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On this week's episode of the Niche Pursuits News, Spencer and Jared cover Google's expansion of AI Overviews with Gemini 2.0, Google's roll out of AI Mode, people's dissatisfaction with Google, and DeepSeek’s AI model.
When it comes to their Shiny Object Shenanigans, Spencer shares his Facebook Bonus earnings while Jared reports on his Pinterest-driven food site and a downturn in his Amazon Influencer revenue.
They wrap up with two successful niche sites which prove that simple, engaging tools can drive millions of visitor.
Contents
Watch the Full Episode
They kick things off by discussing Google’s recent announcement about expanding AI Overviews and launching a new AI Mode. Powered by Gemini 2.0, this feature is designed to handle complex queries, including multi-step problems, advanced math, and coding.
Key Takeaways from Google's AI Mode Expansion
- AI Mode’s Functionality: It acts as an interactive search experience, similar to a chatbot, allowing users to refine their queries through follow-up questions.
- Impact on Organic Search: There are concerns about AI-generated answers pushing organic results further down, leading to potential traffic losses for publishers.
- Limited Access for Now: Currently, AI Mode is in beta testing for “power users” through Google’s Search Labs.
- Mixed Reactions: While Sundar Pichai claims AI Overviews are one of Google’s “most popular search features,” critics argue that users have no choice but to engage with them.
The Bigger Picture: Google vs. Publishers
A significant portion of the conversation revolved around how Google treats AI integration differently between its search engine and YouTube. While AI is seemingly taking over Google Search, YouTube remains creator-focused, promoting user-generated content rather than replacing it. This contradiction highlights Google’s struggle to balance innovation with the needs of content creators.
Declining Satisfaction with Google Search
The podcast also covered a recent survey from Vox Media, revealing declining user satisfaction with Google Search:
- 42% of respondents say Google is becoming less useful.
- 55% rely more on community-based sources (such as Reddit or Quora) than search engines.
- 61% of Gen Z users are turning to AI tools instead of Google.
- 66% believe it is becoming harder to find high-quality, reliable information online.
Google appears to be betting on AI to address these issues, but Spencer and Jared question whether this strategy will backfire as users seek alternative search methods.
DeepSeek: A New AI Model with Familiar Origins
Another hot topic was DeepSeek, an AI chatbot that quickly gained attention for its capabilities and low cost. However, a study found that 74% of DeepSeek’s responses closely resemble ChatGPT’s, suggesting that it may have been trained using OpenAI’s model. This raises ethical concerns about AI models built on existing AI-generated content.
Side Hustle Updates
Spencer’s Facebook Bonus Program
Spencer shared his February results for his Facebook page, which earned around $3,500—down from a record $5,000 in January. The drop is likely due to viral post fluctuations rather than seasonality. One key insight: 94% of his page’s views came from non-followers, proving that Facebook’s algorithm is heavily favoring new audiences over existing ones.
Jared’s Pinterest Traffic Experiment
Jared provided an update on his food website, which was hit by the Helpful Content Update. Despite losing organic traffic, it’s thriving on Pinterest, earning $4,500 in January and $3,500 in February. He also mentioned restarting his email marketing efforts to further diversify traffic.
Amazon Influencer Program Woes
Jared’s Amazon Influencer earnings took a hit in February, dropping to $1,000 from nearly $3,000 in January. He attributes this to Amazon adjusting its carousel placements and eliminating the Inspire feature. He remains hopeful for a rebound, as similar fluctuations have happened before.
Weird Niche Sites of the Week
Spencer and Jared highlighted two fascinating niche sites that generate massive traffic despite their simplicity:
1. HeightComparison.com
- Allows users to compare their height with celebrities, NBA players, and objects.
- Receives 2 million visitors per month.
- Likely earns $16,500+ per month through ad revenue.
2. SpellB.org
- A spelling game site similar to the New York Times Spelling Bee.
- Gets 2.7 million page views per month.
- Could be making $27,000 per month from ads.
Both sites prove that interactive, gimmicky tools can generate massive traffic and revenue without needing high-authority backlinks.
Final Thoughts
Spencer and Jared wrapped up by emphasizing the importance of adapting as a content creator. With Google search becoming less reliable, platforms like YouTube, Pinterest, and even niche interactive tools offer alternative ways to build an audience and generate income. Whether through video content, social-driven traffic, or creative niche websites, the key is staying flexible and finding new opportunities in an evolving digital landscape.
Stay tuned for more insights next week!
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