How to Optimise for Google’s AI Overviews (2026)

Google Search is changing fast, and AI Overviews – Google’s AI-generated summary answers that appear at the top of search results – are now a core part of how people find information online.

Here at CRKLR, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly these AI summaries are reshaping search behaviour. The good news: with the right strategies, you can adapt and make your content appear in these AI-driven results. 

We’ll break down what AI Overviews are, why they matter for SEO, and how to optimise your content to get picked up by Google’s generative AI.

What Are AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear directly in Google’s search results. When you search a question or complex query, Google may display an AI-crafted synopsis of the answer at the top of the results page. These overviews include key information in a few paragraphs, citations with links to the sources, and sometimes even images. 

Example of a Google AI Overview displaying summarised local results with links to featured sources.

AI Overviews are usually shown above the traditional “10 blue links” of organic results, often occupying a large portion of the screen on both desktop and mobile. This prominent placement means AI Overviews can significantly impact SEO traffic. Users might get their answers without scrolling or clicking through to websites, which can lead to fewer organic clicks.

However, it’s not all downside. Google reports that clicks coming from AI Overview pages tend to be more engaged. When someone does click a source link from an AI result, they often spend more time on that site, likely because the AI gave them more context and relevant info up front.

Importantly for content creators, AI Overviews pull information from multiple sources (about 4–5 different pages on average). Google’s AI doesn’t just take the #1 ranked page – it might cite websites that aren’t even in the top 10 organic results. 

This means new opportunities. If your page contains highly relevant, well-formatted information, it could get featured even if you’re not ranking at the very top. Google itself has stated that AI Overviews showcase a wider range of sources so users can easily click out and explore content on the web.

10 Tips to Optimise for AI Overviews

Now that we understand what AI Overviews are and why they’re important, let’s explore the 10 tips that will help your content stand out for Google’s AI. 

1. Focus on People-First, High-Quality Content

The foundation of all SEO – and especially true for AI results –  is great content written for people. To optimise for AI Overviews, create unique, valuable content that addresses topics in depth and with accuracy.

Avoid generic “commodity” content. Instead, offer fresh insights, research, or expertise that set your content apart. Google’s AI is looking for “outstanding, original content that adds unique value”. If your page says the same thing as everyone else’s, it’s less likely to be chosen as a source.

In practice, people-first content means writing in a clear, accessible style and covering the subject matter thoroughly. Make sure your page actually answers the questions users are asking, and does so better than other sources. Provide examples, explain jargon, and give actionable information. 

High-quality content might take more effort to produce, but it’s the baseline to even be in the running for AI citations. Google’s algorithms (AI included) have become very good at recognising content that is helpful, trustworthy, and satisfies user intent – so put users’ interests first, always.

If you do that, you’ll naturally incorporate many of the elements (like depth, clarity, accuracy) that AI Overviews favour.

2. Match User Intent with Long-Tail Keywords and Questions

One of the best ways to get featured in an AI Overview is to target the specific questions and long-tail queries people are searching for. AI Overviews are most often triggered by informational, detailed queries – especially those longer, conversational searches. 

Rather than chasing broad single-word keywords, focus on the queries that indicate clear user intent and a desire for a rich answer. For example, a query like “how to improve core web vitals for SEO in 2025” is more likely to produce an AI overview than just “SEO tips”.

By optimising for these long-tail keywords, you align with the kind of complex questions the AI is trying to answer. Long-tail queries often reveal the user’s intent (e.g. wanting a how-to, a comparison, a definition, etc.), so make sure your content fully addresses that intent. If it’s a how-to question, provide a step-by-step solution. If it’s a “what is” question, provide a clear definition and relevant details. 

Targeting niche and specific queries is also a smart strategy because AI summaries can struggle with very nuanced or specialised questions. Google’s AI tends to give generalised answers for broad questions. But for highly specific needs, the AI might not satisfy the user completely, creating an opportunity for your content. 

In short, do your keyword research on questions and long-tails, use tools like AlsoAsked (and your own search console data) to find the exact phrases people use. 

3. Build Topic Relevance with Semantic SEO

Closely linked to user intent is the need for strong semantic relevance – making sure your content fully reflects the meaning behind the query, not just the words used. 

Semantic SEO is all about covering a topic comprehensively and using related terms, synonyms, and contextual signals that help Google understand what your page is really about.

Pages that appear in AI Overviews tend to have excellent semantic alignment with the query. Their titles and headings closely match the user’s question, and the content covers key subtopics and related angles in depth.

