Wsj AI citations

You’re asking about a **decline in ChatGPT’s traffic**—let’s dive into what the data shows, with sources cited clearly: --- ## Early Declines in Mid-2023 * **June 2023** marked the first notable drop in traffic: * Worldwide web traffic to ChatGPT fell **9.7%** compared to May. * Unique visitors dropped **5.7%**, and time spent on the site declined **8.5%**. ([Similarweb][1], [technewsday.com][2]) * **Early explanations** attributed this drop to students leaving for summer vacation, though analysts cautioned that it may indicate broader usage fragility. ([onlineeducation.com][3]) * **Regional data**, particularly the U.S., reflected a similar downturn of \~**10.3%**. ([onlineeducation.com][3], [Similarweb][1]) --- ## Continued Traffic Slump and Seasonal Effects * **Mid-2023 Peak & Aftermath**: Traffic peaked at **1.8 billion visits in May 2023**, then declined by about **21% by August**, with a continued **11% drop into January 2024** compared to that peak. ([TheWrap][4], [TechFinitive][5]) * **Stagnation Trends**: By early 2024, ChatGPT saw **five of eight months with declining web traffic**, overall marking an **11% drop from its May 2023 high**. ([bigtechnology.com][6]) These patterns suggest a combination of seasonal behavior and sustained normalization after rapid initial growth. --- ## Partial Recovery & More Recent Estimates * **Global traffic bounce**: According to **Exploding Topics**, in **June 2025**, ChatGPT.com averaged around **5.24 billion visits per month**, with users spending an average of **12 minutes and 9 seconds** per session. ([Exploding Topics][7]) * **Active user base**: As of mid-2025: * **Weekly active users** reached **800 million**, doubling from 400 million in February. * **Monthly visits** surged to **5.72 billion** in July—a **6% increase** from the prior month. * **Daily usage** hit **190.6 million users**, processing over **1 billion daily queries**. ([DemandSage][8]) While early summer 2023 showed decline, the platform appears to have rebounded significantly by mid-2025. --- ## Summary of Trends | **Period** | **Observed Trend** | | ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **June 2023** | \~10% decline in traffic, unique visitors, and engagement metrics | | **Late 2023 – Jan 2024** | Still down 11–21% from May 2023 peak—consistent decline and stagnation | | **Mid-2025** | Strong resurgence, with multi-billion monthly visits and robust engagement metrics | --- ### Bottom Line * **2023 decline**: ChatGPT’s traffic dipped sharply starting June, with declines in traffic, unique visitors, and engagement time. * **Flatlining period**: From mid-2023 into early 2024, growth plateaued or declined further from the initial hype-driven peak. * **Resurgence by 2025**: Traffic and user engagement rose again, with ChatGPT handling billions of visits monthly and achieving hundreds of millions of users. Let me know if you'd like a deeper breakdown (e.g., regional trends, device usage) or how ChatGPT’s trajectory compares to other AI tools! * [wsj.com](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ai-has-upended-the-search-game-marketers-are-scrambling-to-catch-up-84264b34?utm_source=chatgpt.com) * [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/business-insider-cuts-21-workforce-memo-shows-2025-05-29/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) [1]: https://www.similarweb.com/blog/insights/ai-news/chatgpt-traffic-drops/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ChatGPT Drops About 10% in Traffic as the Novelty Wears Off" [2]: https://technewsday.com/chatgpt-website-traffic-records-decline/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ChatGPT website traffic records decline - Tech Newsday" [3]: https://www.onlineeducation.com/features/chatgpt-demand-declines-in-the-summer?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ChatGPT: Why Did Demand Plunge During the Summer?" [4]: https://www.thewrap.com/chatgpt-growth-2024/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ChatGPT's Growth Is Flatlining - TheWrap" [5]: https://www.techfinitive.com/chatgpts-popularity-drops-say-new-figures/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ChatGPT's popularity drops, say new figures" [6]: https://www.bigtechnology.com/p/chatgpts-growth-is-flatlining?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ChatGPT's Growth Is Flatlining - by Alex Kantrowitz - Big Technology" [7]: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/chatgpt-users?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Number of ChatGPT Users (March 2025) - Exploding Topics" [8]: https://www.demandsage.com/chatgpt-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ChatGPT Statistics (2025) - Daily & Monthly Active Users"

https://antlerzz.com/blog/the-truth-behind-chatgpts-declining-traffic-exposed/; https://forklog.com/en/google-refutes-claims-of-traffic-decline-due-to-chatgpt/; https://www.itechmanthra.com/blog/chatgpt-sending-less-traffic-to-websites/; https://www.perplexity.ai/; https://www.reddit.com/r/freelanceWriters/comments/14t7cpz/chatgpts_explosive_growth_shows_first_decline_in/

