SEO | 5 minute read
Everything you need to know about Google's AI Overviews
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AI has been integral to Google’s ecosystem for over a decade. More recently, with the rise of generative AI, Google is integrating this technology into multiple products across its platform. In early 2024, Google announced that Search Generative Experiences (SGE) would become AI Overviews (AIO) and start appearing for users outside of labs.
In early 2025, Google rolled out Gemini 2.0 within the search function AI Overviews, while also launching a new search feature called “AI Mode.” This new search function expands the capabilities of AI Overviews. AI Mode is capable of more advanced reasoning and also has multimodal abilities, which in turn should enable users to get help with more complex questions.
This development represents a significant step forward for AI-powered search with implications for search engine optimization (SEO). Now, SEO must account for traditional organic search results as well as the citations that AI Overviews use to answer questions.
What are AI Overviews?
Google’s AI Overviews are a search feature that provides users with AI-generated answers to certain queries. AI Overviews consist of short paragraphs, bulleted lists, images, and product carousels that Google generates using Generative AI to add context and summarize search results. They appear at the top of the search results, above most paid and above organic listings.
When do AI Overviews appear?
Google has not publicly disclosed any data on how often AI Overviews appear. What we do know is that AI Overviews are largely appearing for informational queries that would normally require multiple searches. If Google’s systems determine an AI overview would be helpful for a query, it will display one using publicly available content.
Why is AI Overviews important?
AI Overviews are poised to revolutionize how Google presents information to users, potentially reshaping search behavior.
For one, AI Overviews could significantly contribute to more zero-click searches. This means users might find the information they need directly within the AI-generated summary, eliminating the need to visit a website. This shift could negatively impact organic traffic for websites that rank below the AI-generated content, as users may no longer need to click through to the site.
However, AI Overviews also create new opportunities. If your website’s content is featured or cited in a Google AI summary, it could boost visibility and increase click-through rates (CTR). Initial testing by Google suggests this is already the case.
How do I optimize for AI Overviews?
AI Overviews is still evolving, so requirements are likely to change over time. However, by focusing on high-quality, informative content that genuinely meets user needs will provide a solid foundation to improve your chances of appearing in AI Overviews. Let’s dive into some actionable steps you can take to optimize your content for AI Overviews:
Build authority in your niche
Google’s guidelines on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) will remain highly relevant. Build trust and establish authority within your niche. Demonstrate your knowledge, cite credible sources, and highlight why your content is valuable.
Identify search intent
Informational keywords are more likely to appear in an AI Overview compared to transactional or navigational queries. Use Google Keyword Planner to identify questions and top-of-funnel keywords related to your brand. Focus on long-tail keywords to increase your chances of being featured in AI-generated summaries.
Increase readability with a clear structure
A proper structure signals to search engines which parts of your content are most important. Headings and lists help organize your content, enhancing readability for both users and search engines. Good readability also aids Google’s AI in understanding your content and identifying key elements for inclusion in AI-generated summaries.
Create content for related questions
Given that AI Overviews appear for informational queries and anticipate follow-up questions, content needs to address questions related to the keyword or topic being targeted.To build content that addresses both current and anticipated questions, create content in multiple steps to ensure your content provides value.
Where can I find AI Overview data?
Currently, Google does not provide separate data for AI Overviews. All click data for your website, including from organic listings, SERP features, and AI Overviews, is combined in the performance report within Google Search Console. Additionally, Google has not announced any plans to provide this data separately in the future.
Tip: You can track how often your content appears in AI Overviews using Semrush’s Position Tracking tool. After adding your website and setting up tracking for your selected keywords, the tool will begin monitoring your site’s visibility in AI Overviews.
Get started with AI Overviews
With AI Overviews serving a more defined purpose, many brands will need to review and update their search strategy. Would you like to discuss how these changes might impact your SEO? Contact us to learn more about how we can help your brand update your search strategy.
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