What is AI Overview SEO?
AI Overview SEO is an emerging approach to search engine optimisation that focuses on helping websites appear in AI-generated summaries at the top of search results.
These AI overviews are part of a growing trend where search engines like Google use generative AI to answer search queries with conversational responses, rather than just displaying a list of blue links.
Understanding what AI Overview SEO means, and how to optimise for it, is becoming essential for businesses in New Zealand and around the world.
What is an AI Overview?
An AI overview is a short, AI-generated summary that appears at the top of some Google Search results.
It provides users with an immediate, conversational answer to their query, often accompanied by links to the sources the AI pulled information from.
Unlike featured snippets, which extract a block of content from a single page, AI overviews synthesise content from multiple websites and reword it into a new paragraph.
They are currently part of Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE)(external link), which is rolling out gradually and expected to become a core part of how people search online.
How Does Google Create AI Overviews?
To understand AI Overview SEO, we need to first look at how these summaries are generated.
Google uses its Gemini generative AI(external link) model to scan and summarise content from across the web.
This model:
- Indexes pages in Google Search, including metadata, structured data, and on-page content
- Understands search intent using natural language processing
- Pulls high-authority, relevant content from indexed pages
- Generates a conversational response that links to “web sources” it has used
Unlike traditional snippets, the AI may not pull direct quotes or exact text from a page.
Instead, it rewrites ideas and facts into its own words.
This means SEO strategies must now focus on providing clear, structured, and trustworthy content that AI models can easily interpret and summarise.
What Makes Content Eligible for AI Overviews?
To improve your chances of being featured in AI summaries, your content must be:
- Authoritative: Demonstrating subject matter expertise and accuracy
- Clear: Using natural, easy-to-understand language
- Structured: Incorporating proper HTML headings, FAQs, bullet points and schema markup
- Factual: Backed by trusted sources and clearly citing data
Google also tends to favour content with good E-E-A-T signals(external link) (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).
Content written with a human tone but optimised for both search engines and readers is more likely to be picked up by AI.
What is the Difference Between Traditional SEO and AI Overview SEO?
Traditional SEO focuses on ranking high in blue link results using techniques like:
- Keyword optimisation
- Meta descriptions
- Backlink building
- Page speed and mobile-friendliness
AI Overview SEO, on the other hand, requires:
- Structured, high-quality content that answers questions directly
- Use of natural, conversational tone that mimics how people speak
- Strong on-page signals like FAQs, schema markup, and lists
- Content that aligns with topical authority, rather than just specific keywords
In other words, AI Overview SEO is less about ranking a single page and more about becoming a reliable source of information on a topic.
How Can You Optimise for AI Overviews?
If you’re wondering how to adapt your digital strategy for this new frontier, here are some practical steps to follow:
1. Write with Clarity and Purpose
Use short paragraphs.
Answer questions directly.
Avoid fluff or jargon.
2. Use Conversational Subheadings
Include subheadings in the form of common questions.
This helps AI systems match your content with natural search queries.
3. Add FAQ Sections
Include FAQ blocks at the bottom of your content with succinct, clear answers.
This boosts your chance of being pulled into an AI summary or featured snippet.
4. Use Lists and Tables
Bullet points and structured content are easier for AI to parse and repurpose.
They also improve readability for users.
5. Improve E-E-A-T Signals
Include author bios.
Link to reputable sources.
Add case studies or testimonials to build trust.
What Are the Risks of AI Overviews for SEO?
While AI overviews can boost visibility, they also pose some risks:
- Reduced Click-Through Rates: If users get the answer in the AI summary, they may not click through to your site
- Content Misinterpretation: The AI might summarise your content inaccurately, leading to confusion or misattribution
- Ranking Volatility: You may rank well one week and disappear the next, depending on changes in AI training data
That's why your content must be both technically sound and written for a human audience.
Is AI Overview SEO Here to Stay?
The short answer is yes.
All signs point to AI becoming more integrated into the way people search online.
Google, Microsoft (via Bing), and other platforms are heavily investing in generative AI search.
For New Zealand businesses, adapting to this shift now can help maintain visibility and authority in your niche.
The Future of Search in New Zealand
Search is no longer just about ranking number one.
It's about being used by the AI that answers people's questions.
For local businesses, nonprofits, and content creators in Aotearoa, this is both a challenge and an opportunity.
By embracing the principles of AI Overview SEO, you can ensure your content stays relevant, accessible, and impactful in an evolving digital landscape.
If you're finding AI a bit overwhelming and want some guidance for your AI SEO strategy we are here to help!
You can contact our team here for a no-obligation chat.
