Hi, I’m Jone Lee
a Developer. Professional Coder. UI/UX Designer.

Study: ChatGPT & AI Tools Gain Ground In Search Market

AI-driven search tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other language models (LLMs) are redefining how users discover and engage with content online. As this technological shift gains momentum, businesses must adapt to changes in search behavior and capitalize on new opportunities presented by AI-driven traffic. This study explores the growing role of AI tools in search markets, key insights from the latest data, and strategies for leveraging this trend effectively.

The Emergence of AI as a Traffic Source

The integration of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity is changing the dynamics of website traffic. Traditional search engines, while still dominant, face increasing competition from these innovative platforms. A comprehensive study conducted by Previsible reveals:

• ChatGPT and Perplexity account for 37% of all LLM-driven referral traffic.
• Other contenders, such as CoPilot and Gemini, contribute an additional 12-14%.

David Bell, co-founder of Previsible, remarks:

“Google’s long-standing dominance is being challenged by tools like ChatGPT, Claude, CoPilot, and others, which offer quicker, more tailored ways to meet user intent.”

Why Finance Sector Dominates AI-Driven Traffic

A standout finding of the study is the finance sector’s commanding share of LLM referrals. Accounting for a remarkable 84% of traffic from AI tools, finance websites have effectively leveraged integrations with platforms like Perplexity. These partnerships deliver highly specialized and actionable content to users, reflecting the increasing importance of sector-specific collaborations.

Informational Content: Blogs as the Key Driver

When analyzing the types of content benefiting most from LLM referrals, blogs emerge as clear winners. The breakdown of AI-driven referrals underscores this trend:

• Blogs: 77.35% of all referrals.
• Homepage visits: 9.04%.
• News articles: 8.23%.
• Guides: 2.35%.

Conversely, product pages perform poorly in LLM search results. For e-commerce businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Bell explains:

“Informational content is indispensable in the AI-driven era. Businesses must also optimize user journeys and conversions, as product pages are often overlooked by these tools.”

Exponential Growth of AI-Driven Traffic

Although still a small fraction of overall web traffic, LLM-driven referrals are growing at an astonishing pace. Over the last 90 days, the study highlights:

• 900% growth in ChatGPT referrals within the events industry.
• 400%+ growth in ChatGPT traffic for e-commerce and finance sectors.
• Consistent growth across all LLMs, with the exception of CoPilot.

If this upward trajectory persists, AI-driven traffic could constitute 20% of total website visits by the end of the year. Such rapid growth signals a major shift in how businesses must approach digital strategies.

Tools for Monitoring and Optimizing AI Traffic

To help businesses navigate this emerging trend, Previsible has introduced a free Looker Studio dashboard tailored to LLM traffic analysis. Key features include:

1. Traffic Breakdown: Detailed insights into organic vs. LLM-specific sessions.
2. Trend Analysis: Graphical representation of referral growth over time.
3. Landing Page Metrics: Identification of top-performing pages for AI-driven traffic.
4. User Engagement Comparisons: Evaluation of session durations and interactions from LLM visitors versus site averages.

Using these insights, businesses can:

• Assess the impact of LLM referrals on overall traffic.
• Identify which platforms drive the most significant traffic.
• Refine content strategies based on performance data.
• Optimize high-performing pages to maximize engagement and conversions.

Actionable Strategies for Businesses

1. Prioritize High-Quality Informational Content

The dominance of blogs in LLM referrals underscores the importance of well-crafted informational content. Businesses should focus on creating value-driven blog posts, guides, and articles to capture and retain AI-driven traffic. This is especially critical in sectors like finance, where specialized content thrives.

2. Address E-Commerce Challenges

For e-commerce sites, the absence of product pages in AI search results requires a strategic pivot. Companies should:

• Enhance conversion rate optimization (CRO) to ensure that visitors complete desired actions.
• Streamline user experiences to foster repeat engagement.
• Shift focus towards supporting content, such as buying guides or product comparisons.

3. Prepare for Sustained Growth

With LLM traffic set to grow exponentially, businesses need a proactive approach. This includes:

• Regularly updating and refreshing content to remain relevant.
• Investing in analytics tools to track AI-driven traffic trends.
• Monitoring engagement metrics to refine strategies for improving retention and conversions.

Insights and Takeaways

• Finance Sector Leadership: Finance platforms are leading the AI traffic surge, highlighting the benefits of specialized, user-focused content.
• Adapt E-Commerce Strategies: Product pages’ limited visibility in AI tools signals the need for e-commerce players to shift their strategies toward CRO and better user journeys.
• Exponential Growth Ahead: LLM-driven traffic could account for 20% of total web traffic within the next year, making early adoption a competitive advantage.