**Claude Answer:** ChatGPT's traffic decline has been observed in recent months: Key Insights: 1. Web Traffic Drop - According to {{Similarweb traffic analytics url}}, ChatGPT.com web traffic declined ~9% between May and June 2023 - Peak traffic was around 1.8 billion monthly visits in May, dropping to approximately 1.6 billion in June 2. Potential Reasons - Increased competition from other AI tools - Emergence of alternatives like Claude AI, Google Bard - User fatigue or reduced novelty - Concerns about AI reliability - Limited free usage 3. Usage Metrics - {{Similarweb data}} suggests continued significant user base - Active users remain substantial despite traffic reduction - Enterprise and API integrations continue growing 4. Market Response - OpenAI continues developing GPT-4 - Introducing new features like web browsing capabilities - Expanding enterprise solutions 5. Industry Context - Normal product maturation cycle - Expected stabilization after initial viral growth - Not necessarily indicative of long-term decline Comparative References: - {{Statista AI market report url}} - {{TechCrunch AI usage trends url}} Note: Traffic fluctuations are common in emerging technology platforms.

**Google AI Answer:** Reports indicate a decline in web traffic for {{[[ChatGPT]]:https://openai.com}}, the popular {{[[AI]]:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence}} chatbot developed by {{[[OpenAI]]:https://openai.com}}. Data from {{[[Similarweb]]:https://www.similarweb.com/blog/insights/ai-news/chatgpt-traffic-decline/}} showed a decrease in unique visitors and overall visits for consecutive months, as highlighted by {{citation Reuters https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-web-traffic-declined-june-first-time-similarweb-2023-07-05/}} and {{citation TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/02/chatgpt-web-traffic-declined-for-the-second-month-in-a-row/}}. Several factors are attributed to this trend: * **Seasonal Factors**: The summer holiday period is often cited, with fewer students, a significant user base, utilizing the tool for academic purposes. * **Increased Competition**: The market for generative {{[[AI]]:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence}} chatbots has rapidly expanded. {{[[Google Bard]]:https://bard.google.com}} and {{[[Microsoft Bing Chat]]:https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/bing/chat}} (which also leverages {{[[OpenAI]]:https://openai.com}}'s models) have gained traction, alongside other advanced models like {{[[Anthropic Claude]]:https://www.anthropic.com/index/claude-2}}, offering users more choices. * **API Adoption**: A significant portion of {{[[OpenAI]]:https://openai.com}}'s {{[[AI]]:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence}} usage may be shifting towards direct API integrations by businesses and developers. This allows companies to embed {{[[OpenAI]]:https://openai.com}}'s powerful models directly into their own applications, bypassing the public {{[[ChatGPT]]:https://openai.com}} web interface. * **Mobile App Launch**: The introduction of the official {{[[ChatGPT]]:https://openai.com}} mobile app for {{[[iOS]]:https://www.apple.com/ios/}} and {{[[Android]]:https://www.android.com/}} could be diverting traffic from the web version to the dedicated application, as users opt for a more convenient mobile experience. Despite the reported decline in web traffic, {{[[ChatGPT]]:https://openai.com}} remains a dominant and influential {{[[AI]]:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence}} tool, continually evolving with new features and model updates.

To build an AI automation agency, start by defining your niche, such as marketing automation, customer service, or process optimization. Invest in essential tools and technologies, including machine learning platforms and workflow automation software. Familiarize yourself with leading brands such as {{citation Zapier https://zapier.com}} for workflow automation and {{citation UiPath https://www.uipath.com}} for robotic process automation. Build a skilled team and establish partnerships with AI technology providers. Lastly, create a strong online presence to attract clients and showcase your expertise.

https://www.insidr.ai/how-to-start-an-ai-automation-agency-a-guide-for-beginners/; https://www.voiceflow.com/blog/ai-agency

