If you’ve been using Google Search lately, you might have noticed a new feature called AI Overviews. This feature initially rolled out as part of the Search Generative Experience and expanded to more countries. But what exactly are AI Overviews? In today’s Tech News Tuesday episode, we’re talking about Google’s AI Overviews feature and how it may drive traffic back to your website.
AI Overviews
AI Overviews are Google’s way of using generative AI technology, specifically powered by Google Gemini, to answer more complex search queries. Unlike regular search results, which just list links, AI Overviews provide a few snippets of an answer based on Google’s understanding of your query and the content it finds across the web. Overviews give you a more direct answer when your question needs more than just a quick link.
AI Overviews provide a more direct answer when your question needs more than just a quick link.
There has been some concern that Google may use information from your site to generate these overviews, but you wouldn’t get the clicks. Now, that’s changing—Google has started including links to source websites directly within these AI Overviews. They’ve also added a new right-hand link display on desktops and a similar feature for mobile users. This means it’s now even easier for people to click out and visit sites that interest them.
AI Overviews Impact on Your Business SEO
According to recent data, AI Overview link cards actually get a higher click-through rate than traditional web search results. While Google isn’t breaking out this click data in Search Console yet, it’s still a big opportunity for businesses to drive traffic to their sites through these AI-generated summaries.
So, how do you take advantage of this?
Optimize Your Content for Complex Queries
Make sure your content is optimized for the kinds of complex queries that might trigger an AI Overview. Think about what your customers are asking and how your content can provide valuable answers. The more relevant your content is, the more likely it will be featured in these overviews.
Automation and AI in Your Overall Strategy
AI can be a powerful tool for streamlining processes, whether it’s generating content, managing customer interactions, or analyzing data. But here’s the thing — AI should enhance, not replace, your genuine connections with your clients. Authenticity is key.
AI should enhance, not replace, your genuine connections with your clients.
Your clients still want to know that there’s a real person behind the business who cares about their needs. So, while you can use AI to automate routine tasks, be sure to balance that with personal touches. For example, use AI to segment your email list and send personalized messages, but make sure those messages reflect your brand’s voice and values.
Use AI to gather insights on customer behaviors and preferences to create personalized experiences.
Another tip is to use AI to gather insights on your customers’ behaviors and preferences, then use that data to create more personalized experiences. But, don’t forget to keep the human element — whether that’s through direct communication, customer service, or content that speaks to their unique needs.
The bottom line is this: AI and automation are here to stay, and they can give you a competitive edge. At the end of the day, it’s the authentic relationships you build with your clients that will set you apart. Use AI to enhance those relationships, not replace them.
Do you prefer to listen in? Here’s our podcast:
Links in this episode: Google AI Overviews gains new citations and links, plus more
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