My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Traditional SEO-dependent businesses are at risk as AI chat interfaces replace search for many use cases.
The Reasoning
When users get direct answers from ChatGPT or Google AI instead of clicking through to websites, the traffic that SEO businesses depend on disappears. Social media already started eating search traffic, and AI accelerates this trend.
What Needs to Be True
- AI answers become accurate enough for most queries
- Users prefer direct answers over browsing multiple sources
- Search engines prioritize AI responses over traditional results
- The transition happens faster than SEO businesses can adapt
Counterargument
People still want to browse, compare options, and get detailed information that requires clicking through to websites. AI answers are often wrong and users know this.
What Would Change This View
Evidence that users still prefer clicking through to websites even when AI provides good answers, or if search engines find ways to maintain click-through rates while providing AI answers.
Implications for Builders
Build multi-channel distribution, don't rely solely on search traffic
Develop direct relationships with customers (email, social, communities)
Create content that's hard for AI to replicate (original research, experiences)
Consider becoming the source that AI systems cite
Example Application
“An affiliate marketing site dependent on 'best product' search traffic should pivot to building a brand on social media and email list, because users will soon ask ChatGPT for recommendations instead of Googling.”
Related Knowledge
PACK Framework (Platforms And Culture Knowledge)
A systematic approach to identifying underpriced attention opportunities by tracking platform mechanics and cultural trends simultaneously.
Day Trading Attention
Treating attention as a tradeable asset class where you identify underpriced attention opportunities and execute quickly before markets correct.
Jockey Over Horse Investment Philosophy
Prioritizing the quality and capabilities of the founder/team over the business idea when making investment decisions.
Create a cultural moment around taking action on opportunities
12:34 becomes a recognized time when people take action on opportunities they've been hesitating on, creating a viral cultural moment.
Build a sustainable daily gratitude practice that actually shifts mood and perspective
You automatically notice 10-15 small things to be grateful for throughout each day, leading to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better decision-making under stress.
Risk Tolerance Through Backwards Mobility Comfort
The key differentiator between different levels of business success is how comfortable someone is with losing their current status and having to rebuild from a lower position.