SEO Tips to Write Web Content for Google's AI Overview

Search is changing fast, which means your search engine optimization techniques also have to change. While there is no guaranteed road to success, read on for some tips that will help.

Google’s new AI Overviews are already reshaping how people discover information online. Instead of only seeing a list of websites to click on, searchers often get an AI-generated summary at the top of the results page. This means your website isn’t just competing with other websites anymore; you’re also competing with that AI answer.

But here’s the good news: there are techniques to help stand out and get traffic, too, if you structure your content the right way. Let’s take a look at some of the strategies that are being suggested by marketing experts.

Understanding the Role of AI Overviews

AI Overviews are designed to give users a quick summary, pulling information from multiple sources. They often cite the websites used directly below the summary. That means your goal isn’t just to rank in the traditional sense, it’s to become one of the authoritative sources Google’s AI pulls from.

To be that authoritative source, ask yourself:

• What unique expertise or trustworthy angle does my site offer?
• What questions would my ideal customer type into Google that I can answer clearly and thoroughly?

If your content answers these questions better than the competition, you have a chance to be referenced in AI Overviews.

Focus on Search Intent, Not Just Keywords

Keyword stuffing is a thing of the past, but identifying the right keywords for your web pages remains crucial so you can use them to your advantage. These days, Google’s AI focuses on intent, the “why” someone is searching. For example:

• Someone who is searching for “best paint colors for small rooms” doesn’t just want a list of colors. They want context, such as how light affects the room, what finishes to use, and expert tips from decorators.
• Someone searching “how to repair a leaky faucet” doesn’t just want the steps. They want a solution that fits their skill level and tools.

To optimize for AI Overviews, write content that anticipates the user’s true intent. Break your answers into clear, scannable sections, and mirror how people actually phrase those questions.

Structure Content for AI and Humans

The easier it is for both people and search engines to understand and index your content, the more likely it is to be used as a search result. Some tips to organize your content include:

• Using H2s and H3s as questions and subtopics. This is how AI systems chunk information to index it appropriately.
• Create short, direct answers first, then expand on them. For example, open a section with a one-sentence answer, then follow with the details.
• Use lists and tables when they make sense because AI often pulls from structured formats like that.
• Think of your content like a Q&A session. Give fast answers upfront, followed by fuller descriptions for those who want to read further.

Project Proficiency and Integrity  

Google’s AI heavily weights E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). To demonstrate that in your content, be sure to include the following:

• Author bios that show real-world expertise.
• Reliable sources or original data wherever possible.
• Updates to older content using new statistics and examples, or recent case studies.

Fresh, credible, and clearly attributed content is more likely to be chosen as a source in AI Overviews.

Make Your Content “Clickable” Beyond the AI Box

Even if your site is referenced in an AI Overview, you still need to give people a reason to click through. Provide value that can’t be summarized in one or two sentences, such as:

• Unique visuals like charts, infographics, or original photos.
• Step-by-step guides with images or video.
• Local expertise or niche insights that AI summaries can’t replicate.

Help users see your site as the place to go for depth, not just surface-level answers and you’ll stand out.

Optimize for Readability and Engagement

The AI summary might get a user's click, but it’s your content that has to keep them reading. Remember to use:

• Short paragraphs and plain language.
• A conversational tone with professional polish.
• Calls To Action that feel natural, such as “Get a free estimate today” or “Download the full checklist.”

Never forget that SEO isn’t just about ranking—it’s about converting visitors into customers.

AI Overviews are definitely changing SEO, but not killing it. In fact, it’s a reminder to step up your SEO game to make your content more helpful, structured, and trustworthy than ever before. By focusing on user intent, organizing your information clearly, and offering unique insights, you can grab a spot in AI summaries and give readers a reason to visit your site, too.

As always, write your web content for people first, optimizing for AI second. Doing both will position your website to do well in the ever-shifting search landscape. Keeping up with the changes is high on the list for our Sprocket team, so don’t hesitate to pass tasks like this over to us. Call today to schedule a consultation.

Photo by Google DeepMind

Kate GingoldKate Gingold

I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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I have been writing a blog with web marketing tips and techniques every other week since 2003. In addition to blogging and client content writing, I write books and a blog on local history.

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