Final Reflections

AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity represent a fundamental shift in how users interact with content online. Although still in its early stages, the rapid growth of AI-driven traffic presents transformative opportunities for businesses willing to adapt. By embracing data-driven strategies, prioritizing informational content, and continuously optimizing user experiences, companies can position themselves for long-term success in this evolving digital landscape.

3 Passive Income Ideas For Busy Professionals in 2025

The modern professional is busier than ever, with demanding schedules that leave little room for managing side hustles or pursuing additional streams of income. However, the digital age has introduced numerous opportunities to generate passive income – ways to earn money that require minimal ongoing effort once set up. If you’re tech-savvy and looking for ways to supplement your income without sacrificing your valuable time, this blog is for you. Here are three innovative passive income ideas tailored for busy professionals in 2025:

1. Create and Sell Online Courses

The e-learning industry has grown exponentially in the past decade, with platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable making it easier than ever to share your expertise with a global audience. If you have skills or knowledge in areas like coding, data analytics, project management, graphic design, or even niche topics like productivity hacks, you can create an online course and monetize your expertise.

How It Works

Creating an online course requires an upfront investment of time and effort. You’ll need to outline your course structure, create engaging content, and record video lessons. Once your course is live on a platform, it can generate income passively as new learners enroll. These platforms also handle payment processing and marketing, reducing your workload significantly.

Tech Tools to Help You Get Started

• Descript: An AI-powered video and audio editor to simplify course creation.
• ChatGPT: Use AI tools to draft lesson outlines, quizzes, and even course descriptions.
• Canva: Design professional-looking slides and course visuals.

Why This Works in 2025

With the rapid pace of technological advancements, more professionals are seeking online courses to reskill or upskill in areas like machine learning, blockchain development, and cloud computing. The demand for high-quality, focused online education has never been higher. By leveraging this trend, you can create a lasting passive income stream.

2. Invest in Cryptocurrency Staking or Cloud Mining

Cryptocurrency has become one of the most popular passive income opportunities for tech enthusiasts. Unlike traditional trading, which requires constant monitoring, crypto staking and cloud mining are more passive methods to grow your investment over time.

What Is Crypto Staking?

Staking involves locking up your cryptocurrency in a digital wallet to support the operations of a blockchain network. In return, you earn rewards in the form of additional cryptocurrency. Popular cryptocurrencies for staking in 2025 include Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana.

What Is Cloud Mining?

Cloud mining allows individuals to earn cryptocurrencies by renting mining hardware through a service provider. Platforms like Genesis Mining and StormGain take care of the technical aspects, so you don’t need to invest in expensive equipment or deal with the complexities of setting up mining rigs.

Why Crypto Investments Work in 2025

As blockchain technology becomes more integrated into industries like finance, healthcare, and logistics, the value of cryptocurrencies is projected to increase. Additionally, advancements in staking mechanisms and eco-friendly mining solutions have made these methods more accessible and profitable. For busy professionals, crypto staking and cloud mining provide a low-maintenance way to earn consistent rewards.

3. Build and Monetize a Tech Blog or YouTube Channel

Content creation is no longer just a hobby – it’s a lucrative business model for professionals who can share insights about technology trends, gadgets, or software tutorials. By building a blog or YouTube channel, you can create a passive income stream through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships.

How to Get Started

1. Choose a Niche: Focus on topics you’re passionate about, such as AI tools, programming tutorials, or gadget reviews.
2. Create Quality Content: Use tools like Pictory for video editing or AI writing assistants to generate blog posts quickly.
3. Monetize Your Platform: Once you’ve built a following, apply for ad programs like Google AdSense or partner with brands for sponsored content.

Monetization Opportunities

• Ad Revenue: Platforms like YouTube pay creators based on the number of views and ad clicks their videos receive.
• Affiliate Marketing: Promote tech products or services through affiliate programs, earning a commission for every sale made through your referral link.
• Sponsorships: Collaborate with brands to showcase their products in your videos or blog posts.
  

  Tips for Success in Tech-Based Passive Income

  1. Leverage Automation: Use AI-powered tools to streamline your workflow, whether it’s creating content or managing investments.
  2. Start Small: Begin with one passive income stream and scale up as you gain experience.
  3. Stay Updated: Technology evolves rapidly, so staying informed about the latest trends and tools is crucial for success.
  4. Diversify Your Streams: Don’t rely on a single source of income. Combine different methods to maximize your earning potential.

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  Conclusion

  In 2025, technology offers countless ways to generate passive income for busy professionals. Whether you’re sharing knowledge through online courses, investing in cryptocurrency, or creating engaging tech content, the key is to start now and take advantage of the tools and opportunities available. By putting in the effort upfront, you can build sustainable income streams that work for you even when you’re focused on other priorities.

From Freelance Writer To In-House Leader: Meet Aja Frost

HubSpot’s Director of English Growth Aja Frost shares how she built a rewarding SEO career – from being a freelance content writer to becoming an in-house content strategist.

