Google Took 58% from Us

58% of clicks gone. Just like that.

That’s the gut punch Jim Carter opens with in this episode of The Prompt, and it sets the tone fast: if a business still depends on Google sending traffic the old way, the ground has already shifted.

Jim walks through what’s happening with Google’s AI Overviews and why so many sites are seeing their traffic fall off a cliff. He explains how the old SEO playbook used to be simple: publish useful content, rank near the top, and wait for the clicks. Now Google is answering more questions directly on the search page, which means users often never make it through to the website.

One of the strongest moments in the episode is Jim’s restaurant analogy. For years, people walked past the menu and came inside. Now there’s a kiosk outside the door handing out free samples made from everyone’s food, and people leave feeling full without ever stepping inside. That’s his way of showing what AI Overviews are doing to publishers, bloggers, and service businesses.

He backs it up with hard numbers. Studies from Ahrefs, Seer Interactive, Kevin Indig, and publisher reports all point in the same direction: major click loss, especially for informational searches. He also flags the industries taking the biggest hit, including travel, pets, DIY, mental health, and personal finance.

But Jim doesn’t leave it at doom and gloom. The useful shift here is clear: the goal is no longer just ranking number one. It’s becoming a source the AI cites.

“The old plan of ranking and waiting for clicks is fading. The new plan is building trust, getting cited, and becoming a source AI wants to use.”

For anyone creating content, running a business, or advising clients, this episode is a wake-up call and a practical reset. Listen in, rethink the content strategy, and grab Jim’s free audit plan and Slack community from the show notes if it’s time to build a smarter playbook.

If you’re ready to keep exploring what’s next with AI — not just watching it happen but actually building with it — come hang out in CTRL + ALT + BUILD. It’s where entrepreneurs, creatives, and curious minds are experimenting with real workflows, sharing what’s working, and learning together in real time. You’ll get early access to my experiments, prompts, and behind-the-scenes breakdowns before they hit the feed. Join fellow builders here: https://jimcarter.me/ctrl-alt-build-ai-community/

Looking for Jim's content audit and adaptation playbook? Find it here: https://jimcarter.me/newsletter/google-took-58-percent-from-us