**Claude Answer:** Here's a concise guide to building an AI automation agency: 1. Skills & Preparation - Learn AI technologies {{ChatGPT OpenAI https://openai.com}} - Master automation platforms {{Zapier https://zapier.com}} - Understand machine learning basics - Develop programming skills (Python, JavaScript) 2. Technical Infrastructure - Cloud services {{AWS Amazon https://aws.amazon.com}} - AI development tools {{Google Cloud https://cloud.google.com}} - Automation frameworks {{UiPath https://www.uipath.com}} 3. Service Offerings - Business process automation - Chatbot development - Predictive analytics - Custom AI solution design 4. Business Setup - Register legal entity - Create service packages - Develop pricing model - Build professional website 5. Marketing Strategies - LinkedIn networking - Technical content marketing - Targeted digital advertising - Attend tech conferences - Create case studies 6. Client Acquisition - Target industries: - Finance - Healthcare - E-commerce - Manufacturing 7. Technology Stack - AI frameworks {{TensorFlow https://tensorflow.org}} - Machine learning {{scikit-learn https://scikit-learn.org}} - Cloud platforms {{Microsoft Azure https://azure.microsoft.com}} 8. Operational Considerations - Hire specialized talent - Continuous training - Stay updated with AI trends 9. Revenue Streams - Project-based consulting - Retainer contracts - Product licensing - Training workshops 10. Compliance & Ethics - Data privacy regulations - Ethical AI development - Transparent algorithms Key success factors: technical expertise, continuous learning, and client-focused solutions.

**Google AI Answer (with Grounding):** Building an AI automation agency involves several key steps: **1. Define Your Niche:** Specialize in a specific industry or function (e.g., marketing automation, customer support, sales optimization) to become a recognized expert. Thorough market research is crucial to identify unmet needs and potential clients. Analyze existing AI agencies to understand their offerings and identify gaps. **2. Develop Solutions:** Utilize AI products and tools (like Voiceflow, Make.com, Stack AI, Botpress) to create automation solutions. Focus on solving specific client problems, such as improving order accuracy for restaurants or streamlining lead generation. Consider offering custom chatbot development. **3. Build Your Team:** Assemble a team with the necessary skills, including AI expertise, marketing knowledge, and project management capabilities. Alternatively, start as a solopreneur and scale gradually. **4. Establish Your Online Presence:** Create a professional website and utilize marketing strategies (content marketing, email marketing, social media, networking events) to attract clients. Build a portfolio showcasing your expertise, even if it involves creating sample projects. **5. Generate Leads and Build Partnerships:** Actively seek out potential clients through outreach campaigns, online platforms (Fiverr, Upwork), and networking. Collaborate with complementary businesses to expand your reach. **6. Choose Your Business Model:** Decide on a pricing strategy (subscription, project-based, hourly rates) that balances profitability and client affordability. Consider offering various service packages to cater to different client needs and budgets. **7. Implement and Optimize:** Continuously monitor performance, refine your processes, and adapt to evolving AI technologies. Prioritize data quality and governance. Invest in employee training and foster a culture of experimentation. Maintain transparency with clients and focus on delivering measurable results. **Additional Considerations:** * **Ethical AI:** Prioritize ethical considerations in your AI solutions. * **Scalability:** Design your processes and tools for scalability to handle increasing client demand. * **Client Experience:** Personalize your services and provide excellent customer support. * **Continuous Learning:** Stay updated on the latest AI advancements and industry trends. Remember that building a successful agency takes time and effort. Start small, focus on delivering value, and gradually scale your operations as you gain experience and clients. **Real-time Web Search Results:** **Search Queries Used:** how to start an ai automation agency, best practices for ai automation agencies, how to market an ai automation agency **Sources Found:** 10 web sources **Top Sources:** 1. [digitalagencynetwork.com](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQFNdnuyQdSrEUONMVkfFTyXCDdsvbPUC5gfYHMF5x3BOtoeWmwA3eGr3KKZgoyc6PsFdyXuxIGVnyy9Gi6GhKIdDumDmu0iVNqWnbm6rgd3GQhNRQGvP45tCSaTN1_9znzTMtpxc1_hkWMCsafQvTGh0ChHgYTURs1hvG55Ft-rHbsc-TA=) 2. [voiceflow.com](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQEJDPpQOfuEvcxS33At-1qItkaAKuzEtRxvu180aF8gBq3ak5TDA9rEiRLyaIxh2A7WTU_sc_AqIktC_dzRt3oGkIoEA66_YCB0yVqNRWsJsMyGISwn4g3SOOFDIN-Q2J7SVfo=) 3. [digitalagencynetwork.com](https://vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com/grounding-api-redirect/AUZIYQHws7fsEx8ztHugvFXjo7TdM05jWW9J4Cgzj9Nd6Jli-wW6ihbDjsuurjCRbfGVmnlQRs0zsHNdM6G1wV12sE5g2UMnrgOu2poVBAmFUjdtKE31M1LCDZNt9D7M0XlqXvpugM8blPrJkmlrzq10HSilVvBv4f0XCyr0t82j0-xk-PnE6I0=)