How AI Is Reshaping Blogging—and What You Can Do to Stay Visible

 AI search is reshaping how people find and interact with content online—and it's already having a noticeable impact on blogs and websites. 

Searching online is now changing due to AI

Here's what’s happening and what types of sites are likely to thrive:

What’s Happening to Blogs and Websites

• Declining traffic from traditional search: AI tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and Perplexity are answering questions directly, reducing the need to click through to websites. Even top-ranking pages are pushed far down in the results. Many AI users are happy with the AI results and do not click through to the blogs.

• Zero-click searches: Users get answers instantly, so they don’t visit the source site. This is especially hurting informational sites like Wikipedia, which has seen an 8% drop in page views.

• Content scraping by AI bots: AI models crawl and summarize content from blogs and websites, often without driving traffic back to the original source.

• SEO disruption: Traditional SEO strategies are being challenged. Ranking #1 on Google doesn’t guarantee visibility anymore due to AI summaries dominating the top of the page.

What Blogs and Sites Will Remain Popular

• Sites with unique, personal, or experiential content: Personal stories, niche expertise, and lived experiences (like chronic illness blogs) are harder for AI to replicate.

• Communities and forums: Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and niche Facebook groups offer dynamic, real-time human interaction.

• Sites with strong brand loyalty: Think Health Rising, NerdWallet, or A Chronic Voice—people return for their voice, trust, and depth.

• Multimedia-rich platforms: Blogs that incorporate video, podcasts, or interactive tools are more engaging and less likely to be replaced by AI summaries.

• E-commerce and service-based sites: Where users need to take action—buy, book, subscribe—AI can’t replace the transaction.

How Bloggers Can Adapt to AI

• Focus on authenticity and storytelling.

• Build email lists and direct relationships with readers.

• Diversify into video, audio, and social media.

• Use AI tools to enhance productivity, not compete with them.

If you’re blogging about chronic illness or personal experiences, you’re in a strong position—your voice and perspective are irreplaceable

Step-by-Step Strategy for AI-Era Blogging

1. Strengthen Your Unique Voice

AI can summarize facts, but it can’t replicate your lived experience. Lean into:

• Personal stories about chronic illness

• Emotional reflections and insights

• Your tone, humor, and personality

Tip: Start posts with a compelling anecdote or question that only you could write.

2. Structure for AI Visibility

AI tools often pull content from well-structured pages. Make yours easy to scan:

• Use clear headings (H2, H3) for each section

• Include bullet points and numbered lists

• Add a short summary or takeaway at the end

Tip: Use schema markup (like FAQ or HowTo) to help AI understand your content better. (More about that in another post soon.)

3. Create Evergreen & Searchable Content

Focus on topics that people will always search for:

• “How to explain chronic pain to family”

• “Tips for managing fibro flare-ups”

• “Best tools for tracking symptoms”

Tip: Use keyword tools like Ubersuggest or Google’s Keyword Planner to find phrases people search for.

4. Build Direct Relationships

AI search might skip your site—but email and social media won’t.

• Grow your email list with free resources or prompts

• Share blog posts on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook groups

• Encourage comments and community

Tip: Add a call-to-action at the end of each post: “Share your story in the comments” or “Join my newsletter for more prompts.”

5. Diversify Your Content Types

AI can’t summarize a podcast or video as easily as text. So you could:

• Record short audio reflections or interviews

• Create shareable visual quote cards or infographics

• Embed YouTube videos or reels in your blog

Tip: Repurpose blog posts into multiple formats to reach different audiences.

Bonus: You can embed audio on your blog or distribute it as a podcast or host it on your own YouTube channel.

I hope this post has helped you feel more prepared for the shifts AI is bringing to blogging. While the landscape is changing fast, your voice, your story, and your connection with readers still matter more than ever. By adapting your strategy and staying true to your message, you can continue to thrive—even in an AI-driven world. Keep creating, keep sharing, and keep showing up. Your blog is still a powerful space.

Fibromyalgia and Mental Health : Understanding the Hidden Struggle

As October is Mental Health Awareness Month we want to share about mental health and how it relates to fibromyalgia. There are many links to articles written by people who have first hand knowledge of these struggles. 

