AI Is Killing the Traditional Web, But Not How You Think

In partnership with

Everyone's panicking about AI destroying search. Google stock drops 7% because Apple hints at AI replacing traditional search. SEO professionals are scrambling for new jobs. Agency directors can't close deals anymore.

But here's what's really happening. The web isn't dying because of AI. It's dying because platforms figured out the ultimate business strategy: never let users leave.

Think about your behavior from two years ago versus today. When you needed an answer, you Googled it. When you wanted to buy something, you went to a website. When you needed inspiration, you browsed different sites.

Now? You ask ChatGPT complex questions instead of typing three keywords into Google. You buy directly on Instagram without visiting a single external website. You discover products through TikTok videos that keep you scrolling for hours.

The traditional web model was simple: create great content, get people to visit your site, convert them there. Platforms have flipped this completely.

They're building mini-economies where everything happens without users ever leaving.

YouTube reported $24 million in commerce sales on their platform. Instagram lets you shop, communicate with businesses, and hire services. Facebook has become a complete marketplace.

Practical AI for Business Leaders

The AI Report is the #1 daily read for professionals who want to lead with AI, not get left behind.

You’ll get clear, jargon-free insights you can apply across your business—without needing to be technical.

400,000+ leaders are already subscribed.

👉 Join now and work smarter with AI.

Stay ahead. Stay informed.

They're copying the Asian "super app" model where one platform handles everything. Meanwhile, AI agents are starting to make decisions for us. Instead of researching hosting providers, comparing features, and reading reviews across multiple sites, an AI agent will just pick one for you based on your requirements.

Website traffic is declining for the first time in 22 years according to Apple. But Google's daily searches increased from 8.5 billion to 13.7 billion. People are searching more, but differently.

They're typing full sentences and complex questions into AI tools instead of simple keywords into search engines. This creates a massive opportunity for those willing to adapt.

When marketing gets harder, it rewards the people who evolve faster. While traditional SEO experts complain about algorithm changes, smart marketers are learning how to optimize for AI search, create platform-native content, and build direct relationships with customers.

The companies thriving right now aren't trying to get people to their websites. They're meeting customers where they already are. They're giving away premium features for free because customer acquisition costs through traditional channels have skyrocketed.

Software is cheaper to build than ever. Cloud costs keep dropping. AI handles design, coding, and customer support. The barrier to entry is lower, but the barrier to attention is higher. The middle is disappearing everywhere.

Average performers get replaced by AI. Exceptional performers make more money than ever. There are no lukewarm successes anymore.

The traditional web business model isn't dead. It's just not the only game in town anymore. Those who adapt fastest will own the next decade.