How to rank in AI Overviews
By Carrie-ann | Aug 01, 2025 | AI, SEO

How To Rank in AI Overviews – Updated

You’ve probably noticed that when you search on Google, you’re not just getting a list of websites anymore. Now there’s a chunky box at the top giving you what looks like a little summary, like Google’s done the research for you. That’s called an AI Overview.

And if you’re a small business owner, you’re probably wondering: “How do I get my business to show up in that bit?”  you are not alone, how to rank in AI Overviews, is becoming a popular search term.

Here’s the good news:
You don’t need to learn a load of new technical stuff.
You don’t need to panic about “ranking in AEO” or whatever fancy term someone’s trying to sell you.
And you definitely don’t need to hire an SEO agency on a £5,000-a-month retainer.

So, what is an AI Overview?

In simple terms, Google is now using artificial intelligence to scan loads of websites, pull out what it sees as the most helpful information, and display that at the top of search results.

Imagine Google being a well-read robot butler. It fetches answers from all over the web, squishes them into a tidy paragraph, and presents it to the searcher with a “here you go”.

Below shows our top AI Overview ranking at the time of writing this article (1st August 2025)

ai overviews

 

But where does it get that info from?

That’s the golden question. Google’s AI is pulling content from regular websites, ones just like yours. It’s not picking favourites based on whether you’ve used special “AI Overview” settings. Google even said outright (in the article here) that there’s no special tag, no magic code, and no secret handshake.

So what does matter?

Let’s break it down:

1. Be Helpful, Not Fluffy

Google’s AI is looking for clear, straight answers to common questions.

So instead of waffling on, get to the point. If your customer is asking,

“How much does it cost to repaint a living room?”…then answer it directly on your site.

Don’t dance around it with “well it depends on the mood of your decorator and the shade of blue in your aura”.

Say: “Most UK homeowners pay between £300 and £600 to have a standard living room repainted professionally.”

That’s the kind of answer Google loves to pick up and stick in its AI Overview.

2. Structure Matters

Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs. Basically, write like a human, but organise like a robot.

Why? Because Google’s AI needs to scan your content quickly. If you’ve got a giant wall of text, it’ll move on faster than a teenager being asked to empty the dishwasher (I know this because my teenage granddaughter Lexi lives with me).

Think:

  • What’s the question my customers are asking?
  • What’s the clearest way I can answer it?

Stick your main point in a heading. Add a quick summary underneath. Job done.

3. Don’t Just Sell — Educate

This is the big one. Google’s AI isn’t out to help you sell, it’s trying to help searchers learn.

So if all your website says is “Call us now for a quote!” with no extra detail, you’re not giving the AI anything to work with.

But if you explain:

  • How your service works
  • What people can expect
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Costs, timeframes, benefits, etc…

…then suddenly your content is useful. And Google loves useful.

4. Be Trustworthy

Google needs to trust your website before it shares your info. That means:

  • Your business details should be clear (address, phone, trading history).
  • Your website should be fast, mobile-friendly and up-to-date.
  • Reviews, case studies, and testimonials can help too.

No need to go overboard, just make sure your site doesn’t look like it was last updated during the Nokia era.

5. Answer Questions People Actually Ask

This one’s pure gold:
Use tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” section or sites like AnswerThePublic to find real questions people are typing in.

Then, and here’s the magic, answer those questions on your site in plain English.

Not keyword-stuffed nonsense. Not SEO gobbledygook. Just good, honest answers.

In a Nutshell

Ranking in Google’s AI Overview isn’t about tricking the system or using some new “AI SEO” gimmick. It’s about doing what good business websites have always done:

  • Help people.
  • Be clear.
  • Share useful info.
  • Answer real questions.
  • Sound like a human (not a robot).

If you’re already putting out helpful content on your website, you’re halfway there. If not? It’s time to start. Because like it or not, AI summaries aren’t going anywhere , and the businesses who adapt first are the ones who’ll win the clicks.

Want help making your website AI-friendly without tearing your hair out? That’s what we do, no fluff, no faff, just results. Let’s have a chat.