The latest Google feature, the AI overview, is something users either love or hate. But the more important question is: Does this change anything for SEO for your business? We’ve been monitoring and analyzing our findings in our own work and have decided to share our insights with you.
What we cover
Rank #1 or Rank in Google’s Overview?
Lately, Google’s AI Overview is oftentimes stealing the top spot on the first page of search. While this shift seems small, it can significantly push search results further down the page, lessening the efficacy of ranking number one after this overview. This is why it’s becoming more attractive to get featured in the AI Overview.
Typically, Google’s AI Overview is designed to provide users with quick, concise answers to their queries, focusing more on delivering information than driving commercial intent. However, we’ve found that appearing in this section can significantly boost brand awareness—a critical component of a successful long-term strategy. Think of it this way: throughout your day, you’re exposed to numerous ads. You might not click on every one, but those brands often resurface in your mind during later conversations or searches. This subtle, yet powerful, method of brand reinforcement can influence future purchasing decisions.
How to Rank in AI Overviews
According to Google Search Central, there’s nothing in particular you have to do differently to rank in the overview section, but you still should follow the guidance of Google Search Essentials.
We recommend focusing on best practices by creating “people-first” content. This involves moving away from overly long content that most visitors are unlikely to finish. A rising trend, known as “Zero-Click SEO,” reflects this shift—more users are finding the answers they need directly on the search results page without clicking through. Hence the popularity surge of Google’s AI Overview.
Zero clicks often occur when the user’s question is answered through SERP features such as a Knowledge Panel, Featured Snippets, and of course, the AI Overview. This could potentially be a detriment since you won’t receive clicks to your website, but you’ll still be showing up in their search engine nonetheless.
The objective remains the same: to rank well in search results, your content must effectively answer the most common questions within your target market. Google prioritizes and references the most helpful and relevant information in its AI Overview. Targeting long-tail keywords is still a smart strategy, as these specific queries align closely with the questions your audience is actively asking.
SEMrush also makes it easy to track what content of yours is currently being featured in the AI Overview snippet:
By utilizing SEMrush or a similar tool, you can identify what keywords you’re ranking in the AI Overview for and whether or not it’s where you want your content to be featured.
Should You Try to Rank in Google’s AI Overview?
As with traditional SEO, it’s important to be strategic about the keywords you target. If your business is featured in an AI Overview snippet for a keyword that doesn’t align with your goals or audience, the effort may not be worthwhile. However, by focusing on answering the specific questions your target audience is asking, your business is more likely to appear in AI Overview results that matter most and directly support your objectives.
As long as you’re following SEO best practices, chances are you’ll naturally start to notice your content getting featured in the AI Overview. Simply make sure you’re crafting relevant content pertaining to your target market and answer customers’ questions and concerns.
