AI Overviews have writers in a panic. After all, the premise is terrifying for website owners. Google’s motivations are fundamentally divided. They need click-throughs to pages for Google Ad reach on websites. Equally, they want to be the best search engine. This drives a motivation to keep people on their SERP. This is what AI Overviews try to do. This understandably has people concerned.
What are AI Overviews?
Google's AI Overviews are a relatively new feature. It utilises artificial intelligence to provide concise, informative summaries. These now appear at the top of search results. The summaries are designed to quickly answer user queries. They also offer a brief overview of the topic.
How do AI Overviews work?
This now happens every time you enter a search query. Google's AI analyses the vast amount of information available. It uses this to to generate a summary. This summary is then displayed at the top of the SERP. This is often accompanied by links to relevant websites.
The impact of AI Overviews on SEO
Initially, there were concerns that AI Overviews would significantly impact organic search results. People were worried they'd reduce website traffic. However, the feature has matured and interest has mellowed. It's become clear that a well-rounded SEO strategy remains crucial.
It is natural for writers to be worried. Remember, writing remains the most important marketing skill. AI Overviews have gaping flaws that you don’t. Some subjects are too specialist for AI Overviews to even attempt. This is because of the implications of misinformation. In addition, the overviews are only sometimes useful. More often than not, are only surface-value. Getting into the nitty-gritty is your thing. Take advantage of it. Communicate to the audience in a way they can understand. Give them a clear takeaway.
Key factors to consider to mitigate the impact of AI overviews
1.| High-quality content
As always, content is king. This is how you set your expertise apart. The developments in AI might seem bleak, but never underestimate your power as a human writer.
- Relevance. Ensure your content directly addresses the user's query.
- Clarity. Write clear, concise, and easy-to-understand content.
- Authority. Establish your website as a reliable source of information.
2.| Strong backlink profile
This is how you bolster your site reputation and, in turn, your ranking.
- Quality backlinks. Build links from reputable websites to enhance your domain authority.
- Natural link building. Focus on acquiring links through high-quality content and outreach.
3.| Technical SEO
You want people to favour your page over the overview. You need to make sure your website is technically up to scratch.
- Page speed
- Optimise your website's loading speed.
- Mobile-friendliness. Ensure your website is accessible on mobile devices.
- Site structure. Organise your website's content. Do this in a logical and user-friendly manner.
4.| User experience
No matter the developments in AI on Google’s SERP, the user favouring your resources really comes down to UX. AI overviews do well because they are written in a well-structured way that is easy to understand. We have written about the role of readability in UX.
- Clear navigation. Make it easy for users to find the information they need.
- Engaging content. Use visuals, videos, and interactive elements to enhance user experience.
- Mobile optimisation: Prioritise mobile-friendly design and optimisation.
Other aspects of Google to consider
AI Overviews are not the only Google feature you should be mindful of while proceeding with your content plan. Google also regularly releases Helpful Content Updates.
Keeping up-to-date with them is a very good way for you to understand the impact of Google updates. They detail the impact on you as a writer or website owner.
So far, the focus seems to have remained on writing content that is genuinely informative and helpful for users. Write for people, not for search engines, and your SEO will skyrocket as a byproduct. It’s all about understanding your users’ intention and needs — Google Analytics can help you with that.
The future of AI Overviews
As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect further advancements in AI Overviews. Google may introduce more sophisticated features. These could include personalised summaries and interactive elements.
To stay ahead of the curve, it's essential to keep up with the latest SEO trends. Adapt your strategies accordingly. Focusing on high-quality content, strong technical foundations, and user experience. By doing this, you can effectively leverage AI Overviews to drive organic traffic and improve your website's visibility.
Equally, it is important to remember the limitations of AI. Focus on what your advantages are as an excellent writer. While AI Overviews can be a powerful tool, they should not replace a comprehensive SEO strategy. The human element is a key part of what makes a website rank. Humans are unmatched when it comes to specific expertise. We also have analogies based on our unique experiences, and a better vocabulary.
That’s not to say you should fall into wordiness which impact your readability. It is only to say that AI seems to have a limited vocabulary. They also do not have the set of experiences you have. It might seem flashy and intimidating. However, it is already showing that people have become tired of the AI Overviews. The data shows they now have a minimal impact on SEO. That being said, it is always good to be prepared for further advancements. The technology has been evolving at an alarming rate. Forewarned is forearmed.