To work freelance or to go in-house? That is the question.

And the question is trickier now more than ever – especially for content marketers.

According to our State of SEO 2022, freelancing is an increasingly attractive path, with almost 45% of freelance and contract respondents earning salaries above $75,000 per year.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the only viable career path for content marketers.

In fact, the future looks bright for in-house professionals as more businesses are finding ways to integrate SEO into broader marketing efforts.

So, which way do you go at the fork in the road?

Gain new insight from this Q&A-style interview with Aja Frost, who started her marketing career as a freelance writer making a monthly income of roughly $6,000.

Now, she’s the Director of English Growth at HubSpot, where she helped its Sales Blog break an 18-month traffic plateau by employing an “organic-first” strategy.

Read on as Frost shares her experience of becoming an in-house content strategist, go-to SEO techniques, and tips for building a rewarding SEO career.

Becoming An In-House Content Strategist

What has it been like transitioning from an established freelance writer to an in-house content strategist?

Aja Frost: “My transition from freelancing to in-house was six years ago, but I remember it was challenging.

I had to relearn a lot of my instincts – for example, your manager and teammates tend to want more frequent/detailed updates than your clients, who typically only care about the high level. I was far less autonomous than I’d been as a freelancer.

In addition, I had to figure out the dynamics of working inside what, at the time, felt like a big organization (~1,700 people). Now that sounds small, as HubSpot has 7,000+ employees.”

What unexpected skill or experience has helped you as a marketing leader and SEO strategist?

AF: “Active listening and observing is probably my most-used skill.

I spend five to six hours per day in meetings, and being able to interpret how someone is feeling, what they’re saying versus what they’re not saying, if they’re convinced or skeptical, etc., is incredibly valuable.

To facilitate this, I make Zoom full-screen, hide my own box so I can’t get distracted by my face, and turn off all notifications.

If I’m in a larger group, I keep scanning faces, so I’m gauging everyone’s reactions. And I consistently repeat back what I’m hearing so I can challenge my assumptions and make sure I’m interpreting clues correctly.”

Go-To Content Tools & Techniques

What is your favorite feature within the HubSpot platform, and why?

AF: “I’m so excited about the free website builder HubSpot launched a few months ago.

It’s actually a drag-and-drop website builder that’s super easy to use (I’ve built a few test sites for fun), and it offers free web hosting and no cost for connecting a custom domain.”

What trends are you seeing in how AI impact keyword research? How do you take and turn these trends into topic-cluster-driven search strategies?

AF: “AI-driven keyword research is helpful as a foundation.

It’s far faster to use a tool to come up with relevant longer-tail keywords than manually dig through the SERPs or even Ahrefs results.

However, nothing beats an SEO’s intuition and expertise for figuring out which keywords belong together in an article and how those articles should be grouped into clusters.”

How does globalization affect your planning for content strategy?

AF: “Content that has traffic and demand potential in multiple markets will be created in English first and then localized into Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and/or Japanese for our regional blogs.

Our localization team is incredible; for every piece of content they localize, they’re translating not just the words and meaning but matching HubSpot’s style and voice to the target audience.

For example, when localizing an English post to German, the team will replace “greatest,” “best in class,” “incredible,” etc. with “it’s good, and it will help you.”

A lot of content is created in-language (meaning the keyword research is done in Spanish, and the content is created in Spanish). This ensures we answer the questions unique to our target market.”

What’s the most effective SEO technique you’d recommend to someone wanting to improve the results they are getting from organic search?

AF: “Focus on quality over quantity. It’s far more effective to publish one well-written, in-depth piece of content with unique insights and original research than 10 higher-level, derivative pieces.

If you’re not getting the results you should be when you look at your keywords’ target MSV (monthly search volume), slow down and spend (way more) time on each post.”

Helping Women Run The SEO World

Any tips for SEO freelancers who have a tough time selling themselves with no past clients under their belts for reference?

AF: “Create samples for hypothetical clients, ask another freelancer if you can do some free keyword research or content creation for them in exchange for training and your name on a project, and make sure your website looks professional and your own content strategy is impeccable.”

What advice do you have for a woman pursuing a career in SEO? For a woman aspiring to a leadership role in the industry?

AF: “Being a woman in the SEO industry and a female leader in tech is getting a lot easier… but it’s still tough!

My support group has been invaluable for helping me vent when I experience sexism, pushing me to take on new challenges, and brainstorming strategies to get more airtime in meetings, get people to take me seriously, and advocate for myself.

I highly, highly recommend building your network of peers (both inside and outside of your company) to call on.”

What empowers you as a strong female leader?

AF: “I’m empowered by the trust and respect I share with my wonderful (or, for German readers, “good”) colleagues and manager. And, of course, the live version of Beyonce’s Formation.”