TL;DR: Why Review Platforms Are Losing Traffic But Winning in AI Citations
Review platforms like G2, Gartner Peer Insights, and Capterra have seen a traffic drop of up to 90% over two years due to AI Overviews reducing organic clicks. Despite this, they dominate AI citations because their structured and authoritative content is highly preferred by generative AI.
- Generative AI's Role: AI tools include review site data in summaries, reducing direct traffic.
- Business Impact: Organic clicks drop; businesses must rethink traditional SEO.
- Adaptation Tips: Focus on appearing in AI citations, prioritizing structured data, and engaging in platforms like YouTube and Reddit highlighted in guides like "How to Win AI Citations".
Call to Action: Shift attention from clicks to becoming an AI-referenced authority and explore SEO strategies for the AI era with tested tips for 2026.
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Review Platforms Lost 90% of Traffic Over the Past 2 Years, Yet They Top AI Overview Citations for Commercial Queries
As AI progressively reshapes search behavior, businesses relying on organic search traffic are feeling the pinch especially hard. Over the last two years, data shows that review platforms, such as G2, Gartner Peer Insights, and Capterra, have lost up to 90% of their organic traffic. But interestingly, despite this catastrophic decline, such platforms remain at the forefront of AI Overview citations for commercial search queries.
In this article, I, Violetta Bonenkamp, a serial entrepreneur operating at the intersection of AI tools, edtech, and deeptech, will break down what’s going on here. Why are these platforms still so heavily cited by generative AI systems despite hemorrhaging visitors? And more importantly, as a business owner or startup founder, what does this mean for how you should approach SEO, visibility, and AI-tailored content strategies in 2026? Let’s dive in with a deep analysis of the situation and actionable insights to help you adapt and thrive.
How Did Review Platforms Lose 90% of Their Organic Traffic?
Between 2024 and the end of 2025, review platforms experienced traffic plunges that no one could have predicted. For instance, G2 saw their visits decrease from 2.56 million to just 397,000, a staggering 84.5% loss. Similarly, Capterra faced an even harsher drop, going from 1.63 million to 179,000 visits, a decline of 89%. The trend wasn’t isolated: TrustRadius revenue plummeted by 92.2%, Software Advice by 86.5%, and Gartner Peer Insights by 76.5%.
Why? A critical driver has been the rise of zero-click searches and AI Overviews. AI-generated results now dominate the upper sections of search engine result pages (SERPs), often answering user queries directly without requiring them to click through. For informational or commercial queries, Google, ChatGPT, and other tools generate summaries pulling data from platforms, like review sites, but provide no compelling need for users to visit those sources. As fewer users scroll down or explore beyond their immediate questions, organic click-through rates have been decimated.
In numbers, AI Overviews have been shown to reduce organic clicks by up to 58% overall. Forbes and independent research confirm this traffic siphoning effect on key informational and transaction-intent searches.
Why Are Review Platforms Still Cited by AI Overviews?
Here’s the paradox: while user clicks on review platforms are in sharp decline, these same platforms consistently dominate AI-generated citations on leading platforms like Google’s AI Overviews and ChatGPT. To put it into perspective, approximately 34.5% of all AI Overview citations for commercial queries mention at least one review platform. What’s more, the top five, Gartner Peer Insights, G2, Capterra, Software Advice, and TrustRadius, command 88% of all review platform references in AI Overviews despite their declining user traffic.
This dominance is rooted in how large language models (LLMs) operate. AI systems rely on structured, authoritative data to provide answers to user queries. Platforms like G2 and Capterra are treasure troves of well-structured content, offering detailed comparisons, user reviews, product evaluations, and pricing insights. Simply put, their databases are ideal for AI to extract concise, reliable summaries.
As I like to say, “If content can’t be easily processed by an AI, it’s as if it doesn’t exist in the new world of AI-led search.” And these highly ranked review platforms mastered structured data long before generative AI became mainstream. Their losses, ironically, come precisely because their content is so well-suited for machines to use as references without returning them the organic clicks they once owned.
Lessons for Startup Founders: Competing in an AI World
- Focus on earning citations: In the age of AI Overviews, your goal isn’t just about ranking #1 anymore. It’s about being the source cited in AI-generated answers. This could mean investing more time into precision, data-backed content and forging relationships with review platforms or directories.
- Prioritize structured content: Platforms like G2 thrive because of their organized, well-tagged reviews and specific fields (pricing, comparisons, etc.). Optimize your website’s schema and provide clear data points to be AI-ready.
- Experiment with AI-specific visibility strategies: If AI systems like ChatGPT or Bard are referencing sources like Reddit or Wikipedia more than your platform, figure out ways to increase your mentions and links by creating deeper, more quotable, and verifiable content.
- Shift your KPIs: With CTR drops of up to 65%+ on top positions in AI-enhanced results, look beyond traffic to gauge success. Brand equity, direct type-in traffic, and customer acquisition via word-of-mouth must play bigger roles in your strategic planning.
