How AI Overviews Are Disrupting SEO and What It Means for Your Business?

Google launched AI Overviews in May 2024 as part of its continuous efforts to improve user experience and search quality. These Gemini model-powered AI-generated summaries, which show up at the top of some search results, provide users with concise, compiled responses from a variety of web pages. While convenient for users, this new feature is fundamentally altering the SEO market.

This blog examines how AI Overviews are reshaping SEO and outlines practical ways to adapt to this changing search environment. 

What Are Google’s AI Overviews?

Google’s AI Overviews are dynamically generated summaries that appear above organic search results. Designed to provide concise, factual answers to user queries, these overviews combine information from various online sources and often include follow-up questions, images, and cited links.

Origins:

Initially tested under “Search Generative Experience” in May 2023 and rebranded in May 2024, the feature has since expanded globally. 

Key characteristics:

• Appear primarily for informational, how-to, and research-based queries.

• Generated by Google’s Gemini AI, with real-time sourcing from indexed pages.

• Include citations but reduce the need for users to click through to individual websites.

This technology represents a transition from conventional search result listings to an AI-curated content experience within the search interface itself. 

The Impact on Organic Traffic and Click-Through Rates

Perhaps the most immediate and measurable effect of Google’s AI Overviews is a decline in organic traffic. Several industry studies have confirmed a significant drop in CTR for keywords where AI Overviews appear.

Key statistics:

• A recent analysis by Ahrefs indicated that AI Overview keywords suggests that the presence of AI Overviews reduces the click-through rate for position 1 by 34.5%.

• Around 58% of Google searches now end without a click, as users find answers directly on the results page. This means most users find what they need without ever engaging with external websites.

Industry-Specific Insights

SEMrush tracked the rate of AI Overview presence across multiple verticals:

High-impact categories (January–March growth):

• Science: +22.27 %

• Health: +20.33 %

• People & Society: +18.83 %

• Law & Government: +15.18 %

Lower-impact but rising:

• Commercial sectors (like Finance, Pets, Autos) show emerging AI integration.

• News, Real Estate, Shopping lag, due to transactional dominance and real-time dynamics

Primary reasons for traffic loss:

• Users find sufficient information within AI-generated summaries.

• Reduced visibility for traditional organic listings positioned below overviews.

• Increased competition for inclusion within the AI Overview itself. 

Who Benefits and Who Loses?

The rollout of Google’s AI Overviews has unevenly distributed benefits and losses across the digital environment.

Affected Parties:

Notably, community-generated content platforms such as Reddit and Quora have seen increased AI Overview visibility due to Google’s recent indexing partnerships. However, businesses that invest in expert-led search engine optimization services are far better positioned to turn these challenges into advantages. 

Adapting SEO Strategies for AI Overviews

While AI Overviews present challenges, they also create opportunities for businesses willing to evolve.

Here are targeted actions and expectations: 

The Role of Multimedia and Structured Data

Structured content is particularly valuable in an AI Overview-driven search environment. Well-organized pages with clear headings, FAQs, and schema markup improve the likelihood of being cited in AI summaries.

Effective content features:

• Bulleted lists and numbered steps

• Direct answers to frequently asked questions

• Data tables and infographics

• Author credentials and source citations

• Video tutorials with clear meta descriptions

In addition, investing in video content marketing strategies hosted on Google-owned platforms such as YouTube can help reclaim visibility within AI-driven search features. 

The Future of SEO in an AI-Powered Search Ecosystem 

The growing influence of Google’s AI Overviews signals a broader trend toward zero-click search experiences and answer-first interfaces. For businesses, the long-term implications include:

Strategic Considerations:

• Redefining success metrics:

Shift emphasis from CTR to brand visibility, content mentions, and AI Overview inclusion.

• Investing in authority-building initiatives:

Earn backlinks, publish research, and enhance brand credibility.

• Track AI‑Generated SERP Features:

Use tools like SEMrush and custom tracking to monitor where your content is featured in AI Overviews and adjust accordingly.

Businesses must proactively monitor developments in generative AI search features and remain agile in their content and technical optimization strategies.  

Conclusion

Google's AI Overviews are changing the way people receive and use information by emphasizing immediate, AI-generated responses over conventional organic clicks. This change emphasizes how crucial it is for companies to go beyond traditional SEO strategies. Businesses can increase visibility, establish authority, and find new growth prospects by implementing expert-led SEO services. In the upcoming search era, those who react swiftly and strategically will protect their online reputation and come out stronger.

Don’t let AI Overviews disrupt your traffic — contact us for smart SEO strategies.