How To Thrive In Google’s AI Search
Google’s search engine is undergoing a major transformation – and it’s powered by artificial intelligence. If you’ve noticed AI-generated summaries appearing at the top of search results, you’re not alone. These are called AI Overviews, part of Google’s evolving Search Generative Experience (SGE).
For business owners, especially those already investing in digital marketing, these AI snippets aren’t just a novelty – they represent a crucial opportunity (or a looming threat) depending on how prepared your business is.
At Fresh Digital Media, we help businesses stay ahead. Here’s everything you need to know – in plain English – to make sure you don’t get left behind.
What Are Google’s AI Overviews?
AI Overviews are Google’s way of giving users a quick, conversational answer pulled from multiple trusted sources across the web. Think of them as “supercharged featured snippets” — but rather than quoting one site, they pull information from various pages to provide a clearer, more complete answer.
These snippets appear at the very top of the search results page. They often include links to the sources they used, meaning if your website is featured, you’re essentially getting free, prime-time advertising.
The catch? If your competitors are featured and you’re not, they’re the ones getting the clicks.
Why You Should Care About AI Snippets
Google has been rapidly rolling out AI Overviews since 2024, with billions of users now seeing them in their everyday searches. And users love them — they get quick, summarised answers and often don’t scroll past the AI section. That means fewer clicks on traditional organic listings.
Here’s the big picture:
– AI Overviews dominate the top of the search results, especially on mobile devices.
– Even if your website ranks #1 organically, an AI snippet can steal your traffic.
– Studies show up to 40% of traffic could drop if you’re not part of this new search layer.
The takeaway? Ranking #1 isn’t enough anymore. You need to be the answer Google’s AI chooses.
How to Get Featured in AI Overviews
While Google says you don’t need to do anything “special” to appear in AI Overviews, that’s only partially true. Businesses that strategically align their content and website with what Google’s AI prefers are already reaping the benefits.
Here are some of the most effective ways to get featured:
1. Write Helpful, Expert-Led Content
Google’s AI is trained to prioritise content that demonstrates Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Make sure your site content:
– Clearly answers questions your customers are searching for
– Includes insights from real-world experience
– Shows who wrote it (with credentials if relevant)
– Links to credible sources and data
Example: A heating engineer could write “How to fix a noisy radiator” and include common mistakes, safety advice, and a short video guide. This mix of helpfulness and authority is what AI looks for.
2. Use Structured Content and Answer Questions
Make your content easy to read — not just for humans, but for AI. Use:
– Clear headings (H2s, H3s)
– FAQs and “People Also Ask” sections
– Bullet points and short, scannable paragraphs
3. Implement Schema Markup
Schema markup is behind-the-scenes code that helps Google understand your content better. Use tools or plugins to add:
– LocalBusiness schema
– Product schema
– FAQ schema
– Article schema
4. Add Original Images and Videos
Google’s AI is now multimodal — it can understand not just text, but images and videos too. Pages that include original, relevant visuals are more likely to stand out.
5. Optimise Your Local and Product Listings
If you’re a local business or retailer, make sure your Google Business Profile is fully completed and updated and your products are listed in Google Merchant Center.
6. Get Third-Party Mentions
Sometimes, your site won’t be the direct source Google uses. Instead, it might pull from a “Top 10” article or a review site that mentions your brand.
7. Stay Fresh and Keep Monitoring
AI is more likely to use content that appears current. Update old blog posts, refresh your product details, and display clear publish/update dates.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Search
Expect:
– Greater personalisation of answers
– Zero-click searches
– A shift towards visual AI answers
– Possible sponsored AI snippets
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the AI Search Opportunity
For small and medium-sized businesses, this is a rare window of opportunity. AI-powered search isn’t yet crowded. At Fresh Digital Media, we can help you:
– Identify content gaps
– Implement structured data
– Create optimised content
– Monitor AI-driven changes
📞 Call: +44 (0)1752 295 875
📱 WhatsApp: 07928 963 422
📧 Email: mark@freshdigitalmedia.co.uk
Don’t get left behind — get featured. Let’s make your content the one Google’s AI trusts.
