AI Overviews & AI Mode: Google’s Official Advice for Optimizing Your Website

As Google continues to evolve its search features, AI Overviews & AI Mode are becoming major parts of the user experience. Website owners and SEO professionals now need to adapt to these new AI-powered search formats to remain competitive. In a recent blog post, Google Search Advocate John Mueller shared official recommendations on how to optimize content for these AI experiences.

What Are AI Overviews & AI Mode?

AI Overviews provide users with quick, summarized answers pulled from various sources, using Google’s AI technology. AI Mode is an interactive feature that allows users to ask follow-up questions or use multimodal queries like images or voice inputs.

According to Google, these features are changing how people search. Users now ask longer, more specific questions and interact more deeply with the search engine—resulting in higher-quality clicks and more engaged website visits.

Core Optimization Strategies for AI-Powered Search

1. Content Quality Still Matters Most

Google emphasizes that “unique, non-commodity content” remains the foundation of good SEO. Your content must answer real questions, offer original value, and serve the needs of your audience.

• Avoid rehashing generic topics.

• Offer depth and detailed answers.

• Anticipate follow-up queries.

Stat to note: AI Overviews are more likely to pull from content that is authoritative, informative, and comprehensive.

2. Meet All Technical Requirements

Even the best content won’t rank if Google can’t access or understand it. Make sure:

• Googlebot is not blocked

• Pages load correctly and quickly

• All content is indexable

Focus on Core Web Vitals, mobile usability, and overall page experience. As Mueller writes, “People won't engage with a cluttered or hard-to-navigate page—even if the content is great.”

Key Technical Must-Haves:

• Mobile-friendly design

• Fast page load speed

• Clean and accessible HTML

• Structured data (Schema.org) for better interpretation

3. Use Multimedia for Multimodal Search

With Google Search becoming increasingly multimodal, visuals are more important than ever. Users can now ask questions based on images, videos, or screenshots.

How to optimize multimedia:

• Add high-quality images with descriptive alt text

• Include videos that explain your content

• Use image schema markup for better visibility

For ecommerce sites, regularly update:

• Your Google Merchant Center

• Business Profile for better product and local visibility

4. Manage Visibility in AI Results

You can still control how your content appears in AI Overviews & AI Mode using standard meta tags:

• nosnippet – hides all snippets

• data-nosnippet – hides specific parts

• max-snippet – limits snippet length

• noindex – removes page from index entirely

But remember, restricting content may reduce your presence in AI results.

Changing How You Measure Success

Clicks from AI Overviews are fewer but higher quality. Users landing from AI Mode tend to stay longer and engage more.

💡 Google’s insight: “We’ve seen that when people click to a website from search results pages with AI Overviews, these clicks are higher quality... users are more likely to spend more time on the site.”

Shift your focus to:

• Engagement time

• Conversions (sales, signups, downloads)

• Bounce rate and scroll depth

• Goal completions in analytics

Final Takeaways for AI SEO Success

Here’s a quick checklist to future-proof your content strategy for AI Overviews & AI Mode:

•  Write unique, in-depth content
•  Ensure technical accessibility
•  Add visuals and multimedia
•  Review your meta directives
•  Track meaningful engagement metrics

As Google continues to reshape search behavior through AI, these strategies will help your content stay relevant and competitive in both classic and AI-enhanced search results.

How to Adapt SEO for Google’s Zero-Click Search and AI Overviews

The rise of AI Overviews and zero-click searches has created a seismic shift in the way SEO works. As users find what they need directly on the search results page without ever clicking through, marketers and website owners are facing one of the most disruptive eras in SEO history.

With over 30 years in the industry, digital marketing veteran Michael Bonfils recently shared his expert insights on this topic in a podcast with Gianluca Fiorelli. This article explores his strategies and shows how you can adapt your SEO strategy for survival — and success — in this new AI-powered search

world.

What Is Zero-Click Search?

Zero-click search refers to a search result where the user gets the answer directly on Google’s search page — no need to click on a website.

