How AI Overviews Are Revolutionizing the SERP

In 2025, small businesses looking to grow online can’t afford to ignore a massive shift happening on Google’s search engine results page (SERP): the rise of AI Overviews. You may have already seen them—a big AI-generated box at the top of search results summarizing answers before you even click a link.

But what does this really mean for your business? Should you panic about your website getting fewer clicks? Or is there an opportunity hidden in this change?

Let’s explore how AI Overviews are changing the search game, what it means for your visibility, and how smart SEO strategies can help you adapt and thrive.

What Are AI Overviews?

Google's AI Overviews are generative summaries that appear at the top of the SERP. Powered by Google's Gemini language model, these overviews use AI to quickly summarize information pulled from various websites—often without users needing to click.

For example, if someone searches for “best time to prune roses,” Google might show an AI-generated paragraph summarizing expert advice across gardening sites. This paragraph may link to some of the sources—but not always prominently. Another example could be a search for "how to fix a leaky faucet." The AI Overview might provide a step-by-step summary pulled from plumbing blogs or DIY sites, with direct links to the most relevant sections of those pages.

For users, this is fast, convenient, and (usually) accurate. For small businesses relying on organic traffic? It’s a big disruption.

A Quick History of AI in Search

Google didn’t get here overnight. Here’s a quick timeline of AI’s growing role in search:

Year	Milestone	What It Meant
2012	Knowledge Graph	Google starts showing direct answers for common queries. Example: Searching for "Eiffel Tower height" directly gives the answer without a click.
2015	RankBrain	Machine learning begins influencing ranking signals. This marked a shift from purely keyword-based ranking to understanding user intent.
2019	BERT	AI improves understanding of natural language. Google could better interpret nuanced search queries, like understanding prepositions in "bank of the river" vs. "bank account."
2021	MUM (Multitask Unified Model)	Handles complex queries with better context. MUM can understand connections between complex topics, like comparing hiking boots for different climates.
2023	Bard Launched	Conversational AI integrated into search labs. This allowed users to ask follow-up questions and engage in more natural conversations with Google's AI.
2024	AI Overviews (SGE) Rollout	Summarizes answers using generative AI, now live for most users in 2025. The biggest visual and functional change, directly providing summarized answers at the top of the SERP.

 

We’ve moved from helping users find information faster to Google giving them the answers directly.

The Changing Face of the SERP

The traditional SERP included:

• 10 blue links (organic)
• Ads
• Maps/local packs
• Featured snippets
• FAQs, People Also Ask

Today’s SERP includes:

• AI Overviews (at the very top)
• Fewer organic links above the fold
• Scrolling required to find traditional results

Best Practice: Understand the new visual hierarchy. Your goal is to either appear in the AI Overview or rank high enough in the traditional organic results that users are compelled to scroll past the AI box.

This layout shift has massive implications. Google is essentially becoming an answer engine, not just a search engine. This makes it harder for your website to get seen—unless you're included in the AI Overview.

 

Why Website Traffic Is Dropping — And What That Really Means

After AI Overviews became widely available in 2024–2025, many businesses and publishers reported noticeable declines in organic traffic.

Data from Sistrix and SimilarWeb shows:

• Some industries saw traffic drop by up to 40% for informational queries.
• Websites that once ranked in the top 3 now appear below the AI box—or not at all.

Example: A recipe blog that previously ranked #1 for "how to make sourdough bread" might now find the AI Overview providing a full recipe summary, leading to fewer direct clicks to their site.

But here’s the truth: SEO isn’t dead—it’s evolving.

“Just because fewer people are clicking doesn’t mean your site can’t win. It just means you need to understand what content Google trusts enough to include in its AI-generated answers.” — Jared Turner, Boostability CTO

Businesses that adapt by improving their content quality and relevance can still thrive—sometimes even more than before.

Misconceptions About AI Overviews

There’s a lot of confusion surrounding this feature. Let’s clear a few things up.

Myth #1: “AI Overviews are manually curated.” 

Reality: AI Overviews are generated by Google’s language models using machine learning—not human editors. It decides in real-time which sources to summarize. Think of it like a highly advanced automated research assistant.

