The search engine landscape is changing fast, and AI overviews are a big part of that. These AI-generated summaries at the top of Google search results are showing up more and more, especially for informational searches. It’s got a lot of people wondering if traditional SEO still matters or if we need to focus on getting into these AI summaries instead.
Getting Your Business Seen in AI Overviews
AI overviews are like the new prime real estate on search results pages. Getting your business featured here is super important for visibility. It’s not just about traditional SEO anymore; there are specific techniques to make sure your business shows up when Google’s AI is summarizing information.
Key Takeaways
- AI overviews are appearing on about 1 in 10 searches, mainly for informational queries.
- Optimizing for AI search is similar to traditional SEO, but with some key differences.
- Ignoring AI overviews could mean missing out on top-of-funnel visibility.
How AI Search Engines Work
Understanding how Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity work is key. These AI tools, along with AI mode in search engines, have their own ways of finding and presenting information. While there’s overlap with traditional SEO, optimizing for these AI search engines requires a slightly different approach.
It’s a common misconception that you can’t apply SEO principles to AI search. The truth is, if you know how to do SEO, you’re already halfway there. The underlying mechanics of getting information surfaced are related, but the presentation and the user’s interaction with the results are evolving.
The Importance of AI Overviews for Your Business
It might seem naive to think that getting into AI overviews won’t help your business. Even if these AI summaries don’t always lead to direct clicks like traditional search results, they play a huge role in building awareness and trust early on. Think of it as the first impression a potential customer has with your brand.
If your business isn’t present in these AI-generated answers, your competitors might be. They could be capturing that initial attention and influencing potential customers before they even get to your website. This means AI overviews are a top-of-funnel opportunity that can support sales and conversions further down the line.
Balancing SEO and AI Optimization
So, what’s the best strategy? Instead of ignoring AI overviews, businesses should see them as a chance to build credibility. The goal is to optimize for AI citations while still maintaining your other marketing efforts. This balanced approach helps you secure your spot in the changing search world and stay relevant throughout the entire customer journey.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how AI overviews and traditional SEO can work together:
| Feature | Traditional SEO | AI Overviews |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Rank high in organic search results. | Get cited in AI-generated summaries. |
| User Intent | Varied, from quick answers to deep research. | Often informational, top-of-funnel queries. |
| Optimization | Keyword research, content, backlinks, site speed. | Clear, concise answers, structured data, authority. |
| Visibility | Direct clicks to website. | Brand awareness, trust building, indirect influence. |
In conclusion, AI overviews aren’t a replacement for SEO, but rather a new layer to consider. By understanding how they work and strategically optimizing for them, you can ensure your business stays visible and competitive in the evolving digital space.
Rodney Laws is an ecommerce expert with over a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs build and grow online businesses. He specializes in reviewing ecommerce platforms, optimizing user experience, and guiding brands toward higher conversions. His insights have been published on leading industry sites including UsabilityGeek, G2, Spendesk, and PPC Hero.
As the editor at EcommercePlatforms.io, Rodney combines hands-on knowledge with clear, actionable advice to help business owners choose the right tools and strategies. When he’s not testing the latest software or analyzing trends, he’s sharing practical tips that make complex ecommerce decisions simple.
