What Is AI Overview?
Google AI Overviews are brief responses generated by artificial intelligence to provide prompt answers to users’ queries. Launched by Google as part of the Search Generative Experience in May 2023, the Overviews are presented visibly for nearly half of all searches, particularly in information spaces. While it might sound beneficial to users who want to access information quickly, it is bad news for businesses based on organic SEO traffic.
The Decline in Organic Clicks
With over 58% of searches returning zero clicks, even the effectiveness of traditional SEO methods is in doubt. Users are likely to find what they are seeking directly in the answers produced by AI, which causes a drastic drop in organic clicks. Studies have shown that AI-type Overviews reduce click-through rates (CTRs) by between 18% and 64%, posing a significant threat to firms that rely on these figures for site traffic.
The Challenge for Businesses
Firms must adapt to this evolving situation to maintain their web presence. There are several concerns regarding how Google AI Overviews impact SEO and brand visibility.
Impact on Brand Messaging
The largest issue with AI Overviews is that they have the potential to mislead brands by oversimplifying or even eliminating the necessary context. This might confuse and decrease consumer confidence. One notable instance of this occurred in February 2025, when the Google AI chatbot Gemini AI inaccurately reported that Gouda cheese accounts for “50-60% of the world’s cheese consumption,” damaging Google’s reputation.
Trustworthiness and Authority
Search engine algorithms now rate articles on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT). Now that Google AI Overviews are here, businesses must highlight themselves more than ever to establish authority and ensure their content stands out from the crowd, rather than just being another AI Overview.
Strategies to Keep Search Engine Optimisation with AI Effective
Although AI Overviews shift the dynamics of search, there are some concrete measures that companies can take to maintain their SEO effectiveness.
Create AI-Resistant Content
One of the best ways to resist the power of Google AI Overviews is to create content that cannot be summarised into concise abstracts. This is sometimes referred to as “AI-resistant” content.
Highlight Depth and Originality
Taking time to write original and in-depth pieces of content can differentiate companies. Content presenting original research, fresh facts, and in-depth analysis provides value that is impossible to duplicate for AI. For example, in-depth pieces presenting advanced subjects or exclusive data unavailable elsewhere can attract users seeking in-depth information.
Highlight Real-World Applications
Combining case studies with real-life examples in the material also has the potential to increase its value. It conveys the richness of real experience, making it more engaging and relevant to readers.
Optimise for AI-Friendly Overviews
To ensure visibility on Google AI Overviews, companies must organise their content well.
Use Clear Formatting
By employing short snippets, headings, and format aids like bullet points or numbered lists, content can be made more palatable. An organised structure increases the chances of the content being incorporated into AI-generated snippets.
Add Structured Data
Adding schema markup or other structured data enables search engines to better understand brand messaging. It can improve how content appears in SERP results, making it easier for visitors to find what they are searching for.
Posting Authoritative Content
Consistency in presenting high-quality, authoritative content across a range of trusted sources establishes credibility with search engines as well as users. This credibility is more important as AI favours information from familiar sources.
Secure Backlinks
Creating high-quality backlinks from high-ranking sites can make a brand appear more authoritative. Backlinks are endorsements, and they inform search engines that your content is reliable, making you more likely to be included in Google AI Overview optimisation.
Thought Leadership Content
Developing thought leadership content like expert-written articles further builds perceived authority. Not only does such content bring expertise to the forefront, but it also provides insights unavailable from generic AI Overviews.
Adapting to Visual and Multimedia Content
As Google AI Overviews develop, the emergence of video and visual content is becoming evident. Companies that invest in multimedia are likely to have increased exposure and engagement.
Popularity of Video Content
According to Wyzowl’s Video Marketing Report, 91% of companies report increased traffic through video marketing. Video content provides an additional level of interaction, as it has a higher chance of grabbing user attention compared to text content.
Maximise Video Content
To make video content rank well in AI-powered search results, create high-quality SEO-optimised videos. Your descriptions, titles, and timestamps should contain relevant keywords to help users easily find your content.
Embedding Videos
Having videos on blog entries and landing pages will make a big difference in user interaction and rankings. If multimedia content is more interactive, users will spend longer on the page, which is beneficial for Search Engine Optimisation with AI.
Emphasis on Authenticity and Storytelling
Because content generated by AI is often lacking in personality, business firms dedicated to authenticity and storytelling can create a strong differentiator.
Personal Insights and Individual Perspectives
Including personal perspectives and individual insights on content can make it stand out from a sea of generic Google AI Overviews. Authentic storytelling resonates with readers, so they will want to engage with your content and your brand.
Proprietary Research and Interviews
Interviewing industry thought leaders or producing original research is something that AI can’t match. Not only does it enhance your content, but it also establishes your brand as a thought leader in your space.
Reputation Management
As AI-generated content influences what users see first, managing your online reputation becomes critical to maintaining trust and brand perception.
Importance of Internet Reputation
You need to manage your online reputation in a world where information can be pushed to the top by AI Algorithms. What others say about your brand can significantly influence how they perceive it. Engage and foster good feedback, and respond to feedback directly, establishing trust and credibility among your target market.
Building Relationships
Collaborating with popular influencers and other businesses can also boost your online reputation and visibility. By partnering, you can attract more audiences who may be searching for your products or services. This partnership can generate more organic traffic from various sources.
The Ongoing Relevance of SEO
Despite the rise of AI Overviews, SEO continues to play a crucial role in helping businesses attract and convert traffic through well-targeted, high-quality content.
High-Quality Content
Producing useful and informative content is still essential if you want to attract people to your website. Google AI Overviews can offer speedy answers, but people will generally want more information that only well-researched articles can offer. Companies must focus on developing comprehensive content that addresses frequently asked questions and provides in-depth information.
Comprehending Search Intent
It is worth knowing about different types of search intent. It may be worth disentangling whether people are searching for information, comparisons, or buying. While AI Overviews can answer questions, content that aligns with specific user intentions, such as step-by-step instructions or product reviews, remains valuable for attracting traffic.
Conclusion
Ultimately, although Google AI Overviews may revolutionise how information is presented in search results, SEO remains a valuable resource for driving traffic. High-quality content, search intent, a good user experience, and effective reputation management remain essential factors for businesses to succeed. By making adjustments and embracing these changes, brands can still reap the benefits of organic SEO traffic to their sites, even with the implementation of AI Overviews in search.Â
