Google Search is in a stage of constant development and the previous search results that showed links to websites have been updated with AI overviews. AI overviews are when AI responses with summaries and provide a quick answer to a user question with information collected from several trusted websites. For companies, inclusion in an AI overview has the potential for greater business exposure, increased web traffic and improved brand trust. The best part? It doesn’t demand a full revamp of your existing SEO.
What Are Google AI Overviews?
Google AI Overviews are AI-generated Search result summaries. In contrast to a single featured snippet, Google provides an answer to the user’s query by synthesising information from multiple quality sites and includes links to those sources.
If your Question to Google is: ‘How to Improve SEO?’ It’s likely Google is producing an AI Overview that summarises the answer and cites numerous authoritative sources.
Why Do The New Google Search Results Matter To Businesses?
When your website is appearing in Google’s overview, it shows that your website is trustworthy, giving it more authority and potentially getting more visitors to your website:
More Exposure
Because your site can appear above the standard organic search results, it can be the first to be seen by users.
More Authority
If Google sources your site, it signals that the information is of value and trustworthy.
More Visitors
Users that click from the AI Overview are more likely interested in the answer provided and will engage with your content.
Future-proof SEO
As the prevalence of AI-powered searches grows, balancing optimisations for classic search rankings and AI-powered rankings will be critical.
Can You Optimise Your Website For AI Overviews?
Sort of, but not in the way that you think. Google has said that there are no secret ranking factors or specific requirements when it comes to AI Overviews. As always, businesses should improve their chances by using SEO best practices, including the creation of helpful and trustworthy people-first content.
How Can I Appear In Google’s Overview?
Appearing in Google’s search overview is important for any business, as it expands their audience, builds trust and authority and likely creates more leads to the company website. So, here are some simple ways to get your business to appear in Google’s overview:
Answer Questions
Most AI models look for content that answers a given question. If you want to be succinct in your answer, give the answer early and then provide a more in-depth explanation.
Example: ‘What is Google Overview?’
You can start by saying ‘Google AI Overview is Google’s AI-powered search feature that delivers instant, conversational answers by analysing information from across the web, helping users find information more quickly.’ And then dive deeper into the mechanics of how it works. It is important to keep your content as long as it needs to be in order to be as useful as possible.
Developing Topical Authority
Publishing one great article on a specific topic is a great start, but nothing beats having a multitude of articles on related topics.
Example: If your business sells roasted and ground coffee beans, you might want to write articles on ‘How to choose the best coffee beans’, ‘Where do coffee beans come from’, ‘Different types of roasted coffee beans’, ‘How to make a perfect filtered coffee’, etc…’
This covers an entire subject area and demonstrates writing about more than simply one keyword.
Use Clear, Concise Headings
Creating the right structure is important. Use headings that people use when searching such as:
- What Are Coffee Beans?
- How Are Coffee Beans Roasted?
- What Is the Difference Between Arabica and Robusta?
- How Should You Store Coffee Beans?
- Which Coffee Beans Are Best for Espresso?
- How Long Do Coffee Beans Stay Fresh?
Clear headings help both readers and search engines understand your content.
Write For Humans First
Avoid stuffing keywords into every sentence.
Google’s AI is designed to identify genuinely helpful content, not pages written solely to rank in search results. Be sure to write naturally, answer real questions and make your content easy to read.
Keep Information Accurate
Outdated statistics or incorrect advice reduce trust. Review important pages regularly and update:
- Prices
- Industry data
- Regulations
- Product information
Information that is accurate helps build trust with your audience.
Is AI Content Allowed?
Yes and no. Google doesn’t penalise content simply because AI helped create it. However, AI-generated content should always be reviewed, edited, fact-checked and improved by a human before publishing. Low-quality or inaccurate content is unlikely to perform well, regardless of how it was created.
