AI is sending more traffic. That doesn’t mean it’s sending buyers. Early data is
By Will Haire · April 25, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
AI is sending more traffic.
That doesn’t mean it’s sending buyers.
Early data is coming in, and it’s inconsistent.
Yes, AI-driven discovery is real.
Yes, traffic is growing.
But…
• Conversion is uneven
• Intent is unclear
• Attribution is messy
→ The mistake to avoid:
Treating AI traffic like a core acquisition channel.
⤷ It’s not there yet.
Shifting budget too early = trading efficiency for curiosity.
Traffic is easy.
⤷ Qualified traffic is not.
→ What’s not changing:
Revenue still comes from:
• Strong product-market fit
• Clear positioning
• Proven channels (Amazon, Google, Meta)
→ Bottom line:
AI traffic is additive, not foundational.
Operators shouldn't ignore it.
But they also shouldn’t depend on it—yet.