Myth #2: “Only big brands get featured.” 

Reality: Authority and topical expertise matter more than brand size. Smaller sites with focused, trustworthy content can rank in the Overview.

Example: A local plumbing business with a detailed, well-written article on "common causes of low water pressure in old homes" could be cited in an AI Overview, even over a national home improvement chain, if their content is more specific and authoritative on that niche topic.

Myth #3: “If I’m not in the AI Overview, I’m doomed.” 

Reality: Not every search uses AI Overviews. And you can still attract traffic through long-tail keywords, local packs, YouTube, and social signals. Many commercial or transactional queries (e.g., "best pizza near me") still favor traditional results, local packs, and ads.

What AI Overviews Mean for Small Businesses

This shift affects all businesses—but small and local businesses may feel it more sharply. Here’s why:

Challenges:

• Lower visibility: Users may never scroll past the AI answer.
• Harder to compete: Larger sites tend to have more content and backlinks.
• Local relevance overlooked: AI summaries may recommend general advice, not local providers. Example: If someone searches "roof repair cost," the AI Overview might give general national averages, potentially overlooking a local roofing company's detailed pricing guide for their service area.

Opportunities:

• Topical authority wins: Small businesses that go deep into niche topics can shine.
  Example: A local bakery specializing in gluten-free goods can become the authoritative source for "best gluten-free sourdough starter tips" within their community or niche. 
• Local SEO still matters: Local packs (maps, reviews) are still visible and highly valuable for "near me" searches.
  Best Practice: Maintain an updated Google Business Profile, encourage customer reviews, and ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across the web. 
• Voice search and conversational content: Align with how users actually ask questions.
  Example: Optimize content for questions like "What's the best dog food for sensitive stomachs?" or "How do I choose a reliable electrician in [City Name]?"

5 SEO Strategies to Stay Visible in the AI Overview Era

You don’t need to “outsmart the AI”—you just need to work with it. Here’s what we recommend at Boostability:

1. Double Down on E-E-A-T

Google favors content that shows:

• Experience (real-world insights)
• Expertise (informed knowledge)
• Authoritativeness (recognized credibility)
• Trustworthiness (honesty, safety)

Best Practices & Examples:

• Author Bios: Include detailed author bios for blog posts, highlighting their relevant experience (e.g., "Dr. Sarah Lee, 15 years experience in veterinary medicine," for a pet health blog).
• Case Studies & Testimonials: Feature customer success stories and genuine reviews.
• First-hand Experience: If you're a plumber, share photos and details of a complex repair you completed. If you're a baker, include personal anecdotes about perfecting a recipe.
• Citations: Reference credible sources for data and statistics.
• Clear Contact Info: Make it easy for users to find your contact details and physical address (if applicable).
• About Us Page: Clearly articulate your company's mission, values, and the qualifications of your team. 

2. Use Structured Data & Schema Markup

Help Google understand your content better.

• Mark up FAQs, reviews, products, and locations.
• Make your site easier for AI models to extract info from.

Best Practice: Use tools like Google's Structured Data Markup Helper or plugins (for WordPress users) to implement schema correctly.


Example: For a product page, use Product schema to mark up price, availability, and reviews. For an event, use Event schema. For a recipe, use Recipe schema. This helps Google (and its AI) understand exactly what your content is about.

 

3. Optimize for Questions & Conversational Queries

AI Overviews often answer natural-language questions.

• Create content that addresses “how,” “why,” “when,” “what” queries.
• Use clear subheadings and concise answers to boost your chances of being cited.

Best Practices & Examples:

• FAQ Sections: Dedicate sections or entire pages to answering common questions related to your products or services.
• "How-to" Guides: Break down complex processes into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
• Conversational Language: Write as if you’re speaking directly to your audience, anticipating their questions.
• Answer Boxes: Structure your content to have a clear, concise answer to a question immediately following the heading, making it easy for AI to extract.

4. Create Deeper, More Original Content

AI can summarize the basics. But it can't compete with:

• Unique perspectives
• Expert interviews
• Original data or insights

Lean into content only you can create.

