The AI overview is a new SERP feature that provides AI-generated summaries for your query. This feature is set to change the SERP landscape and how we approach traditional SEO. So how can you optimize your content to rank on Google search’s AI overview?
Think of Google’s search AI overview as something similar to Featured Snippet’s. Formerly known as Search Generative Experience (SGE), Google search’s AI overviews are AI-generated responses to a particular search query. This overview aims to summarize all the key information under a particular topic. For example, a query such as “human machine collaboration” will include concise information about the meaning of human machine collaboration, its benefits, challenges, and even a video explaining the concept.
What Are AI Overviews and How Does It Work?
The content featured on the Gen AI snippet is sourced from reputable blogs ranking for the same or similar queries with links to the original source for readers to access in-depth information. This is what makes Google search’s AI overview different from a Featured Snippet; it consolidates information from various sources instead of one single blog. But that’s not all, AIO ranks above the Featured Snippet, carousels, and even sponsored posts! As a result, optimizing for AI on Google can be crucial to drive traffic to your website. So, how do you do that?
According to a SurferSEO study, about 52% of articles in AIO rank in the top 10 and a study by SearchEngineLand (in December 2024) suggests that about 75% of AIO articles rank in the top 12. This means that although being in the top 10 increases your chances of being discovered, credible articles ranking beyond the second page have a chance to increase organic clicks and traffic. Let’s look at some key areas you can focus on to boost your ranking.
Several studies suggest that a majority of articles featured in Google’s AIO rank in the top 2 pages. Improving SERP rankings should be at the core of your SEO efforts. Good SERP rankings can be achieved when your website is catering to the user’s needs which in turn increases your chances of being featured on Google search’s AI overview. AI overviews are new, and optimizing for Google’s systems as a whole can ensure you grow your organic visibility.
You can do this through the general SEO practices including:
Read more about the importance of an optimized UX design.
While keyword inclusion is important for SEO and AIO, it is important to stay away from black hat practices such as keyword stuffing. According to a study, only about 5% of AIOs mention the exact keyword. This means that context and quality of the content is given greater importance by Google.
AI optimization does not mean including every keyword related to your topic. It’s important to ensure you include keywords that match the search intent of your article. By understanding the search intent and ensuring your content is catered to it, you increase your chances of being featured for AI-generated summaries. Keywords that a blog aims to target should always be informational in nature to cater to user needs. To accurately match search intent, look at the SERPs for your main keyword before you start writing.
For example, here, “salad dressing uses” caters to a user's need to understand the different ways salad dressing can be utilized and as a result, Google features informational articles.
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Whereas, the keyword “salad dressing” is transactional in nature, resulting in popular products being featured.
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While keyword inclusion is at the very base of SEO and AIO, we must remember that Google always prioritizes authoritative content from credible sources. This protects users and ensures that they can find credible information, quickly. This is especially relevant for sensitive topics such as health, finances, etc.
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For example, here, we can see that top ranking content is from credible sources such as the NHS.
You can build your websites authority by:
When you consistently post trustworthy and credible information, you’re more likely to be featured in Google search’s AI.
Google’s AI overviews largely show up for question-oriented keywords and aim to answer a user’s question quickly. Try to answer a user’s question in the beginning of your content in a concise manner. You can also include a few more lines that add context and directly address other queries related to your topic.
For example, for our BFSI client we answer user queries related to investment options in a clear and concise manner:
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The type of queries you answer will depend on your industry. While answering questions like, “how to calculate returns” or “how to lose weight” are straightforward, answering questions in a B2B space, with a specific niche can get complicated. Learn how to create better content for B2B businesses to ensure you’re answering the correct questions that meet your user’s intent.
While including keywords and answering user questions it is necessary to check the tonality of the language. Use plain, natural language. Make the answer as clear and easily understandable as possible, making it as readable as possible.
By using natural language and an easy to follow structure, Google can easily understand the context and relevance of your content and use it for the AIO.
For example, the AI overview for the query “salad dressing uses” shows the following results:
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The reference from the first point lists out the uses in the first sentence of the blog:
While it is important to ensure that your website is authoritative and credible, building an authoritative website can take time. In such cases, linking other authoritative sources can also help.
By linking references and citing your sources, you’re letting Google know that your data is backed up by a resource Google deems reputable, which increases the chances of your content being used in Google’s AI overview.
This ensures that your content aligns with Google’s Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
Citing sources may be more important in some industries than others. These include:
To rank on Google’s AIO, you need to ensure that your tech SEO is in place. These are some main points to look into:
Additionally, implementing page schemas can help Google fully understand your content. There are various schema markups including for specific content types such as recipes, FAQs, articles, etc. that you can add as per the relevance to your content.
Google values up-to-date information and also lets Google know that your website is active. By regularly updating your content, you can update it with new queries, latest data and information, making your content more useful for readers.
Ranking on Google search’s AI results requires a strategic blend of high-quality content, credibility, and user-focused optimization. By prioritizing authoritative sources, implementing strong SEO practices, and ensuring a seamless user experience, you can increase your chances of being featured. As Google’s AI overview continues to evolve, staying adaptable and following best practices will be key to maintaining visibility and driving organic traffic.