Over twenty years, SEO aimed at one thing - top spot.
Now, things are different. Instead, top spot’s usually a summary made by AI - Google's AI Overview - which pulls together useful info for people.
This sparked fear, yet opens unexpected doors. The AI pulls data from various spots. Because it shows where info comes from - using direct links.
The fresh aim of SEO isn't simply about being that one blue result anymore - now it's about becoming the reliable answer an AI picks up and uses.
Getting mentioned in an AI summary shows people you're a go-to authority, brings in serious visitors who actually care, yet also grows real confidence in your name. So what’s the trick?
This isn’t about fooling the system. Instead, think of giving it solid, reliable data - clear and organized. One way is using clean examples. Another involves double-checking sources before inputting them. You could also break complex ideas into smaller chunks. Try mixing real-world cases with basic facts. Or even test outputs to spot weak spots early on.
Ai snapshots show up when someone asks something. Instead of chasing broad terms - say, “plumbing help” - aim at clear questions - such as “How do I spot a hidden pipe leak?”.
Here’s how you can handle this: Set up a special part for questions either on your service site or within your blog posts. Try using the whole query as a title - like How often should I get my furnace checked?. Under that, give a straightforward reply showing knowledge, about two or three short blocks of text.
How often should I get my furnace checked?
Here’s why it clicks: you’re making things super easy for the AI to match a question with the right reply. That’s basically the simplest win in boosting AI performance.
What you need to know: Lots of schema types exist - yet only a couple really matter hereLocalBusiness Schema shows your name, plus location - also phone times - to prove who you are.Faq schema acts like a label - shouts to Google this isn't just text, it's Q and A packed together. It groups each question with its reply so search engines get the structure right awayA website with good schema acts like a tidy filing system for Google. Because when the machine wants fast info, it picks the clearly marked drawer right away. That’s a smart move plenty of self-built sites skip entirely.
What you need to know: Lots of schema types exist - yet only a couple really matter here
LocalBusiness Schema shows your name, plus location - also phone times - to prove who you are.
Faq schema acts like a label - shouts to Google this isn't just text, it's Q and A packed together. It groups each question with its reply so search engines get the structure right away
A website with good schema acts like a tidy filing system for Google. Because when the machine wants fast info, it picks the clearly marked drawer right away. That’s a smart move plenty of self-built sites skip entirely.
Here’s how you can make it happen:Writer Profiles: Add a short intro plus picture to each article - show who wrote it, like "Jane Doe, Electrician certified in 2010." Instead of just names, give a quick fact about their background. This builds trust because readers see real people behind the posts. Use clear shots, not stock images. Keep the info brief but meaningful - focus on experience or training. When someone knows the writer’s expertise, they’re more likely to keep reading.Case studies: Display “before plus after” pictures of what you’ve done. That’s real-life proof.About Page: Tell your company’s story, include permits plus proof you’re qualified.This is why it clicks: you stand out from the crowd. Not merely posting stuff - being trusted info makes the difference.
Here’s how you can make it happen:
Writer Profiles: Add a short intro plus picture to each article - show who wrote it, like "Jane Doe, Electrician certified in 2010." Instead of just names, give a quick fact about their background. This builds trust because readers see real people behind the posts. Use clear shots, not stock images. Keep the info brief but meaningful - focus on experience or training. When someone knows the writer’s expertise, they’re more likely to keep reading.
Case studies: Display “before plus after” pictures of what you’ve done. That’s real-life proof.
About Page: Tell your company’s story, include permits plus proof you’re qualified.
This is why it clicks: you stand out from the crowd. Not merely posting stuff - being trusted info makes the difference.
Your GBP’s gotta be fully filled out - keep it fresh all the time. That means replying to feedback right away, swapping in new pics of projects or staff now and then, also posting updates through Google Posts every so often.Here’s why it clicks: AI tends to pull bits from reviews when answering - like saying, "XYZ Plumbing gets great feedback in Hamilton because people talk about fast service, also how skilled they are." If your Google Business Profile feels thin or lacks info, the system just skips you.
Your GBP’s gotta be fully filled out - keep it fresh all the time. That means replying to feedback right away, swapping in new pics of projects or staff now and then, also posting updates through Google Posts every so often.
Here’s why it clicks: AI tends to pull bits from reviews when answering - like saying, "XYZ Plumbing gets great feedback in Hamilton because people talk about fast service, also how skilled they are." If your Google Business Profile feels thin or lacks info, the system just skips you.
This time around, think online visibility. Land a spot in a hometown news piece, appear on an official trade listing - say, lawyers or certified builders - or become part of your area’s business network instead.Here’s why it clicks: when Google’s AI notices you’re seen as an expert - not just by yourself, yet also by others in the field - your credibility takes a big leap.
This time around, think online visibility. Land a spot in a hometown news piece, appear on an official trade listing - say, lawyers or certified builders - or become part of your area’s business network instead.
Here’s why it clicks: when Google’s AI notices you’re seen as an expert - not just by yourself, yet also by others in the field - your credibility takes a big leap.
You Don't Need to Beat the AI - You Need to Be Its Source
Being mentioned in AI summaries doesn’t come from just one shortcut. Instead, it’s what happens when you nail every part of the process.
A technically-perfect, fast website that's structured for AI.
A consistent SEO management plan that builds your authority and answers customer questions.
This is the latest phase of SEO - here’s when a skilled helper really matters.
Keen to turn your business into what Google’s AI trusts? How about we chat.
Google’s AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results. They pull information from trusted websites to answer user queries quickly and may cite businesses as sources.
Google looks for clear, well-structured content, strong authority signals, accurate information, and helpful answers that directly match user intent. Proper use of schema and consistent business information also play an important role.
Yes. Schema markup helps Google better understand your content and context, making it easier for AI systems to extract and cite your information in AI Overviews.
Absolutely. Strong on-page SEO, quality backlinks, content relevance, and E-E-A-T signals remain essential. AI Overviews build on traditional SEO rather than replacing it.
