Travel blogging seems to be in its twilight years according to social media chatter. Bloggers are talking about declining traffic, blaming AI for ‘stealing’ content without giving them credit, and cursing Google for its ever changing algorithms. But maybe travel blogging is not actually about to take its last breath. Or is this just the next stage in its evolution? I am betting on the latter as the travel content creation space is ripe for disruption.
“In the last year (2024), I have lost roughly 40% of the traffic on this site alone. My ad income (which is the main way I earn money) is down 34% year over year (though a couple months ago, it was down 42% year over year).”
What’s Really Happening?
Now let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: AI tools like ChatGPT are demonstratively fast, efficient, and can produce content that is (almost) as good as human. They even learn from existing content on the web, including travel blogs – which of course feels like a violation. Mix Google’s constantly changing algorithm into this, favoring big platform blanket “helpful content” and it is no wonder content creators are feeling pinched – traffic dips are real, ad income is falling, and competition gets fiercer by the day. But to attribute this to AI and algorithms alone? That’s a partial story only.
Myths and Misconceptions
Before jumping to conclusions, let me try to separate fact from fiction:
Fiction: AI will take over human content creation.
While AI may learn from our material, it does not silence our voices; it echoes them. And it surely cannot reproduce the personal tales, intense emotional outbursts, and fresh perspectives that make our content unique.
Fact: Google is updating.
Changes to search algorithms are especially tough on small content creators. When your hard-won content fails to find the right audience, fails to keep them hooked on your every word – how can you not feel frustrated by these changes? Is Google intentionally attacking travel bloggers and content creators? I have no solid evidence to offer; it’s pure conjecture. But the aftermath is undeniable, brutal decline in traffic and revenue.
Opportunities Amid the Chaos
First of all, just let me say, I’m a born optimist. I believe the doom and gloom atmosphere caused by AI and Google’s algorithms will actually pass, and maybe there’s an opportunity for us in all of this.
AI as your Personal Assistant, not your Opponent
Will an AI tool like ChatGPT become your best helper? If you want a content outline, it will give you one. If headlines are difficult, then give it a key phrase and get multiple options in a matter of seconds to choose from – but, you’ve got to train them properly. By using these tools, you may focus on what AI cannot give us: your personal style, profound insight and unique narratives. Some people might think that I’m being naive about it all. Only time will tell.
Diversify Platforms
Do not rely solely on Google for traffic. Instead, invest in social media, email newsletters and platforms like Threads to build a loyal following. If your content is engaging and authentic, people will follow.
Niche Down
If in a world otherwise flooded with bland content, you write your heart out, will anyone listen? Although AI – at least for now – can make up articles like “The Top 10 Beaches in Bali,” will it tell the tale of when you lost your passport in Zanzibar and made friends with a local fisherman?
Video and audio focus
Blogs are good, but both podcasts and videos have seen spectacular growth. More difficult for AI to reproduce, they allow you to communicate with your audience on an entirely different level. So will AI produce podcasts in the future? The answer is probably yes. Recently, I have been trying out Google NotebookLM and it’s quite remarkable!
Conclusion
The reality is that the travel blogging space is changing, but it will not disappear altogether. It will be those bloggers who adapt, innovate and take advantage of their tools who survive. AI does not pose a threat. It is a tool! And like any tool, it’s only as good as the person using it.
I am hoping we don’t mourn the past or play victims. Instead, let’s focus on what we can control. Experiment with AI, double down on creativity, and never forget that our voice is our superpower. Let’s embrace the change and invest in the possibilities, even if the possibilities don’t exist today or we can’t comprehend what will be. Let’s not become Blockbuster!
The road ahead might be bumpy, but isn’t that what makes the journey worthwhile?
