How to Rank in AI Overviews

If you have been wondering how to rank in AI overviews, we have the perfect guide for you.

You may have noticed a new type of result topping Google’s search pages: AI Overviews. These summaries, created by Google’s artificial intelligence, deliver fast, accurate answers to user questions without needing to click through multiple sites. But here’s the question every small business owner should be asking: how can your website be the one that Google pulls into these overviews?

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover exactly what AI Overviews are, why they matter, and provide a step-by-step strategy to help your site rank in them. Whether you’re new to SEO or just looking to stay competitive, this post will break everything down into simple, practical advice.

What Are AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are Google’s latest tool for improving search results. Instead of listing only blue links, Google’s AI reviews millions of web pages and compiles a concise answer displayed at the very top of the results page. These summaries help users get fast answers and highlight authoritative content.

For example, if someone searches for “car valet” Google may present an overview of what a good valet is and local valet companies near you.

As of April 2025 we were number one SEO consultant in the AI overviews amongst many more.

Why Do AI Overviews Matter for Your Business?

• Prime Online Real Estate: Being included puts your business front and centre.
• Builds Authority: Users trust Google’s top picks, adding credibility to your site.
• Drives Traffic: Even when answers are displayed, people often click through for deeper insights, sending more visitors your way.
• Competitive Edge: Small businesses can compete with bigger players by being precise and helpful.

How to Rank in AI Overviews (Step-by-Step)

1. Research Customer Questions

To get featured, your content must answer specific questions. Start by identifying what your audience regularly asks. For instance, if you own a cleaning business, common questions might include:

• What’s the best way to remove stains from a car interior?
• How do I keep my car shiny?

2. Create High-Quality, Helpful Content

Google’s AI looks for clear, informative content. Here’s how to deliver that:

• Be Direct and Clear: Write in plain language. Avoid technical jargon.
• Organise Content Well: Use subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists to make content easy to scan.
• Answer Early: State the answer near the top before diving into deeper details.

Example guide:

How to Remove Stains from Car Seats:

1. Vacuum First: Always vacuum the seat to remove loose dirt before applying any cleaner.
2. Mild Soap Solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap, scrub gently with a soft brush, and blot dry.
3. Baking Soda Paste: Combine baking soda with a bit of water, apply to the stain, let sit for 30 minutes, then wipe clean.
4. White Vinegar Mix: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray on the stain, scrub lightly, and blot dry.
5. Commercial Upholstery Cleaner: Follow the product instructions for tough stains.
6. Club Soda: Spray club soda directly onto the stain, scrub with a soft brush, and wipe away.
7. Hydrogen Peroxide (Light Fabric Only): Apply cautiously to light-colored seats to tackle tough stains.
8. Steam Cleaner: Ideal for deep cleaning fabric seats if available.

3. Use SEO Techniques

To rank, Google’s AI must find your content easily. Apply these SEO basics:

• Keywords: Naturally include your target question in the page title, first paragraph, and subheadings.
• Alt Text: Add descriptive tags to images.
• Mobile Optimisation: Your site should look great and load fast on phones.
• Internal Linking: Link to other related articles on your site to establish topic authority.

4. Build E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Google uses E-E-A-T principles to assess quality. You can enhance these by:

• Adding Author Bios: Show who wrote the content and their expertise.
• Citing Trusted Sources: Link to reputable references when making claims.
• Getting Positive Reviews: Encourage customers to leave reviews on Google and other platforms.
• Updating Content Regularly: Keep your posts current and relevant.

5. Add Structured Data (Schema Markup)

Structured data helps search engines understand your content. For example, using FAQ schema can highlight your Q&A content directly in search results. Plugins like Yoast or Rank Math (for WordPress) make this easy to implement.

6. Monitor and Improve Performance

Use tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to track:

• Which pages are driving traffic.
• What queries are bringing people to your site.
• How users interact with your content.

Adjust your content regularly based on these insights. Update headlines, refine answers, and improve clarity where needed.

Pro Tips for Standing Out

• Add Visuals: Use clear images or infographics to complement your text.
• Create Video Content: Videos answering the same question can strengthen your authority.
• Engage Locally: If your business serves a local area, include location-specific keywords.
• Aim for Featured Snippets: Often, AI Overviews pull from the same type of content that ranks for featured snippets—concise, well-formatted answers.

In a Nut Shell…

Ranking in AI Overviews is a powerful way for small businesses to gain visibility and credibility online. By answering your customers’ most pressing questions with clear, well-structured, and optimised content, you position your website as a trusted resource. Add consistent SEO effort and stay updated on best practices, and you’ll increase your chances of being featured at the top of search results.

Our caring and highly experienced SEO agency specialises in helping businesses simplify SEO and grow online. If you’d like tailored advice or a done-for-you strategy to target AI Overviews and beyond, get in touch—we’re here to help you succeed.