How the Coming Wave of Change Will Reshape My Entire Profession and Leave Me Uncertain About the Future

Navigating Change: The Impact of AI on the eCommerce Industry

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, professionals across various sectors are grappling with uncertainty about the future. At 30, I find myself at a crossroads as my extensive experience in the eCommerce industry is increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Having been immersed in this field since I was 14, I’ve risen through the ranks—from sales representative to my current position as the Director of Partnerships at my agency. However, recent developments have left me pondering what the next five years may hold.

My journey through eCommerce began in 2015 with a focus on web development, SEO, and marketing campaigns of varying scales. I’ve managed projects ranging from modest undertakings of $20,000 to grand endeavors exceeding $1 million, employing strategic planning across various dimensions such as conversion rate optimization and user experience design. Yet, the landscape around me is shifting dramatically due to the rise of AI.

A poignant example of this transformation is my previous agency, which once employed a robust team of 25 copywriters dedicated to SEO. A recent conversation with a friend revealed a staggering reduction in that number to just four. Remarkably, the agency’s SEO revenue has increased by $20,000 per month despite this downsizing—indicative of AI’s growing capacity to take over roles traditionally held by junior staff. Today, lead writers primarily focus on refining AI-generated prompts to ensure they meet copyright standards.

Similarly, I learned that another agency has replaced its entire U.S. development team with professionals from Latin America. These new team members now utilize AI tools like ChatGPT for effective communication through platforms such as Jira and Slack, streamlining operations and cutting costs.

While I don’t believe my industry is on the brink of collapse, the unmistakable momentum toward automation raises pertinent questions. AI has begun to create websites directly from Figma files and sketches, and I’ve witnessed tools generating essential code for upsell implementations without any developer intervention. Meanwhile, platforms leveraging AI for prompt-based searches are increasingly overshadowing conventional SEO practices.

As I reflect on these changes, I am left questioning the future trajectory of my industry. To adapt, I am currently pursuing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, contemplating a shift into a Head of Project Management or Senior PM role within a different industry. While the path ahead remains unclear, the landscape is undeniably evolving.

Change can be daunting, but it also presents new opportunities for growth and adaptation. As we navigate this transformative