Google’s highly anticipated AI overviews have finally made their way to the UK, following a much earlier rollout in the US. Although we had some insight into what this update might bring, its arrival here has sparked fresh discussions and raised new questions about how best to optimise for Google AI overviews. So, what does this update mean for SEO strategies in the UK, and how can businesses position and change their optimisation approach to make the most of it? Let’s unpack this together, including…
- High quality, structured content
- Long-tail keywords and answer questions
- Update your information
- Optimise meta tags and descriptions
- Implement schema markup
- Answer questions directly
What are AI overviews?
AI overviews are Google’s new AI-driven feature that summarises information directly in the search results. Instead of browsing multiple sites, users receive clear, concise answers to their queries, thanks to advanced algorithms trained to present key information quickly. This is designed to enhance user experience, delivering accurate answers to users faster than traditional snippets or links.
Click here to see an example of what the Google AI overview looks like. In this example, we asked Google, ‘Why is SEO optimisation important?’. This is how the Google AI overview answers questions like this…
When do these overviews appear?
AI overviews appear in response to complex questions that might benefit from a more detailed or thorough response. If a query has multiple angles or requires a well-rounded answer, Google’s AI overview may pop up. These summaries often feature at the top of search results, meaning they are prime real estate.
In terms of SEO, this feature could potentially shift some clicks away from individual links and towards the AI-generated overview.
How will it impact website traffic and SEO?
For marketers, the question looms: how will AI overviews impact website traffic? While there’s no doubt that AI overviews offer users quicker answers, they also pose a new challenge for SEO, potentially diverting users from clicking through to websites.
However, the shift isn’t necessarily a negative one; it just means that websites will need to refine their content strategies, which is one solution when it comes to answering how to optimise for the new Google AI overview. If you can secure a place within the content Google pulls into its overviews, you’ll still be visible in front of your target audience, and as a general rule if you rank higher in organic search, you’re more likely to rank in AI overviews. Plus, those who click through will be higher intent users, meaning they’re genuinely interested in your content or product.
How to optimise your website for AI overviews
Since its launch, everyone has been asking the same question: how to optimise for Google AI overviews. Here’s 6 of our top tips…
1. Focus on high quality, structured content
When it comes to understanding how to optimise for Google AI overviews it’s essential to prioritise content that is detailed yet structured and easy to skim, bear in mind Google’s search algorithm values and the E-E-A-T guidelines, which you can learn more about in our blog here. This includes using headers, bullet points, and clearly sectioned paragraphs. Google’s AI is more likely to pull from content that provides straightforward answers in an organised format.
2. Target long-tail keywords and answer questions
AI overviews are particularly effective for queries phrased as questions or that cover niche topics. By focusing on long-tail keywords and answering specific questions in your content, you’re more likely to be featured within an overview. For example, instead of focusing on “SEO strategy,” try answering a question like, “How do I create an SEO strategy for AI overviews?”
3. Keep your information up to date
Google’s AI overviews will prioritise current and accurate information, especially for trending or frequently updated topics. Regularly refresh your content to ensure it’s relevant and that it contains the latest information and statistics, including a date of publishing and an author with a profile to show legitimacy.
4. A strong summary & optimised meta tags and descriptions
When it comes to Google AI overviews, it favours content that has a strong summary in the first paragraph. This introduction section should summarise the answer as much as possible, whilst also encouraging people to scroll to read more. Well optimised meta titles and descriptions remain essential when it comes to understanding how to optimise for Google AI overviews. While AI overviews may provide summaries, titles and descriptions still play a role in attracting click throughs for your link beneath the overview. Ensure your focus keyword appears naturally in both the title and description to help Google understand the content’s relevance.
5. Implement schema markup for better context
Schema markup is a hot topic at the moment, and for good reason. Structured data, like schema markup, provides additional context to search engines about the content on your page. Schema helps Google understand the format and purpose of your content, which could increase the likelihood of your information being selected for an AI overview.
6. Answer questions directly and concisely
Aim to include direct answers to potential questions within your content. By providing clear answers to common questions, you’re essentially “training” Google to identify your page as a reliable source of information on that topic.
It will also work in your favour to add FAQs to the relevant pages, rather than grouping them all up together on one page of your website.
Google’s AI overviews represent an evolving digital landscape, and adapting your SEO strategy to these changes is essential for staying competitive. By focusing on structured, question-driven, and relevant content, businesses can ensure their websites are optimised to thrive in this new AI-powered environment. This shift underscores the importance of aligning content strategies with Google’s emphasis on delivering clear and useful answers, especially as these updates become more widespread in markets like the UK. Staying proactive and prioritising these adjustments will position businesses to not just adapt but excel in this AI-enhanced search landscape
Need help optimising your website for Google’s AI overviews? Get in touch with us, the experts, here to keep your SEO strategy on top of the latest trends and drive valuable traffic to your site.
