Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

When generative summaries first appeared at the top of Google’s search results, many marketers saw them as a threat to organic traffic. After all, if the answer sits at the top of the page, why would anyone click through? The reality is more nuanced. AI overviews—also known as generative snippets—are becoming a common feature. Authoritas data cited by SeoProfy shows that they appear in about 30 percent of U.S. searches, and pages that already rank well are 52 percent more likely to be included (SeoProfy 2025). Rather than replacing traditional listings, these summaries offer a new front row for your brand. The question isn’t whether they matter; it’s how to earn a spot in them.

1. Target the right queries

Not every keyword triggers an AI overview. Research shows that informational queries—those framed as questions or comparisons—are far more likely to produce generative summaries, whereas commercial or transactional terms trigger AI results only about ten percent of the time (Ahrefs 2025). To optimize your content, focus on long‑tail phrases that start with “what,” “how” and “why.” Tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” and Ahrefs’ SERP features filter can reveal which of your existing pages already surface in AI overviews. Use this data to identify gaps and prioritize topics that align with your expertise.

2. Structure content for AI readability

Language models extract answers more easily from well‑structured pages. In their 2025 playbook, SeoProfy recommends organizing content with clear hierarchies and scannable elements (SeoProfy 2025). Here’s how to make your pages AI‑friendly:

• Use lists and tables. AI overviews often lift information from bulleted and numbered lists. Tables and comparison charts make complex data easy to extract.
• Include FAQ and Q&A sections. Structured question‑and‑answer formats signal that your content is designed to address specific queries.
• Answer first, elaborate second. Summarize the main answer in the opening sentences, then provide supporting details. This mirrors how AI models construct their responses.
• Add images and multimedia. Visual elements such as diagrams, screenshots and videos help both users and AI understand the context. Include descriptive alt text.

3. Build authority and trust

Being chosen for an AI overview isn’t just about keywords; it’s about credibility. Pages already ranking well for a query are 52 percent more likely to appear in these summaries (SeoProfy 2025). To strengthen your authority:

• Earn citations and mentions. Seek to be referenced on authoritative websites in your niche. Mentions across multiple reputable sources send strong trust signals to AI models.
• Showcase expertise. Include author bios, credentials and real‑world experience. Demonstrate first‑hand knowledge through case studies and testimonials.
• Maintain technical excellence. Ensure your site loads quickly, uses HTTPS and implements structured data. Technical missteps can undermine trust and prevent inclusion.
• Monitor sentiment. Keep an eye on how your brand is discussed across forums and social media. Address inaccuracies promptly and encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences.

4. Monitor and iterate

Visibility in AI overviews isn’t static. Algorithms evolve, and new competitors emerge. Regularly track which queries trigger overviews and whether your pages are cited. Use SEO tools to filter keywords by SERP features and analyze changes in click‑through rates. Blue Wheel’s research found that branded queries can see a nearly 19 percent lift in click‑through rates when cited in AI overviews (Blue Wheel 2025), so ensure your name appears consistently and positively. Iterate on mobile‑friendly design and concise answers, as mobile searches now account for most queries.

Conclusion and next steps

Generative summaries aren’t going away; they are quickly becoming the new battleground for search visibility. By targeting informational queries, structuring content for machine readability, building authority and tracking performance, you can improve your chances of earning a coveted place in AI overviews. The reward isn’t just clicks—it’s top‑of‑funnel visibility and credibility.

References

SeoProfy (2025) — https://seoprofy.com/blog/how-to-rank-in-ai-overviews/

• AI Overviews vs. Traditional Search: What Businesses Need to Know
• How to Optimize Your Content for LLMs (Without Over‑Engineering It)
• E‑E‑A‑T in the Age of AI: Building Trust with Machines and Humans
• The Rise of Large Language Models in Customer Discovery
• Human-in-the-Loop: Why Hybrid Oversight Beats Full Automation in AI Visibility