are hungry for specific information about them. You can target this audience with customized quizzes, checklists, cost calculators, and treatment guides. This type of content requires professional expertise that only you can provide. It also provides valuable information for you to determine if this is a good quality prospective patient to pursue.
Better User Experience with Videos The modern consumer expects seamless experiences on websites and easy-to-consume information. You can differentiate your content through rich imagery and videos, since they are the most effective way to relay your message. Actually, social videos get 1,200% more shares than written content and images combined. Dont be shy. Its more important than ever for you to create content with YOU in it. AI cannot compete with your uniqueness.
Social Proof/Influencer Content Unique content includes your patients reviews, photos and video testimonials. Again, AI cannot replicate it so make this a priority. Examples would be to do nose reveal videos for rhino, Q&A video testimonials with you asking your patients about their experience, and ask patients to allow you to show off their great results in their before/after photos. This includes influencer marketing to add to your plastic surgeon marketing plan. Its smart to work with local influencers who have a great following and are willing to sing your praises. Just be sure you get your agreement in writing so both you and the influencer are very clear what they will do for you and what you will do for them. You cannot afford any communication issues down the road that could backfire on you, so choose carefully.
MOVING ON FROM PAID ADVERTISING Strategies like google adwords/pay-per-click (PPC) are still relevant but very expensive, so you may want to avoid spending your entire marketing budget on these dated trends.
SO...the point is...is Google trying to outright just rule the Internet and make it so that only those they approve will be allowed to do well?