Google’s rolled out AI Overviews across more search results, and it’s shaking up how users interact with content online. These AI-generated summaries are designed to give searchers quick answers without needing to click through to a website. Sounds handy, right? Unless you’re the small business whose site was just leapfrogged by a bot blurb.
So, what does this mean for you? And should you be panicking?
Short answer: Nope. Long answer: Things are shifting, but there are smart ways to stay relevant.
AI Overviews are Google’s attempt to keep users on the search page longer by using generative AI to summarise top search results. Instead of users scrolling and clicking through multiple sites, they get a tidy little summary up top. While this means fewer clicks for traditional websites, it doesn’t mean SEO is dead — it just needs a bit of a makeover.
Small businesses often rely on organic traffic for enquiries, bookings and sales. If AI Overviews are eating up clicks, visibility could take a hit. Here’s the kicker though: Google still pulls those summaries from websites. Which means your content still needs to be:
Well-structured and authoritative
Clear and concise
Focused on answering specific questions
If your site nails that? You’re more likely to be quoted in the AI Overview itself — which is a big visibility win, even if clicks are lower.
Write for clarity, not fluff
Be direct. Answer common questions your customers have. Make it skimmable.
Use structured headings and subheadings
H1s, H2s, bullet points. This makes it easier for Google to understand and extract your content.
Include FAQs
Direct question-and-answer formats are AI gold.
Prioritise E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Be real. Use testimonials, case studies, and clear author bios to show you’re legit.
Focus on long-tail keywords
Broad terms might get swallowed by the AI blob, but specific searches still lead users to your site.
SEO isn’t dead – it’s just evolving. AI Overviews are the latest twist, but the fundamentals haven’t changed: make helpful, human-centred content that answers real questions. Do that well, and you’ll still show up. Maybe not always in a blue link, but in the overview box itself? That’s prime digital real estate.
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