Fibromyalgia and Mental Health

Fibromyalgia is more than chronic pain—it's a complex condition that affects every aspect of life, including mental health. While widespread muscle pain and fatigue are its hallmark symptoms, many people with fibromyalgia also experience emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, and cognitive fog. Understanding this connection is key to managing the condition holistically.

The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Mental Health

Fibromyalgia disrupts the way the brain processes pain signals, often leading to heightened sensitivity and persistent discomfort. But this neurological imbalance doesn’t stop at physical pain—it also affects mood regulation, sleep cycles, and stress response.

• Depression and anxiety are common co-occurring conditions.

• Brain fog, or “fibro fog,” can impair memory and concentration.

• Sleep disturbances worsen both physical and emotional symptoms.

These overlapping issues create a feedback loop: pain increases stress, which worsens mental health, which in turn amplifies pain.

Emotional Symptoms to Watch For

Recognizing the emotional impact of fibromyalgia is crucial. Here are some signs that mental health may be affected:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Loss of interest in activities

• Irritability or mood swings

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Panic attacks or chronic worry

These symptoms may be subtle at first but can intensify over time if left unaddressed.

Coping Strategies That Help

Managing mental health alongside fibromyalgia requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are proven strategies:

1. Therapy and Counseling

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps reframe negative thought patterns.

• Support groups offer validation and shared experiences.

2. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Exercise: Gentle movement like yoga or walking can boost endorphins.

• Sleep hygiene: Consistent routines and limiting screen time improve rest.

• Nutrition: Anti-inflammatory diets may reduce symptom severity.

3. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

• Meditation and breathing exercises calm the nervous system.

• Journaling can help process emotions and track symptom patterns.

When to Seek Professional Help

If emotional symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider. Mental health support is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for managing fibromyalgia effectively.

• Ask your doctor about integrated care options.

• Consider working with a psychologist familiar with chronic pain.

• Don’t wait for a crisis—early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Articles by people with Fibromyalgia. 

Living with fibromyalgia is a daily challenge, but you don’t have to face it alone. By acknowledging the mental health impact and seeking support, you can reclaim control and improve your quality of life. Here are some articles that might help:

• Fibromyalgia and Depression the undeniable relationship
• The Quiet Battle No One Sees
• The emotional impact of Fibromyalgia
• Sufficient to the day
• Flaring Depression: Am I depressed or in a flare?
• How to Overcome Depression, Anxiety and Fear - a book review
• The Relationship between Stress, Depression and Fibromyalgia
• How Chronic Pain Can Impact Mental Health
• Fighting pain (and depression) with PEA
• Bipolar : How to Handle Disrespect without taking it Personally
• Facing Depression and Anxiety. 
• Anxious Fibro Brain
• How Chronic Pain Can Affect Mental Health
• When things go right but your mind is still looking out for things going wrong
• Why do we stay?
• Symptom of the Week - Mental Health including tips to cope
• Coping With Mental Health Flares

Resources for Support

• National Fibromyalgia Association – Offers educational materials and community forums.

• Mental Health Australia – Provides access to therapists and crisis support.

• Beyond Blue – A trusted source for depression and anxiety resources.

Blogs to Explore for First-Hand Fibromyalgia Stories

Here are a few standout blogs from the Fibro Blogger Directory that offer authentic, first-hand perspectives on living with fibromyalgia:

• Counting My Spoons: Julie Ryan, diagnosed in 2010, transitioned from feeling hopeless to inspired by learning to manage her fibromyalgia, migraines, and endometriosis. Her posts cover practical topics like the role of vitamin D in symptom relief and the importance of support groups.

• Sarah Warburton – Musings on Life with Fibromyalgia  Diagnosed over a decade ago, Sarah Warburton shares reflections on the emotional and practical journey of living with fibromyalgia. Her blog is a gentle, thoughtful space where readers can explore how chronic illness reshapes identity, routines, and relationships. Sarah’s posts emphasize finding joy in everyday life and offer wisdom gained through trial, error, and resilience.

• Australian Sacrificial Homebody – Glenys, an Australian homemaker living with fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, and other conditions, writes with heartfelt honesty about the daily realities of chronic pain. Her blog blends reflections on homemaking, her Christian faith, and pacing with vivid accounts of flares, mobility challenges, and the emotional toll of illness. It’s a comforting, relatable space for anyone navigating life with limited spoons.