As someone who firmly believes in using no-code and AI tools as foundational to any early-stage founder’s strategy, I think it is critical to emphasize the importance of structuring your data. If your product offers valuable insights, make them easy to read, scan, and link. AI won’t tolerate ambiguity or poor formatting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with AI Search Dominance
- Not tracking your AI citations: Platforms like SE Ranking’s AI Tracker can help monitor whether your content is being referenced in AI Overviews.
- Outdated SEO approaches: Stop prioritizing search rank alone. Instead, track referral traffic, mentions, and conversions originating from AI-tailored sources.
- Overlooking platforms like Reddit or YouTube: Social and community content sources are increasingly cited by AI systems. Being active where these conversations happen is as crucial as earning spots on traditional review sites.
- Ignoring the quality of your structured data: Without robust schema mechanisms, you are missing out on opportunities for algorithms to include your data within AI Overviews.
We’re living in what I call the “gamified SEO economy,” where the old rules are broken beyond repair. Being reactive isn’t enough, it’s time to tailor your systems to the machine’s preferences proactively.
How Can You Optimize for AI Visibility? A Playbook
- Invest in structured content: Make sure your landing pages include structured data with FAQ, article, or product schemas.
- Partner with review platforms: Even if your goal isn’t to maximize traffic, being prominently featured on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Software Advice positions your products as trusted. Research their partner programs.
- Dominate niche forums and communities: Platforms like Reddit are heavily referenced by AI. Create valuable, insight-filled posts in relevant subreddit communities.
- Track AI algorithm behavior: Monitor which queries surface AI Overviews and how your competition is cited. Reverse-engineer best practices for citation visibility.
- Rewrite outdated content: Refresh older articles and resources so that they align with the sharper search behaviors of AI functioning on accuracy and conciseness.
Remember, as a founder, knowing where conversations about your brand are happening is only part of the puzzle. You must remain adaptive, especially in areas that directly affect customer discovery, even if it means rethinking everything you know about digital visibility.
What Entrepreneurs Should Take Away
The rise of AI Overviews means there’s a new priority for businesses: becoming an AI-cited authority. The winners in 2026 will be the brands that focus on structured, reliable, and quotable content that AI trusts enough to reference directly. In a landscape where organic traffic from traditional SERPs is disappearing, the focus must now evolve from pure traffic to building brand awareness, trust, and citation worthiness.
As someone who’s worked on multiple businesses ranging from IP protection platforms to game-based entrepreneurship education, one lesson is clear: the rules that worked yesterday won’t apply tomorrow. Generative AI is reshaping what digital success looks like.
What’s your strategy to secure your spot in AI Overviews? Start optimizing your business for this new reality. Build authority. Create AI-ready formats. Track your citations. And most importantly, don’t waste time fighting yesterday’s battles. The future of customer discovery is different, and it’s already here.
FAQ on AI Overview Citations and Review Platforms
Why have review platforms lost up to 90% of their traffic but remain cited in AI Overviews?
AI Overviews rely on structured and authoritative data, which platforms like G2 and Capterra excel at providing. They are ideal sources for AI-generated summaries despite fewer user clicks. Discover how AI SEO impacts organic traffic in 2026.
How can startups mitigate traffic loss caused by AI Overviews?
Startups should optimize their content for AI citations. This involves using structured data, creating precise and quotable insights, and forming connections with high-visibility platforms. Learn tested tips to combat AI Overviews traffic loss.
Why don’t user queries result in clicks on cited review platforms?
AI Overviews provide direct answers, reducing the need to click through to source links. Platforms like Gartner Peer Insights are cited frequently but don’t receive as much referral traffic. Explore lessons from AI SERP changes.
Which platforms dominate AI citations?
Review platforms such as Gartner Peer Insights, G2, Capterra, Software Advice, and TrustRadius account for 88% of review platform references in AI-generated answers. This dominance is due to their well-structured and detailed data. Learn how to win AI citations.
What type of content is most likely to get cited by AI systems?
Content that includes organized schema, robust structure, and quotable statistics is favored by AI. Websites offering comparisons, reviews, and clear pricing details stand out. Optimize Reddit SEO and visibility for AI referencing.
Should startups shift from focusing on organic rankings to citations?
Yes, earning AI citations is now as crucial as ranking #1 in search results. AI citations enhance exposure, influencing purchasing decisions despite traffic declines. Use AI-driven SEO strategies for startups.
How can startups improve brand visibility in AI-led search?
Optimize structured content, partner with key review platforms, and participate actively in forums like Reddit and YouTube, both heavily referenced by AI systems. Explore best practices for winning AI citations.
What is the role of community platforms like Reddit in AI citations?
Platforms like Reddit are increasingly referenced by AI for their authentic user-driven discussions. Engaging in subreddit communities enhances citation opportunities. Discover tips for Reddit SEO and visibility.
How should startups measure success beyond traffic metrics?
Metrics like Share of Search (SoS), brand equity tracking, and AI system mentions should be prioritized over traditional click-through rates to understand visibility and impact. Learn why SoS matters over traffic.
What mistakes should startups avoid when optimizing for AI visibility?
Avoid outdated SEO solely focused on rankings. Ensure structured data, monitor AI citations, and engage where AI references occur, such as YouTube or Reddit. Learn actionable steps to adapt to AI-driven search.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
