The New Google Search: AI ­Overviews

Google Responds to the AI Trend

With the introduction of AI Overviews, Google is responding to the growing trend of users turning to AI-powered systems like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Copilot instead of Google to find answers to their questions.

Google is now employing its own Large Language Models (LLMs), which are specifically tuned for factual accuracy to deliver the best possible answers. These models are deeply integrated with the knowledge of the classic Google Search and its extensive safety systems, helping to minimize hallucinations and inaccurate information.

How Do AI Overviews Work?

Google uses its AI technology to generate compact summaries of the most important information for certain search queries. These summaries are derived from existing web content – often from the top 10 organic search results.

Key Features of AI Overviews:

• AI-generated summaries appear at the very top of search results.
• Source references are sometimes included but are not as prominently visible as with classic ­snippets.
• Frequently used for informational search queries (e.g., "What is SEO?").
• Decreased click-through rates on organic results as users often don’t need further research.

What Impact Do AI Overviews Have on SEO?

The introduction of AI Overviews marks a significant shift for Google Search and presents new challenges for SEO strategies:

1. Decreased click-through rates on organic and paid results
   Users receive their answers directly in the search results without needing to click further. Websites with informational content may lose traffic.
2. Replacement of Featured Snippets
   AI Overviews often take the place of traditional Featured Snippets. URL references are less visible, making measurement more difficult.
3. SEO remains relevant, but strategies must change
   Ranking in the top search results is more important than ever since Google primarily cites these sources. Structured data and semantic optimization play a crucial role. Expert content with high authority is preferred.

How Can You Appear in AI Overviews?

Whether your content is included in AI Overviews depends on several factors:

• Strong Rankings: Your website must rank in the top 10 for relevant keywords.
• Concise Answers: Google prefers short, well-structured answers (around 40 words).
• Structured Data: Schema markup can help make your content more readable for Google.
• Content Quality & Authority: Expertise and thematic relevance remain essential.
• Multimedia Content: Platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn are often cited in AI Overviews.

Leverage Trust, Experience, and Expertise

Google continues to prioritize high-quality, reliable content to deliver the best answers to users. Businesses that showcase their expertise in their field and provide authentic, helpful content will remain favored by Google. Content based on deep knowledge and experience not only provides valuable information for users but also strengthens trust in the brand, which can lead to better visibility in AI Overviews.

SEO Is More Important Than Ever!

Although Google Search is undergoing significant changes due to AI Overviews, SEO remains a critical factor for online visibility. Brands and businesses should adapt by:

• Continuing to focus on high-quality, structured content.
• Delivering clear, direct answers in their content.
• Adjusting their SEO strategy to remain visible in the top results.

AI Overviews present a challenge but also an opportunity for those who strategically optimize their content. Those who adapt will stay visible! We’re here to support you with our expertise as SEO specialists and Google partners.