What is Google AI Overview, and how is it changing SEO? In short: it’s shifting how people search, and it’s making traditional SEO strategies less effective. Even if your website ranks #1, you might be losing clicks because Google is now answering users’ questions directly in AI-generated summaries.
This blog explains what Google AI Overview is, what it means for your content, and how businesses can adapt to stay visible.
What Is Google AI Overview?
Google AI Overview is part of Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE), which uses generative AI to answer search queries right on the results page. Instead of just listing blue links, Google now displays an AI-generated summary that pulls information from several websites, sometimes even showing it above all other search results.
This means that users can get the answers they’re looking for without ever clicking through to your website, even if you rank #1.
Why Ranking #1 Doesn’t Guarantee Clicks Anymore
You might have worked hard to improve your SEO, optimising keywords, building backlinks, and climbing the ranks, only to find your traffic stalling or even dropping. That’s because the Google AI Overview now gives users an immediate answer. And if your content is used in that answer (or not), users may not feel the need to click at all.
According to this article from Search Engine Journal, early studies are showing that websites featured below AI Overviews are seeing fewer clicks, even when they rank high organically. This shift is already impacting websites that rely heavily on SEO for lead generation.
How to Optimise for Google AI Overview
While you can’t control exactly what Google includes in its AI summaries, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of being featured, and still drive traffic.
Use Clear, Conversational Language
AI Overviews are built on content that reads naturally and answers real questions. If your blog posts sound like keyword-stuffed robots wrote them, you’ll be ignored. Keep it clear, concise, and human.
Include Direct Answers to Common Questions
Use headers that ask specific questions (like an FAQ), and answer them in 40–60 words beneath. This increases your chances of being used in AI summaries and makes your content easier for users to digest.
Improve E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Google favours sources that demonstrate expertise and trust. Make sure your content:
- Is written by (or attributed to) experts (include an author bio if you can)
- Includes case studies or real examples
- Has up-to-date information
- Links to credible sources (outbound links)
Structure Content Properly
Use:
- Clear headings (H2, H3)
- Bullet points and short paragraphs
- Optimised metadata (title, slug, meta description)
This helps Google understand your content and makes it more readable.
What Google AI Overview Means for Small Businesses
For many small businesses, SEO has been a reliable, cost-effective way to bring in leads. But with AI Overviews dominating search, traditional SEO strategies need to evolve. If you’re a business owner who’s been told “just write blogs” or “rank higher in Google,” that advice now needs to come with a serious update.
We understand that keeping up with these changes is overwhelming, especially when you’re also managing staff, clients, admin, and sales. That’s where the right marketing partner comes in.
How Marketing Together Helps You Adapt
At Marketing Together, we help businesses adjust to the new rules of SEO. We don’t just focus on rankings, we focus on visibility, authority, and real results. That means:
- Writing content that’s optimised for AI Overviews
- Developing SEO strategies that work in 2026 and beyond
- Improving your site structure and E-E-A-T to build long-term trust
- Tracking traffic shifts and updating your strategy accordingly
We know it’s a lot to navigate, but we’re already doing it for clients across Australia. Whether you’re a small business or a growing brand, we can help you stay one step ahead of the next big algorithm shift.
Don’t Let AI Outrank You. Let’s Future-Proof Your SEO
SEO isn’t dead, but it is changing. And if you’re relying on old tactics, you’re likely falling behind without even realising it. If you’re ready to adapt to the new search landscape and start getting clicks, not just rankings, we’re here to help.
👉 Book a free strategy call with Marketing Together and let’s build an SEO plan that actually works in the age of AI. Contact us now
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Behind the Words
Niina Coleman
Content and Ads Specialist
As a Content and Ads Specialist at Marketing Together, Niina Coleman is driven by a passion for helping businesses succeed in today’s rapidly changing market. She specialises in developing, writing, and executing all aspects of content and ad campaigns, leveraging her skills in SEO and strategy to ensure clients make the most of their marketing efforts.