To optimise semantically:

1. Use natural language and varied phrasing. Don’t just repeat the target keyword. Include synonyms and related expressions. This signals to Google’s AI that your content offers a well-rounded take on the topic.
2. Answer related subtopics and follow-up questions. If your main topic is broad, break it down. Use the “People Also Ask” box or related queries in Search Console as a guide. The more useful questions your content addresses, the more valuable it becomes as a comprehensive source.
3. Optimise your titles and meta tags. Your page title, H1, and URL should clearly reflect the core topic or question. In a recent study, pages frequently cited in AI Overviews had titles and slugs that closely matched the search query.

Semantic SEO also extends to your site structure. Link related articles into content hubs or topic clusters. This helps Google understand how your content fits into the bigger picture.

In short, by painting a complete semantic picture around your topic, you make it easier for Google’s AI to trust your content as an authoritative source for overview answers.

4. Structure Your Content for AI-Friendly Reading

Both humans and AI value content that is well-organised and easy to scan. To optimise for AI Overviews, pay close attention to content formatting and structure. This means using clear headings, subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to break up information. 

Google’s AI is more likely to pull from content that is structured in a logical, digestible way. Think of each heading or section as answering a sub-question about the main topic. Use <h2>, <h3> tags (or Markdown ##, ### in blogging) for subtopics, and use lists or step-by-step formatting where appropriate.

Why is structure so important? For one, AI Overviews rely on content that flows naturally and is easy to parse. If your page is a wall of unbroken text, the AI might struggle to identify the key points to extract. 

On the other hand, if you’ve separated sections and highlighted key facts (perhaps in bold or in list form), it’s much simpler for the AI to grab those as part of an answer snippet.

Tip: Provide a concise summary or definition at the top of your content. Answer the core question within the first few sentences if possible. You can then elaborate with details below. Google’s AI often pulls information from the beginning of a page, so by front-loading your content with a direct answer or definition, you make the AI’s job easier. 

5. Implement Schema Markup and Structured Data

Great content matters, but don’t ignore the technical signals that help Google understand it. Structured data (Schema markup) gives search engines extra context about your page in a machine-readable format. It won’t guarantee inclusion in AI Overviews, but it can boost your chances by making your content easier to parse and trust.

For example, tagging an FAQ section with FAQPage schema or a tutorial with HowTo schema tells Google exactly what kind of content you’re offering, and where to find it. AI Overviews often favour pages that clearly identify structured elements like this.

Key schema types to consider:

1. FAQPage: Ideal for pages that answer multiple user questions (see Tip 6).
2. HowTo: For step-by-step guides and tutorials.
3. Article/BlogPosting: Always mark editorial content with metadata like headline, author, and date.
4. Organisation/Person: Helps reinforce your site’s credibility (E-E-A-T signals).
5. Product/Review: Useful if you’re comparing or recommending products.

Make sure your markup is accurate and matches the content on the page – don’t try to manipulate it. Use Google’s Rich Results Test or a schema validator to check for errors.

Structured data helps you qualify for rich results and makes your content easier for Google’s AI to interpret. Think of it as speaking Google’s language clearly. The more clarity you provide, the better your shot at being featured.

6. Add FAQ and Q&A Sections

Adding an FAQ section is one of the simplest ways to match how people search, and it plays directly into how Google’s AI summarises information. FAQs follow a natural Q&A format, which makes them easy for AI to extract and appear in Overviews or rich results.

Example of Google extracting a direct FAQ-style answer from structured content on the EGO Power+ website.

When marked up with FAQPage schema, your FAQs also send strong technical signals to Google. This makes it easier for your content to qualify for both AI Overviews and other featured formats

How to do it well:

1. Identify 3–5 key questions users ask around your topic. Use your own insights, People Also Ask, or Search Console data.
   
2. Write short, direct answers – ideally 1–3 sentences each.
   
3. Format clearly, using bold Q&A pairs or an accordion layout.
   
4. Add FAQPage schema if possible (many CMS platforms offer this natively).

These sections not only boost semantic coverage but also increase your visibility in People Also Ask boxes and featured snippets.

Tip: Don’t repeat the page’s main question in the FAQ. Use it to answer secondary queries or common clarifications instead.

7. Strengthen Your Content with Visual Media

Google’s AI processes text, images, and video, and your content should reflect that. Including relevant visuals can make your pages more useful, scannable, and easier for both users and AI to interpret.

Visuals help Google understand your content better and can improve how your page performs in AI Overviews, especially when they support key points clearly.

Tips for using visual content effectively:

1. Add images that support the content. Use screenshots, diagrams, infographics, or photos where helpful – but only if they genuinely aid understanding.
   
2. Use descriptive file names and alt text. Instead of IMG_123.png, name your image something like google-ai-overview-example.png. Write alt text that clearly describes what’s shown.
   