For example: Search “What’s the best smartwatch for Android?” and you’ll see a summary generated by AI at the top — no clicks needed.

These summaries, known as AI Overviews, are part of Google’s new search experience (SGE), powered by generative AI.

The Problem: Declining Clicks, Rising Costs

Michael Bonfils describes the current search environment as “the worst since 2019.” Here's why:

• Click-through rates (CTR) are down.

• Search volume is down.

• Cost-per-click (CPC) is at historic highs.

"This is a perfect storm — lower volume, lower engagement, but higher ad spend. ROI is being crushed," says Bonfils.

Marketers are turning to organic search to recover traffic, but even that’s shrinking due to AI Overviews providing answers directly on the SERP.

The Hidden Cost: Loss of Mid-Funnel User Data

One of the biggest casualties of zero-click search is the loss of mid-funnel data — that valuable “consideration” stage where users compare products, ask questions, and evaluate options.

According to Bonfils:

“We still see purchase-stage data, but everything in the middle — where people are researching — has disappeared into the black hole of AI conversations.”

Since users are now having full conversations with AI tools like Google SGE, Perplexity AI, or ChatGPT, this critical behavioral data is no longer passed to websites or analytics platforms.

That makes content planning, conversion strategy, and intent targeting incredibly difficult.

Shift Focus From Clicks to Visibility

In the zero-click era, clicks are no longer the gold standard. Instead, Bonfils suggests focusing on visibility metrics like impressions.

This means using tools like Google Search Console to measure:

• How often your pages appear for relevant queries

• Where your content ranks in AI Overviews or featured snippets

• Whether your brand is being seen, even if it’s not being clicked

Pro Tip:

Build query clusters (groups of similar search questions) and track your visibility across those groups. Then compare it to your competitors.

Why Traditional Keyword SEO Is Failing

Old-school SEO revolves around targeting keywords, writing content around those keywords, and ranking for them. But AI search doesn’t work that way.

Users now type or speak natural language questions, and AI responds with summaries, comparisons, and recommendations — not keyword-matched pages.

“Our business model has been built around keywords. Keywords are now gone,” Bonfils says.

Instead, marketers must pivot toward topical authority and question-driven content.

Introducing FAQ-Driven, Conversational Content

Rather than focusing on individual keywords, you should now optimize your pages to answer real questions — just like a conversation with AI.

Here’s how to adapt:

• Create a robust FAQ section for each product or service page.

• Answer long-form user questions naturally and thoroughly.

• Use structured data (Schema.org markup) to help Google understand your content.

• Cover entire topics, not just keywords — focus on user intent.

Questions are the new keywords. The answers are your SEO strategy.

Useful Links for Deeper Insights

If you want to explore this topic further, here are some authoritative resources:

• Google’s AI Overviews Announcement

• Search Engine Journal on AI & Zero Click

• Perplexity AI – A New Challenge for Google

• OpenAI ChatGPT – Redefining Search

• Google Search Console Guide

New Metrics & Strategy Cheat Sheet

Old SEO Focus	New SEO Focus
Keywords	Topics & questions
Click-through rate	Search impressions (visibility)
Traffic volume	Query coverage & presence
Product landing pages	Conversational, FAQ content
Ranking reports	Content discovery in AI answers

Key Takeaways for SEO in 2025

• Accept the reality of zero-click search — and plan accordingly.

• Visibility and presence are your new north stars, not just clicks.

• Abandon keyword obsession in favor of conversational optimization.

• Anticipate the questions your audience will ask — and answer them better than your competitors.

• Track impressions and visibility using Google Search Console.

Final Thoughts

SEO is not dead — it’s just evolving.

As AI Overviews become the norm and search behavior becomes more interactive, marketers must rethink their approach. Instead of fighting AI, align your content with it. Provide the most helpful, relevant, and human answers to the questions your audience is already asking.

Remember: You’re not just optimizing for Google anymore — you’re optimizing for how AI understands, interprets, and presents your content.

