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Google’s AI Overview: How It Impacts SEO and Businesses

Google’s AI Overview: How It Impacts SEO and Businesses

Google has rolled out a new feature called AI Overview, which shows quick answers at the top of search results using artificial intelligence. Instead of clicking on websites, users now see summaries pulled from various sources right on the results page.

While this is helpful for users, it could reduce traffic to business websites. Some reports show a 20–40% drop in clicks where AI Overviews appear.

This change affects local Aussie businesses that rely on Google for leads, bookings, or sales. If your site isn’t visible in the summary, you could miss out.

In this blog, we’ll explain how AI Overview works, what it means for Australian businesses, and how to update your SEO strategy.

What Is Google’s AI Overview and How Does It Work?

Google’s AI Overview is a new search feature that uses artificial intelligence to deliver quick answers at the top of search results. Instead of just showing a list of website links, Google now gives a short summary with key information from different trusted websites. This helps users find answers faster, especially for tricky or detailed questions. For example, Google may show budget wedding tips without users clicking on any site.

While that’s great for users, it’s not always great for businesses. In many cases, sites featured in AI Overviews may see a noticeable drop in clicks, as users often find the answers they need directly on the search page. That’s because people get the answers they need without clicking on any website. This can hurt Aussie businesses that rely on Google for customers and sales. If your content isn’t visible in the AI Overview—or doesn’t stand out enough to be clicked—you could start losing valuable web traffic.

Why AI Overview May Reduce Website Traffic

Google’s AI Overview gives users fast answers by showing summaries at the top of search results, which means they may no longer need to click on websites. While this helps users, it can hurt businesses. Some websites have lost 20% to 40% of traffic due to AI summaries. Aussie businesses like dentists or tradies may get fewer clicks and sales. If your site isn’t in the AI Overview, people might not see it.

What are its implications?

Google’s AI Overview alters SEO strategies significantly. Here’s what digital marketers and website owners need to consider:

  1. Shifting Keyword Strategies

    Previously, precise keywords and their variations dominated rankings. With AI Overview, Google’s algorithms understand context better. Semantic search and intent-driven keywords gain importance. SEO must focus on comprehensive, authoritative content rather than keyword density alone.

  2. Featured Snippets vs. AI Summaries

    AI-generated summaries may diminish the prominence of featured snippets. Websites heavily relying on snippets need strategic content adjustments to maintain visibility. Creating unique, deeper content that Google’s AI references becomes essential.

  3. Reduced Organic Clicks

    Immediate AI-generated answers can reduce clicks to traditional search results. Websites must now attract clicks by providing highly specialised, deeper content. Users will click when they want authoritative insights or detailed analysis beyond Google’s summary.

  4. Enhanced Emphasis on EEAT

    Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT) becomes even more crucial. Google’s AI Overview prioritises sourcing from trustworthy, well-established sources. Websites displaying clear expertise, strong authorship signals, and authoritative backlinks benefit significantly.

  5. Voice and Conversational Search

    With AI-driven responses, conversational queries become prominent. Users phrase searches naturally. Optimising content for natural language, answering direct queries explicitly, and incorporating conversational FAQs boost relevance in Google’s AI Overview results.

What This Means for Australian Businesses?

For Australian businesses, Google’s AI Overview could mean a drop in website visits, even if you rank well in search. Whether you’re a dentist in Sydney, a plumber in Perth, or an online shop in Brisbane, fewer clicks can mean fewer calls, leads, and sales. Many small businesses rely on Google search to grow. But if people find answers in Google’s AI summary, they might not visit your site. That’s why you need clear, helpful content that answers questions better than AI.

Impact on Local Businesses

  1. Dental Clinics

    Clinics that publish blogs like “How much do dental implants cost?” may see fewer clicks, as Google now shows price summaries in AI Overviews.

  2. Physiotherapy Practices

    “How to relieve neck pain” articles may get fewer clicks due to instant answers.

  3. Tradies (Electricians, Plumbers, etc.)

    Local service pages or FAQs like “How to fix a leaking tap” are often summarised in AI, reducing traffic to helpful DIY or service guide pages.

  4. Online Retailers

    Product comparison blogs or shopping guides may be replaced by Google summaries of the “best products,” cutting down on search-driven sales.

  5. Accountants and Tax Agents

    FAQs like “What can I claim on tax in Australia?” are often summarised in AI results, reducing visibility for firms offering expert advice.

  6. Veterinary Clinics

    Pet care tips, like “How often should I worm my dog?”, are often included in AI summaries, impacting clinic blogs or advice pages.

  7. Real Estate Agencies

    Market advice such as “Best suburbs to invest in Melbourne” may be picked up by AI Overview, reducing traffic to local insights or blog pages.

How Web99 is Proactively Adapting?

At Web99, we closely monitor Google’s evolving algorithms. Our proactive adaptation strategies ensure client websites stay optimised, authoritative, and visible. Here’s how we’re adapting:

  1. Deep, Authoritative Content Creation

    Our strategy prioritises creating comprehensive, well-researched, authoritative content. Every piece undergoes strict EEAT evaluation, establishing clear authority and trustworthiness. This positions our clients as reliable, go-to sources for Google’s AI-generated content.

  2. Contextual and Semantic SEO

    Web99 focuses on intent-based, semantic keywords rather than traditional keyword-stuffing methods. By enhancing relevance and context, our clients consistently appear in AI-driven search results.

  3. Structured Data and Schema Optimisation

    Structured data remains essential. We meticulously optimise schema markup to clearly communicate content context to Google’s AI, enhancing the likelihood of inclusion in detailed AI responses.

  4. Conversational Content Strategy

    Our content teams adopt a conversational tone that aligns with natural user queries. FAQ sections, comprehensive Q&A formats, and direct, concise answers ensure our content resonates with Google’s AI-driven search outcomes.

  5. Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation

    Algorithm updates are constant. At Web99, we continuously monitor and quickly adapt strategies. Our robust analytics and real-time adjustments keep our clients ahead of search engine shifts.

Our Readiness to Drive Strong Results

Google’s AI Overview represents opportunity, not disruption. At Web99, we view every change as a chance to demonstrate adaptability, strength, and innovation. Our team has thoroughly tested, analysed, and adapted strategies to Google’s new AI-powered search landscape.
Clients trust Web99 to navigate these complexities seamlessly. With our proactive, expertise-driven approach, clients can expect continued robust SEO performance. Traffic, engagement, and conversions remain our priority.

Need a hand?

Would you like to your website to stay ahead, even when the entire Google search dynamics are changing? Web99 can help you update your SEO, create better content, and keep your business visible in Google’s new search results.

Discuss your next project

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About Author

Prem Rathod

Prem Rathod

Director & co-founder

Prem Rathod is a highly skilled professional and co-founder of Web99, a digital marketing and web development agency based in Australia. With expertise in SEO, he is committed to providing innovative solutions to help businesses improve their online presence and visibility. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Prem is passionate about leveraging technology to automate processes and drive innovation in the healthcare sector. His proficiency in SEO, automation, and health tech has helped Web99 stay at the forefront of the industry. His skills in web development, UI/UX design, and project management have also been instrumental in the growth and success of the company.

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