Thriving in Google’s AI-Powered Search: How Business Owners Can Stay Ahead
Google’s search engine is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades – driven by generative AI. In 2025, Google rolled out AI Overviews (formerly called SGE or Search Generative Experience) to hundreds of millions of users worldwide. These AI-generated summaries now appear at the top of many search results and are reshaping how users find and engage with information.
For small and medium-sized business owners, the rise of AI in search presents both a challenge and a major opportunity. If your business doesn’t adapt, you risk losing visibility. But if you act strategically, you can earn a prime position at the very top of Google even above traditional listings.
What Are AI Overviews?
AI Overviews are intelligent summaries that appear at the top of certain Google searches. They draw on information from multiple web pages and present a concise answer, often with clickable links to source websites. These are not like traditional ‘featured snippets’ that pull from one site, AI Overviews synthesise information from various trusted sources.
They’re designed to help users quickly understand a topic and then explore further by clicking through to high-quality content. As a business, if your content is cited in one of these summaries, it can drive high-quality traffic and brand authority. Find out more about this here.
Why It Matters
Appearing in an AI Overview means your business is being recommended by Google’s own AI, a huge trust signal. But missing out can mean your competitors get that visibility instead.
Here’s why it matters:
– AI Overviews are placed above traditional results.
– On mobile, they often take up the entire screen.
– Google is pushing users toward these answers.
– Being cited can increase traffic even if you’re not ranked #1 organically.
How Google Chooses
Google has made it clear: the same principles that apply to traditional SEO still apply but now the bar is higher.
– Relevance and depth of content
– Strong indicators of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
– Clear structure and formatting
– Up-to-date, helpful answers to common user queries
How to Optimise for Google’s AI Overviews
Create Helpful, Well-Structured Content
Your website should answer questions your customers are already asking. Use clear headings, FAQs, and concise answers to improve readability and AI compatibility.
Emphasise E-E-A-T on Every Page
Add author bios, use real-world examples, cite sources, and keep content accurate and updated.
Optimise for Local Search
Use LocalBusiness schema, update your Google Business Profile, and use geo-specific keywords.
Use Structured Data and Schema Markup
Implement schema like FAQ, Product, and LocalBusiness to help Google understand your content.
Leverage Visual Content
Enhance your pages with infographics, videos, and images. Use descriptive alt text and filenames.
Encourage Mentions on Other Sites
Get featured in blogs, directories, and PR mentions to increase your visibility and trust signals.
Track Performance in Google Search Console
Monitor impressions and clickthrough rates. Adjust your content strategy based on performance.
Q&A Section
Q: Does this mean traditional SEO is dead?
A: No traditional SEO is the foundation. But now, you also need to format content in ways Google’s AI prefers.
Q: Should I change all my pages to Q&A format?
A: Not necessarily, but adding Q&A sections to blog and service pages improves visibility.
Q: What’s the best content to use for AI Overviews?
A: Helpful, trustworthy, specific answers to customer questions — especially local ones.
Q: How long until AI Overviews are everywhere?
A: In 2025, they’re already widespread across devices and countries, and usage is increasing rapidly.
Conclusion
Google’s AI-powered search is here to stay and it’s reshaping how customers find businesses online. Being featured in an AI Overview is the new page one of search. The businesses that act early will capture more attention, more trust, and more traffic. Don’t wait for your competitors to get there first. Start optimising now and futureproof your online visibility. Contact us for tips and tricks.
