The future of content with zero clicks

Zero-click searches are on the rise and more content sites are going out of business than ever.

The future of organic search is AI Mode, Deep Search and agentic search, so publishers and content creators must find new ways to monetise and drive revenue.

In this talk, Jack will provide practical advice and strategies to help content creators rethink their business strategies and survive the upcoming seismic shifts in organic search.

Transcript

1. 4401603 957 068 withcandour.co.uk Date: Prepared by: Prepared for: 1
5. Clicks down by 34.5%
7. 60% of searches end without a click
10. Suing Google!
12. Suing Google!
14. Suing Google!
22.  The social contract was a comfort blanket that we invented as an industry, that Google never gave us or agreed to. Jono Alderson Independent technical SEO consultant
34. People like following real people. Showcasing your experts and their unique ideas is a GREAT way to drive visibility and trust for your brand. Lily Ray Vice President, SEO Strategy & Research, Amsive
35. Diversify your content 01
38. Diversify your content Provide expertise and create conversations Podcasts Prove your expertise, build trust and loyalty Long-form video Create posts, images, videos and carousels Social media Provide help to the people who need it Forums The definitive and easily-digestible article On-site Provide highlights and exclusive insights Newsletter Be where your audience are and build connections Communities Capture attention and hook your audience Short-form video
39. Youtube statistics 1st ahrefs.com Search term in the US 3.7B ahrefs.com Monthly estimated organic visits 2.5B statista.com Active users worldwide 2nd ahrefs.com Most cited domain in AI Overviews
40. Reddit statistics 1st ahrefs.com Largest site in the world by organic traffic 952M ahrefs.com Monthly estimated organic visits 400M business.reddit.com Weekly active unique users worldwide 3rd ahrefs.com Most cited domain in Googleʼs AI Overviews
41. TikTok statistics 10th ahrefs.com Largest website in the world by estimated organic traffic 470M ahrefs.com Monthly estimated organic visits 62% statista.com Using it to find product reviews 40% ahrefs.com Of young people use it to find where to lunch
42. Donʼt start by creating. Start by joining. Founder, WTS Community Areej AbuAli
43. Build your brand 02
50. Create an engaged audience 03
54. Tim Wilson • 1w Always feel really invested in you guys for some reason, but I like your story and itʼs fun to actually directly pay for my most viewed and anticipated content instead of worrying about ads.
55. Onyxia • 1w I've been a supporter since Day 1 and can confidently say I don't plan on going anywhere. Y'all are phenomenal, thanks for the transparency. You all rock!
56. William Alexander • 1w Nice to hear all this, especially about Nick and Yahtzee chipping in (along with everyone else) to stay afloat. You all have more than earned my $5 a month as long as I can afford it.
57. Create premium content 04
66. Price Rewards £3 per month No ads, early access, show notes £5 per month Previous tier + vote on an episode £10 per month Previous tier + bonus episodes & out-takes, 10% off merchandise £20 per month Previous tier + exclusive live streams, exclusive posters and an exclusive t-shirt £30 per month Previous tier + shout out on the show and custom artwork £50 per month Previous tier + choose a film for us to sequelise
67. Price Rewards £3 per month No ads, early access, show notes £5 per month Previous tier + vote on an episode £10 per month Previous tier + bonus episodes & out-takes, 10% off merchandise £20 per month Previous tier + exclusive live streams, exclusive posters and an exclusive t-shirt £30 per month Previous tier + shout out on the show and custom artwork £50 per month Previous tier + choose a film for us to sequelise
68. Subscribers per tier
69. Total patreon earnings
70. Monetisation platforms
71. Zero-price expectations force creators & publishers, to rely on indirect monetisation. That's why the internet is built on ad models, data exploitation or hidden labour. Semrush Ambassador Myriam Jessier
72. Find relevant partners 05
74. Core updates subscribers
75. Followers on Spotify
76. YouTube subscribers
77. Do your research
78. Do your research
79. Do your research
80. Partners in 2025
83. I only work with brands I genuinely love or already use in some way. I also try to be as transparent as possible when people ask how it all works. Annie-Mai Hodge Founder of Girl Power Marketing 83
85. Diversify your content 01
86. Diversify your content 01 02 Build your brand
87. Diversify your content 01 02 03 Build your brand Engaged audience
88. Diversify your content 01 02 03 04 Build your brand Engaged audience Premium content
89. Diversify your content 01 02 03 04 05 Build your brand Engaged audience Premium content Relevant partners
90. 90 Follow me: linkedin.com/in/jlwchambers/ Download my deck: speakerdeck.com/jlwchambers Search with Candour: withcandour.co.uk/podcast Core Updates: coreupdates.com Thank you!