Tags: traffic

A recent study by SEO firm SE Ranking found that Google’s AI‑driven search tool, AI Mode, heavily favors internal links, sending users back to Google Search and YouTube more often than to third‑party sites. The analysis shows a threefold rise in self‑citations, with roughly half of all links in entertainment and travel queries pointing to Google. Publishers argue the practice reduces traffic to their sites, while Google maintains the links are meant to help users explore related questions. Industry experts see the trend as part of a broader shift toward “zero‑click” search experiences. Read more

Google has woven its Gemini AI directly into Maps, replacing the old Assistant button with a new Gemini button. Users can ask the app for coffee shops, scenic lunch spots, traffic updates and alternative routes, all in conversational language. The AI draws on Maps’ business listings, reviews, images and real‑time traffic data to provide context‑aware suggestions that adapt as you move. While the system occasionally adds a few seconds of latency, it delivers more nuanced, multi‑criteria recommendations than traditional map searches, making navigation feel more natural and proactive. Read more