• Living Whole – Navigating Life with hEDS, Fibromyalgia, and Neurodivergence  This blog offers a rich tapestry of insights from someone living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), fibromyalgia, and autism. Posts explore everything from sensory overload and event fatigue to the emotional impact of diagnosis and the importance of tailored self-care. It’s a deeply validating space for those managing complex, overlapping conditions and seeking to live authentically within their limits

• This Fibro Chick – Real Talk from a Fibro Advocate         This Fibro Chick is a bold, empowering platform where advocacy meets lived experience. Her reputation in the fibromyalgia community is built on candid storytelling, mental health awareness, and a commitment to breaking stigma. Expect a mix of personal essays, resources, and commentary on chronic illness.

• Chronic Mom: Shelley, a Texas-based mom with fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, uses humor and honesty to connect with readers, sharing how she navigates parenting and chronic illness. Her goal is to make others feel less alone and bring laughter to tough days.

• Skillfully Well & Painfully Aware – Parenting Through Pain This heartfelt blog chronicles the journey of a mom navigating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue while raising a toddler. With raw honesty and practical wisdom, she shares how she balances parenting with pain—whether it's reclining in a zero gravity chair during playtime, managing flares with grace, or finding creative ways to rest while staying present. Her posts offer validation for chronically ill parents and include tips on pacing, low-energy activities, and embracing imperfection. It’s a compassionate, relatable space for anyone juggling caregiving and chronic illness.

These blogs, among many others, provide a wealth of first-hand information, from raw accounts of pain and fatigue to uplifting stories of resilience and recovery. By exploring them, you can gain insights into managing symptoms, find validation for your experiences, and discover how others live with fibromyalgia.

Simple Ways to Grow Your Subscribers

Whether you're just starting your blog or looking to take it to the next level, growing your subscriber list is one of the most powerful ways to build a loyal audience. Subscribers are more than just numbers—they're your community, your cheerleaders, and often your biggest source of feedback and support. Here are some simple, effective strategies to help you grow your subscriber base without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Offer a Clear Value Proposition

People won’t subscribe unless they know what they’re getting. Make it crystal clear:

• What your blog is about

• Who it’s for

• What kind of content subscribers can expect (e.g., weekly tips, exclusive insights, freebies)

Your value proposition should be front and center—on your homepage, in your pop-ups, and in your social media bios.

2. Create an Irresistible Lead Magnet

A lead magnet is something valuable you give away in exchange for an email address. Popular options include:

• Free eBooks or guides

• Checklists or templates

• Exclusive access to a webinar or video series

• Printable planners or calendars

Make sure your lead magnet is relevant to your niche and solves a real problem for your readers.

3. Make Subscribing Easy (and Visible)

Don’t hide your sign-up form! Place it:

• At the top of your homepage

• At the end of every blog post

• In your sidebar

• As a pop-up (but not too aggressive)

Use clear, friendly language like “Join the community” or “Get weekly inspiration straight to your inbox.”

 4. Engage With Your Readers

People subscribe when they feel connected. Build that connection by:

• Responding to comments

• Asking questions at the end of posts

• Sharing personal stories or behind-the-scenes content

• Encouraging feedback and suggestions

The more interactive your blog feels, the more likely readers are to stick around.

5. Promote Your Blog on Social Media

Don’t wait for people to stumble upon your blog—bring it to them:

• Share snippets or quotes from your posts

• Use Instagram Stories, Twitter threads, or Pinterest pins

• Collaborate with other bloggers or influencers

• Include a link to your sign-up form in your bio and posts

Consistency is key. The more you show up, the more people will notice.

6. Use Content Upgrades

A content upgrade is a bonus resource tied to a specific blog post. For example:

• A post about moving more might offer a free weekly planner

• A recipe post could include a printable grocery list

These upgrades feel personalized and increase the likelihood of conversion.

7. Track What Works

Use analytics to understand:

• Which posts drive the most sign-ups

• Where your traffic is coming from

• What lead magnets perform best

Double down on what’s working and tweak what’s not.

Growing your subscriber list doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful tweaks and a focus on value, you’ll start seeing results—and building a community that truly cares about what you have to say.