Hi HN! I'm the creator of LocalPDF (https://localpdf.online) — a privacy-first PDF toolkit that works entirely in your browser.
I wanted to share something fascinating: ChatGPT has become my biggest traffic source, accounting for ~50% of visitors, compared to ~45% from Google. This happened organically — I didn't optimize specifically for AI assistants.
Key Stats:
- ChatGPT: ~50% of traffic
- Google Search: ~45%
- Direct/Other: ~5%
- Conversion rate from ChatGPT: 2x higher than Google
- ChatGPT users stay 40% longer on average
What I think is happening:
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) vs SEO
Traditional SEO focuses on keywords, backlinks, and content clusters. But AI assistants work differently:
- They parse semantic HTML structure
- They value clear, descriptive content over keyword density
- They prefer sites that solve problems directly
The ironic part? My site was built with basic semantic HTML and clear descriptions — not because I was targeting AI, but because it's good web development practice.
Technical Details:
- Stack: Astro + TypeScript, client-side PDF.js
- No tracking, no uploads — everything processes locally
- Semantic HTML: proper headings, landmarks, meta descriptions
- Clear tool descriptions with use cases
Why ChatGPT users convert better:
1. Intent clarity: They ask specific questions ("how to compress PDF without losing quality")
2. Contextual recommendations: ChatGPT explains why LocalPDF fits their needs
3. Trust transfer: AI assistant endorsement acts as social proof
Limitations:
- Can't track which specific ChatGPT prompts drive traffic
- No direct way to optimize for AI recommendations
- ChatGPT's recommendations can change unpredictably
Questions for HN:
1. Are you seeing similar traffic patterns from AI assistants?
2. How do you measure/optimize for GEO vs traditional SEO?
3. What happens when every AI assistant has different ranking criteria?
This feels like early Google days — there's a level playing field where good products with clear value propositions can get discovered organically, without massive SEO budgets.
Happy to answer questions about the technical implementation, traffic patterns, or anything else!
unsungNovelty•4h ago
Petition to start using AIO instead of GEO and not butcher geospatial/geographic/maps industries like we did with crypto for crypto currency and cryptography _/\_
ulinycoin•4h ago
Ha! AIO makes sense. Though knowing tech, we'll probably end up with 5 competing acronyms
ulinycoin•4h ago
I wanted to share something fascinating: ChatGPT has become my biggest traffic source, accounting for ~50% of visitors, compared to ~45% from Google. This happened organically — I didn't optimize specifically for AI assistants.
Key Stats: - ChatGPT: ~50% of traffic - Google Search: ~45% - Direct/Other: ~5% - Conversion rate from ChatGPT: 2x higher than Google - ChatGPT users stay 40% longer on average
What I think is happening:
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) vs SEO Traditional SEO focuses on keywords, backlinks, and content clusters. But AI assistants work differently: - They parse semantic HTML structure - They value clear, descriptive content over keyword density - They prefer sites that solve problems directly
The ironic part? My site was built with basic semantic HTML and clear descriptions — not because I was targeting AI, but because it's good web development practice.
Technical Details: - Stack: Astro + TypeScript, client-side PDF.js - No tracking, no uploads — everything processes locally - Semantic HTML: proper headings, landmarks, meta descriptions - Clear tool descriptions with use cases
Why ChatGPT users convert better: 1. Intent clarity: They ask specific questions ("how to compress PDF without losing quality") 2. Contextual recommendations: ChatGPT explains why LocalPDF fits their needs 3. Trust transfer: AI assistant endorsement acts as social proof
Limitations: - Can't track which specific ChatGPT prompts drive traffic - No direct way to optimize for AI recommendations - ChatGPT's recommendations can change unpredictably
Questions for HN: 1. Are you seeing similar traffic patterns from AI assistants? 2. How do you measure/optimize for GEO vs traditional SEO? 3. What happens when every AI assistant has different ranking criteria?
This feels like early Google days — there's a level playing field where good products with clear value propositions can get discovered organically, without massive SEO budgets.
Happy to answer questions about the technical implementation, traffic patterns, or anything else!
unsungNovelty•4h ago
ulinycoin•4h ago