If you’re working in SEO or digital marketing, you’ve probably already felt the tremors of change. Google’s AI Overview—formerly known as Search Generative Experience (SGE)—isn’t just a new feature; it’s a redefinition of how people find and consume information online. It’s fast, direct, and designed to minimize clicks. And for digital marketers? It’s a serious curveball.
What Is AI Overview?
AI Overview is Google’s new way of delivering answers instantly, right at the top of the search results. Instead of navigating through ten blue links, users get a concise, AI-generated summary (usually 160–170 words) sourced from multiple websites. It’s available in over 130 countries, and with 78% user satisfaction, it’s not going anywhere.
The upside? Users love it.
The downside? Clicks on organic results are dropping—and that hits websites hard.
SEO Shake-Up: The Challenges
- Real estate dominance: AI Overview pushes organic results far down the page—even if you rank #1.
- No opt-out: You can’t stop your content from being used in Overviews (though users can hide them with extensions).
- Decreased CTR: Users often get what they need without clicking through, reducing site traffic.
- Disrupted rankings: Pages not even in the top 50 are getting featured—46.5% of links shown in AI Overviews come from lower-ranking sites.
Top domains featured? Think Reddit, YouTube, Quora, and Wikipedia—platforms rich in user-generated and highly contextual content.
But There’s a Silver Lining…
It’s not all doom and gloom. A healthy 33.4% of links used in AI Overviews do come from the top 10 search results, meaning strong content still gets rewarded. Even better? You don’t need to be #1 to be featured—you just need to be relevant, structured, and high-quality.
And that’s where smart SEO comes in.
How to Optimise for Google AI Overview
Michal Kurzanowski, CEO of OC24 LTD and SEO veteran, has broken it down into an actionable framework. Here’s your checklist to maximise visibility in the AI era:
1. Start Strong
- The first 100 words matter most. Answer the core query immediately—don’t bury the lede.
2. Keep It Fresh
- Update content regularly. Google’s AI favours recent, relevant information.
3. Structure Is Everything
- Use clear headings (H1-H3). Be specific. Avoid vague or fluffy titles.
4. Use Q&A Format
- Many AI Overviews mimic FAQ-style responses. Anticipate user questions and answer them directly.
5. Leverage Lists
- Bullets and numbered points are SEO gold. 40% of featured responses include lists.
6. Showcase Expertise
- Share original research, real-world case studies, and genuine insights. Google’s AI prefers non-generic, expert-level material.
7. Add Quotes & Stats
- These boost authority. Including credible stats can increase your chances of being featured by 30–40%.
8. Incorporate Visuals
- Use infographics, explainer videos, and interactive tools (like quizzes) to boost engagement and content richness.
9. Follow the EEAT Principle
- Ensure your content reflects:
- Expertise
- Experience
- Authoritativeness
- Trustworthiness
- This isn’t optional anymore—it’s critical.
Rethinking SEO Strategy
Gone are the days when SEO was only about backlinks and meta descriptions. AI Overview changes user behavior, and with it, how we measure success. Engagement, relevance, and clarity are now the trifecta.
Instead of just aiming for the top of SERPs, aim to be the source AI pulls from. If you succeed there, your visibility may even increase—but only if your content is designed for AI consumption.
🔮 Final Thoughts: Adapt and Thrive
The SEO game has changed—but it’s far from over. AI Overview is just the latest evolution in search, and those who adapt will not only survive but lead the pack.
Businesses like OC24 LTD are already reshaping their strategies to align with AI-first SEO. The path forward is clear:
- Embrace AI-powered search.
- Optimise for context, clarity, and quality.
- Think like a user—and like Google’s AI.
Those who master this new dynamic won’t just compete—they’ll dominate.
If you’d like help auditing your current content for AI Overview readiness or want a strategy tailored to your site and niche, I can assist with that too. Let me know!
