If you’ve searched the internet within the last year, you might’ve seen Google’s AI Overview. For those who don’t know, it is an AI-generated summary in response to your query. There has been a lot of discourse about the impact of this, as people can now get their answers instantaneously, in the simplest terms, without ever having to visit a website. Even if you’re not in the educational business, this still affects you.

Google’s AI Overview is perfectly tailored to the individual and can vary depending on your device, location, or time of day. In mere moments, a mini article has been created. Handy for someone searching, not so much for people looking to drive website traffic. 

How does Google AI Overview Work?

Search engines crawl the entire internet, analysing and storing (‘indexing‘) everything into a vast database. This is how SEO works, and what helps some websites rank higher than others in search engines. 

Generative AI creates new, original content by learning patterns from vast databases, rather than simply analysing and regurgitating indexed data.

Google’s AI Overview uses a mix of indexed and generated data for its responses. Using the knowledge it has acquired through training and general experience, Gemini summarises content that has been stored over the span of the last few decades to answer your search query in the best way possible. 

To increase clarity, usually a sentence or two is highlighted for those who are in even more of a rush. Despite these summaries, complete responses can span multiple paragraphs. This allows for a certain degree of in-depth research to be undertaken, all without clicking a single link. 

If somebody would like more information on a topic, the AI Overview includes links to a few websites relevant to your topic and trusted by Google. These links are pulled from a different part of the database, the part where indexed data lives. The links that are cited and referenced here are dependent on relevance, trustworthiness and the strength of their SEO, with 75% of AI Overview links coming from the top 12 organic rankings.

What Does This Mean For You?

The obvious consequence of this is less website traffic and organic growth. This has been at the centre of much controversy surrounding Google’s AI Overview. You can’t blame somebody for taking the easy route; if they have their answer at the top of the page, in its simplest form, why would they waste time scrolling through a website?

As attention spans continue to shrink due to factors such as the rise in short-form content on TikTok and Instagram Reels, the desire to read large chunks of text wanes (but you’re here, reading this, so well done!). 

Attention spans have reduced from 12 seconds in the year 2000, to just 8.25 seconds in 2025 . The average attention span of a Goldfish is 9 seconds. It’s no wonder that AI Overviews have been received so well.

AI Overviews are now affecting other industries, such as E-Commerce. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, can provide links to products that match your search, in turn promoting them. As a result, businesses that don’t make the cut can suffer less website traffic and potentially fewer purchases.

On the other hand, more complex purchases that require price and spec comparisons are unlikely to be reduced to AI Overviews, as people trust companies more when they can explore their websites and entire product portfolios. This is why high-quality product photos and descriptions are rewarded and can help you push into AI-generated responses.

AI Overviews don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, they are evolving. Unfortunately, burying your head in the sand isn’t going to do you any favours. So what can you do to put yourself at an advantage?

What Should You Do?

Text-heavy websites, such as blogs or recipe sites, should prioritise headings. Categorising and breaking up articles is a great way to make your website easier to understand, not just for humans but for bots.

Ensure that you are using short paragraphs (under 200 words) so that AI can select specific parts of your website easily and potentially include them in their responses. 

Text should be user-friendly. For example, using clear language that isn’t too formal or difficult to understand. An AI Overview needs to be understood by a range of people, so ensuring your text accommodates that can be to your benefit. Here, a more colloquial tone can be more favourable. I’m not saying start swearing in your articles! But don’t put too much pressure on writing in an overly formal register, M’Lady. 

For E-Commerce websites, ensure your products include detailed descriptions of price, specifications, unique selling points, and, where relevant, frequently asked questions. Avoid vague language, including in product titles; ‘Samsung Series 7 Classic Fridge Freezer with Non Plumbed Water Dispenser – Black‘ is far better than ‘Black Fridge‘, for example.

You will be rewarded for high-quality product photography. Images should show all angles and features, preferably against a blank or at least tidy background. Use alt-text for improved accessibility, too.

And, the no-brainer, keywords. Given that AI focuses on top-ranking websites, a strong SEO foundation is paramount for success in this landscape and increases the likelihood that you appear in AI search results. Long, descriptive keywords (or phrases, I suppose) help you to rank better. ‘Robust Phone Case for Apple iPhone Models 12 and Over‘ over ‘Phone Case‘, you catch my drift? For a bigger insight into SEO, click here. 

Final Thoughts

It would be silly to say that AI is going anywhere. It is now merely a case of sink or swim (sorry, someone had to say it, it’s tough love.)

Those who adapt to technological changes will reap the benefits. It isn’t all dire, though. In fact, AI is expected to bring as much as $275 billion to the operating profits of the fashion and luxury sectors in the next three to five years.

The key to success is knowing your audience. Even before AI Overviews, customers were looking for new ways to learn and absorb information. Ensuring that you don’t put all your eggs in one basket and that you’re constantly adapting to the market puts you in a strong position to continue attracting people to your website. Every day is a learning day, and that applies now more than ever. 

As a business owner, you’re likely to have lots else to think about, but don’t fret! Luckily, there are people such as me who do the work for you. SEO audits are increasingly incorporating AI-focused analysis, so don’t worry: there is always a solution.

For more information about SEO/AI analysis for your website, get in touch!