AI Overviews & SEO: Everything You Need to Know

As AI-generated summaries become more common, ranking in these overviews can be a major opportunity for traffic and visibility. Here are some proven strategies to increase your chances of being featured:

1. Use Structured Data & Schema Markup

AI systems rely on structured data to understand context better. Implementing schema markup (e.g., FAQ, How-To, Article) increases your chances of being referenced in AI overviews.

• Use JSON-LD schema for articles, FAQs, and structured content.
• Tag key points clearly so search engines can extract relevant summaries.
• Google’s AI Overview documentation suggests optimising for structured data for better results (Source).

2. Focus on Clear, Concise, & Well-Formatted Content

AI overviews pull from sources that clearly present information. To increase your chances:

1. Write concise answers to common questions.
2. Use bullet points & numbered lists for easy AI extraction.
3. Include definitions and direct responses near the start of your content.

3. Prioritise Authority & Trustworthiness

Google’s AI Overviews prioritise authoritative sources. To improve credibility:

• Use original research and cite reputable sources.
• Ensure your site has high E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
• Get backlinks from trusted websites to boost credibility.

4. Answer Common & Trending Queries

AI Overviews often highlight responses to frequently searched questions. To capitalise on this:

• Use Google’s “People Also Ask” & Keyword Tools to find relevant queries.
• Address specific search intent (e.g., definitions, how-to guides, comparisons).
• Optimise FAQ pages to match user search patterns.

5. Monitor Performance & Adjust Strategy

Google’s Search Console provides insights into AI Overview rankings. Keep an eye on:

• Search appearance reports (new AI Overviews section coming soon).
• Changes in CTR (click-through rate) for key pages.
  Drop-offs in organic traffic (AI Overviews might be answering queries users previously clicked on your site for).

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One of the biggest concerns about AI-generated summaries is their impact on organic traffic. Are people still clicking on links if the answer is right in the search results?

1. Click-Through Rates (CTR) Are Dropping

A recent study by Search Engine Journal found that CTR has dropped by 18% for traditional organic listings since AI overviews started rolling out.

Why? Users are getting their answers instantly, reducing the need to visit websites. This means fewer people clicking on blogs, news articles, and product pages.

2. Traffic to Informational Content is Declining

If your content is purely informational (e.g., "What is SEO?"), it’s more likely to be summarised by AI, leading to a traffic loss.

Solution: Instead of just defining a topic, offer unique insights, in-depth analysis, and case studies that AI can’t summarise fully.

3. Brand Visibility Becomes Key

Even if users don’t click, appearing in AI overviews boosts brand visibility. If your brand is frequently referenced, users may remember you for future searches or direct visits.

Tip: Ensure your brand name is visible in featured snippets and optimise for brand searches.

4. AI Overviews May Favor Large & Trusted Sites

Smaller websites could struggle, as AI prioritises authoritative, well-known sources.

Solution:

• Become a niche expert—AI struggles with very specific or unique topics.
• Leverage multimedia—Videos, podcasts, and interactive content are harder for AI to summarise.

AI overviews are changing the way people interact with search results. While they may reduce traditional clicks, they also create new opportunities for those who adapt.

To stay ahead, focus on:

1. Optimising for structured data & AI-friendly formatting
2. Becoming a trusted, authoritative source
3. Offering in-depth insights that AI can’t fully replicate
4. Tracking performance & adjusting SEO strategies accordingly

SEO is evolving, and those who embrace these changes will be best positioned for long-term. If you need help with your SEO, our experts are a simple call away - simply book a meeting with us to discuss your needs.