You might have noticed a shift with Google’s new feature, AI Overviews, which rolled out on May 14th, 2024.
This update comes as a part of Google’s efforts to enhance search capabilities by incorporating artificial intelligence into their search results.
Now, as AI Overviews are fully operational, you may find that the experience differs from the earlier testing phase.
This transformation marks a significant step in improving search results’ generated and presented.
In this article, we’ll break down how to rank in Google’s AI overviews, and what you can do to best optimize for gaining additional organic search visibility.
Google’s AI Overview is a new type of search tool that makes use of generative AI to respond to your queries.
This feature provides an AI-generated answer and links to websites that can confirm or provide additional details related to the AI’s response:
Initially called the Search Generative Experience (SGE), it was in testing in 2023 and was officially introduced as AI Overviews in May 2024.
Note: As of the time of writing, you can access it in the USA, but it’s possible to use it from other locations with a VPN set to the US.
An AI Overview result page is designed differently.
It is placed above the typical organic search results, resembling a more concise version of its predecessor, SGE.
You’ll find three main parts in an AI Overview:
This setup gives you a quick, reliable snapshot of information while still allowing for deeper exploration through linked content.
AI Overview results appear in different types depending on the search query you use.
Sometimes, you’ll find an AI Overviews panel with a link to Show more buttons:
This setup seems to be the current standard.
Financial advice queries often have no AI Overview options.
Google initially announced that its AI wouldn’t handle Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) searches, focusing on areas like financial and health queries. However, many AI responses now appear for health-related questions.
Using these approaches, Google aims to balance the benefits of AI technology with the critical need for reliable information in sensitive areas like healthcare and finance.
To succeed in Google’s AI Overviews, starting with a robust base in organic search is essential.
Websites that already perform well in regular organic search results tend to have an advantage in gaining visibility through AI Overviews.
This is because some of the traditional ranking signals play a part here as well:
Despite having a solid foundation, this alone won’t guarantee your website’s appearance in AI Overviews.
It’s possible to rank highly in standard organic results and still not appear in AI Overviews.
Making adjustments is often necessary to be featured in AI elements, such as the carousel links or dropdowns.
Being part of the top carousel positions is particularly beneficial as these receive the bulk of the attention when AI responses load:
It’s critical to remember that while foundational SEO strategies lay the groundwork, additional tweaking and testing specific to AI Overview factors are necessary.
Google’s AI Overview potential may still evolve, and maintaining a flexible approach will help you stay ahead in this dynamic landscape.
Making your website’s content easy to read is key to catching Google’s AI Overview attention.
Often, these overviews link to parts of web pages with simple, clear language.
For instance, URLs might include a hash that directs users to a specific highlighted section of a page.
This is known as a Text Fragment, and it helps pinpoint the exact piece of information that the AI uses.
It’s worth noting that these highlighted sections are generally brief and straightforward.
Sentences are short and get straight to the point. This style works well because AI Overviews aim to provide direct and concise answers.
The easier your content is to read, the better the AI can understand and use it, thus reducing the risk of misinterpretation.
Here are the ways you can improve your text, making it easy to read for both users and search engines:
Again, this enhances readability and aligns with how AI references text.
In order to rank in Google’s AI Overviews, you need to summarize the main idea near the top of your webpage.
This summary acts as a quick answer to user queries, catching Google’s attention efficiently.
When AI Overviews first began, websites that did this effectively were consistently featured.
To implement this, make sure your opening paragraph offers a clear answer or summary of the topic at hand.
This approach was employed when focusing on “sponsored tag” queries where the page needed to provide a distinct answer promptly.
It’s crucial because Google’s AI uses this early section to determine what to display in its overview.
If you notice your page is not being highlighted as desired, consider reorganizing your content.
You might need to remove or adjust certain sections to prevent them from overshadowing the new focus. This strategy allows your updated content to become more prominent.
Altering the introduction can significantly impact your rankings in Google’s AI Overview, moving it to the desired spot.
It’s all about giving users what they need without making them search too much. By keeping your information focused and direct at the start, you improve your chances of being included in Google’s highlighted results.
Once you’ve made the suggested improvements, it’s important to update these changes through the Google Search Console. By requesting re-indexing, your site can appear in AI Overviews within hours.
To do this, enter your page’s URL in the inspection area at the top of the Google Search Console.
After the URL loads, click on Request Indexing.
When it comes to influencing AI Overviews’ rankings, you should approach the process step by step.
While it isn’t easy to rank high, there is a straightforward method you can follow.
To improve your chances, consider different ranking factors. Focus on things like the authority of the authors involved, the amount and quality of inbound links, the length of your content, and how quickly your pages load.
Incorporating images and videos can also be beneficial.
Ultimately, arranging your content well is key, alongside traditional SEO methods.
AI Overviews seem to continue the evolution of existing search engine practices rather than creating a completely new system.
Rankings in Google’s AI-driven search depend on content relevance, quality, and user engagement. Websites that directly address user questions and provide value are prioritized. Google’s algorithms analyze these aspects to improve result accuracy.
Optimizing content involves using relevant keywords and addressing common questions. Structured data and clear headings help AI understand the content. Engaging and updated content increases the likelihood of appearing in search snippets.
Machine learning helps Google adapt and improve its search algorithms. It analyzes user behavior and preferences to refine search results. Adapting involves staying updated with trends and understanding how changes impact rankings.
Use targeted keywords, consistent updates, and relevant links. Ensuring mobile-friendliness and fast loading times enhances user experience. Engaging content that meets user intent can significantly boost rankings.
Google’s AI assesses content for relevance, accuracy, and user engagement. High-quality, original content that provides clear answers is rated positively. For SEO, this means focusing on meaningful, well-structured content.
Create content that answers specific queries and uses appropriate keywords. Ensure the site is easy to navigate and mobile-friendly. Regularly update content to remain relevant and improve user experience.
Founder of Rock The Rankings, an SEO partner that helps B2B SaaS brands crush their organic growth goals. An avid fan of tennis, and growing micro-SaaS businesses on the weekend. 2x SaaS Co-Founder – Currently working to build and scale Simple Testimonial.
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