Sneha Jasrasaria Quick answer
Google AI Overviews are AI-written summaries shown above regular results for many searches. They can reduce clicks for simple questions because people get the answer on the page, but they also link to the sources they use. To stay visible, publish clear, specific, trustworthy content that is worth citing and that answers deeper questions an overview cannot fully cover.
Key takeaways
- AI Overviews answer simple questions directly, so some clicks drop
- Being cited as a source brings visibility and trust
- Specific, experience-based content is harder to replace
- Track impressions as well as clicks in Search Console
If you search on Google today, you often see a block of AI-written text at the top called an AI Overview. It summarises an answer and shows links to the pages it used. This changes how people click.
Why some websites see fewer clicks
For simple questions like “what is a carousel post”, the overview may answer fully. The searcher gets what they need and leaves. This is part of the wider trend of zero-click searches.
Why it is also an opportunity
AI Overviews cite sources. If your page is one of them, you get:
- Visibility at the very top of the page.
- Trust, because Google chose you as a source.
- Clicks from people who want more depth.
Which content still gets clicks
- Local intent: “boutique near me”, where people want directions or to call.
- Buying intent: pricing, packages, comparisons and bookings.
- Depth: guides, case studies and tools an overview cannot replace.
- Experience: first-hand stories, photos and real numbers.
How to get cited in AI Overviews
- Answer first. Put a clear two sentence answer at the top of the page.
- Structure well. Use headings, lists and tables.
- Be specific. Real numbers, locations, prices and steps.
- Show who wrote it. An author with real experience builds E-E-A-T.
- Keep it fresh. Update dates and facts.
- Add schema. FAQ, Article and LocalBusiness markup help machines read facts.
How to measure the change
In Google Search Console, compare impressions and clicks over time. Rising impressions with falling clicks often means people see you but get the answer on Google. Shift effort to pages with buying or local intent, and add calls to action that give people a reason to visit.
The bottom line
AI Overviews reward the same thing good SEO always has: being the clearest, most trustworthy answer. Focus on pages that help people decide and act.