3. Include short videos. If you can produce a quick explainer or walkthrough, embed it. Google often highlights video content, especially with timestamped “key moments.”
   
4. Place visuals near the relevant text. Match images or videos to the sections they support – e.g. beside each step in a guide or next to a related FAQ.

Tip: Optimise image size for fast loading (see tip #10) and use modern formats like WebP where possible.

8. Demonstrate E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)

Google’s AI favours sources it can trust, and that’s where E-E-A-T comes in. If your content is credible, accurate, and backed by real expertise, you’re far more likely to be included in AI Overviews.

On the flip side, if your site is obscure, lacks authority, or the content seems unverified, Google’s AI might favor other sources.

Here are a few ways to strengthen E-E-A-T signals:

1. Show experience and credentials. Add author bios, cite your background, and write from first-hand knowledge.
   
2. Cite reputable sources. Link to trusted publications, studies, or official guidelines.
   
3. Build your backlink profile and online reputation. This is a longer-term SEO effort, but it matters. A study by Ahrefs found that sites with strong backlink profiles (especially from reputable domains) are far more likely to appear as sources in AI-overview results.
   
4. Be consistent across the web. Mentions on high-authority sites (e.g. Wikipedia, forums, news outlets) reinforce trust.
   
5. Keep content accurate and updated (ties to tip #9). If your page references data from 2018 and there’s newer data available, update it and cite the new source. Accuracy builds trust.
   
6. Don’t forget technical trust signals. Use HTTPS, include contact details, and avoid spammy layouts.

E-E-A-T takes time to build, but if you focus on quality and credibility, Google’s AI will take notice.

9. Keep Content Fresh and Up-to-Date

Fresh content can influence rankings, and AI Overviews are no exception. Google’s AI favours information that’s current, especially for evolving topics like tech, finance, or health. Keeping your content updated helps maintain accuracy and relevance, and signals that your page is still trustworthy.

How to keep content fresh:

1. Review key pages regularly – ideally every few months, or at least annually. Update outdated stats, examples, or recommendations.
   
2. Add timely references. Case studies, product mentions, or recent events show Google your content reflects the latest context.
   
3. Update publish dates when you make significant changes (if your CMS supports this). But only if you’ve actually updated the content.
   
4. Use tools like Google Trends to spot emerging questions. If you’re the first to address a rising topic, you increase your chances of being featured.

Don’t let your content sit idle. Keeping it fresh not only improves visibility in AI Overviews, but also builds trust with users who return for reliable, up-to-date answers.

10. Optimise Page Speed and User Experience

Technical performance matters. An AI Overview might win the click, but if your page loads slowly or delivers a poor experience, both users and Google will take notice.

Page speed, mobile-friendliness, and usability influence your visibility in two key ways: they’re ranking factors, and they shape how users interact with your site post-click.

To optimise:

1. Improve load times. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse. Compress images, enable caching, use a CDN, and minimise render-blocking scripts.
   
2. Ensure mobile responsiveness. AI Overviews appear on mobile too. Your content should be readable, tappable, and fully functional on small screens.
   
3. Avoid intrusive interstitials. If users land from an AI Overview, they want information – not a full-screen pop-up.
   
4. Pass core web vitals. Metrics like LCP, FID and CLS directly influence rankings and ensure a smoother user experience.
   
5. Get the technical basics right. Make sure your content is crawlable, indexable, and served over HTTPS.

A fast, user-friendly site shows Google you care about quality. As Google puts it: even the best content can be “disappointing to people if they arrive at a page that’s cluttered, difficult to navigate or makes it hard to find the main information”.

How to track your AI overview performance

Of course, optimising for AI Overviews is only half the battle. You also need to know whether your content is showing up. Google doesn’t offer this data natively in Search Console, so we’d recommend using a dedicated tool like SE Ranking’s AI Overviews Tracker to monitor which of your keywords trigger AI Overviews, check whether your pages are being cited, and see how you compare against competitors.

How to Future-Proof Your SEO with AI Overviews Optimisation

Optimising for Google’s AI Overviews might feel like new territory, but it’s ultimately an evolution of solid SEO done well, just with sharper intent and structure.

By creating high-quality, user-focused content, aligning with search intent, using structured data, and maintaining strong site performance, you’re giving Google’s AI exactly what it wants in a reliable source.

The search landscape will keep shifting, but these strategies will help you stay ahead.. They’ll improve your chances of being featured in AI Overviews and strengthen your overall SEO performance in the process.

If you’d like a hand getting your SEO ready for AI Overviews, we’d love to help. Get in touch and let’s chat.