Best Practices & Examples:

• Original Research: Conduct surveys or collect proprietary data relevant to your industry. A local real estate agent could publish an annual report on housing trends in their specific neighborhood.
• Case Studies: Detail how you solved a specific problem for a client, demonstrating your unique approach.
• Interviews: Feature interviews with local experts, industry leaders, or even your own customers, offering fresh insights.
• In-depth Guides: Instead of a simple blog post, create a comprehensive guide that covers every aspect of a topic that takes weeks or months to develop.
• Local Focus: For a local restaurant, this could be "Our Family's Secret Recipe for Authentic [Local Dish]" rather than a generic recipe.

5. Build Strong Backlinks and Citations

Authoritative sources are more likely to be cited in AI responses.

• Get featured in trusted directories, media, or industry blogs.
• Earn links through helpful, shareable content.

Best Practices & Examples:

• Local Directories: Ensure your business is listed in relevant local directories (e.g., Yelp, TripAdvisor, local chambers of commerce).
• Guest Blogging: Write high-quality guest posts for reputable industry blogs that link back to your site.
• Community Involvement: Sponsor local events or participate in community initiatives, often leading to local news coverage and links.
• Create Linkable Assets: Develop valuable resources like infographics, tools, or comprehensive guides that other websites will naturally want to link to.
• Digital PR: Proactively reach out to relevant journalists or bloggers with compelling stories or data from your business.

How Boostability Helps Small Businesses Navigate AI Overviews

At Boostability, we specialize in SEO for small and local businesses—and we’re already helping clients adapt to AI-powered search.

Here’s how:

We audit and optimize your site for E-E-A-T and AI readiness.
Example: We analyze your existing content, identify gaps in demonstrating expertise, and suggest ways to showcase your unique experience.

We create structured content aligned with the way people talk and search.
Example: We develop content strategies focused on answering specific user questions, structuring articles with clear headings and concise answers that Google's AI can easily digest.

We monitor SERP features and track your visibility in AI Overviews and traditional rankings.
Example: We use advanced tools to see when your content appears in AI Overviews and track the impact on your overall traffic and visibility.

We focus on long-term SEO growth, not gimmicks.
Example: Our strategies prioritize sustainable improvements to your site's authority and content quality, ensuring you're resilient to future search updates.

We also educate our clients along the way—because understanding how search works empowers you to make smarter business decisions.

FAQs About AI Overviews and SEO for Small Businesses

Can I rank in AI Overviews as a small business?
Yes! If your content is high quality, helpful, and trustworthy, Google may pull from it regardless of business size. Focus on becoming the absolute best source of information for a specific niche.

Does AI mean I don’t need a website anymore?
No. Your website is still your hub for trust, credibility, and conversions. AI pulls answers from websites—it doesn’t replace them. Your website remains your controlled digital storefront and the place where you can convert interest into sales or leads.

 Is SEO still worth investing in?
Absolutely. SEO isn’t just about rankings—it’s about visibility, authority, and long-term growth. In fact, AI makes good SEO more essential than ever as it rewards truly valuable and well-structured content.

How long does SEO take now with AI in the mix?
You may see changes in 3–6 months, depending on your niche, competition, and strategy. AI doesn’t speed up SEO—it changes how you win by emphasizing the quality and trust signals of your content.

 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Adapt

AI Overviews may seem like a threat at first glance. But they’re really a wake-up call: SEO isn’t static. The way people search is evolving, and so should your strategy.

Instead of chasing rankings, focus on building real value—for people and machines. If your content is helpful, your reputation is strong, and your technical setup is sound, you can still compete.

Need help navigating the changes? 

Our team of SEO experts at Boostability specializes in helping small businesses like yours thrive online. We can help you:

• Attract High-Quality Traffic: Reach the right audience interested in your products or services.
• Improve User Engagement: Create a website experience that keeps visitors coming back.
• Dominate Local Search: Get found by customers in your immediate area.
• Achieve Higher Rankings: Climb the SERPs for keywords that matter most to your business.

Contact Boostability’s Experts Today for a Free Consultation!

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