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The Impact of AI Overviews on SEO: Analysis of 19 Studies

Introduction

Search engine optimization (SEO) has always been an evolving field, but the introduction of AI Overviews by Google is a game-changer. AI Overviews reshape how search results are presented, impacting organic traffic, click-through rates (CTR), and ranking strategies.

To provide data-driven insights, this article analyzes 19 in-depth studies on AI Overviews, summarizing their findings into key questions:

• How often does Google display AI Overviews?
• What search queries trigger AI Overviews?
• How do AI Overviews impact SEO and website traffic?
• How can websites rank within AI Overviews?
• What content strategies should be used for AI-driven search?

This comprehensive meta-analysis helps website owners, marketers, and SEO professionals understand the opportunities and challenges posed by AI Overviews.

What Are AI Overviews?

Google’s AI Overviews provide AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. These summaries:

• Extract key information from multiple sources.
• Provide direct answers to user queries.
• Reduce the need for users to click on organic search results.

Why Are AI Overviews Important?

Google’s AI Overviews are changing the way search engines display and prioritize content. Key impacts include:

• Decreased CTR for traditional organic search results.
• Shift in user behavior as more people rely on AI-generated summaries.
• Higher importance of structured, authoritative, and AI-friendly content.

How Often Do AI Overviews Appear in Search Results?

Research indicates that AI Overviews do not appear for every query. Their frequency depends on factors such as:

• Query complexity – Simple factual searches often do not trigger AI Overviews.
• Industry and niche – Some fields (e.g., health, finance, and legal topics) are more likely to have AI-generated responses.
• Google’s AI training data – AI Overviews rely on trusted high-authority sources.

Study Findings on AI Overview Frequency

• A study by Moz found AI Overviews appearing in 35-50% of searches, depending on the niche.
• Research from Ahrefs showed AI Overviews dominate featured snippets, reducing organic clicks.
• Data from Search Engine Journal suggests AI Overviews are most common in product reviews, informational queries, and how-to searches.

What Triggers AI Overviews?

Common Triggers for AI Overviews

AI Overviews are triggered by specific query types, including:

1. Informational Queries

   • Example: “How does AI impact SEO?”
   • AI Overviews summarize key points from high-authority sources.

2. Comparative Queries

   • Example: “SEO vs. AI-generated content”
   • AI Overviews extract content from comparison-based articles.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

   • Example: “How to optimize content for AI Overviews”
   • Google’s AI generates structured responses using list formats.

4. Definition-Based Searches

   • Example: “What is a meta-analysis in SEO?”
   • AI Overviews provide concise definitions pulled from trusted sources.

5. Trending and AI-Specific Topics

   • Example: “Latest Google AI updates”
   • AI Overviews prioritize news sources and thought leadership content.

How Do AI Overviews Impact Click-Through Rates and SEO Traffic?

Decreased Click-Through Rates (CTR)

Multiple studies show that AI Overviews reduce organic CTR, especially for:

• Position 1 results – Users get answers without clicking on a website.
• Informational and how-to searches – AI Overviews provide instant answers.

For example:

• A study by Search Engine Land found a 20-30% drop in CTR for top-ranking pages.
• Data from Backlinko showed that featured snippets with AI Overviews receive fewer clicks than before.

Increased Importance of Authority and Source Credibility

Since Google prioritizes authoritative sources, content from trusted websites is more likely to appear in AI Overviews.

Factors influencing ranking in AI Overviews include:

• E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
• High-quality, structured content
• Schema markup for better search visibility

How Can You Rank in AI Overviews?

Optimizing for AI Overviews

To increase the chances of ranking in AI Overviews, follow these best practices:

1. Create AI-Friendly Content

   • Use structured data and schema markup.
   • Include lists, tables, and bullet points for better readability.

2. Build High-Authority Backlinks

   • Get links from trusted industry sources such as Search Engine Journal and Moz.

3. Use Conversational Keywords

   • Optimize for natural language queries like:
     • “How does AI impact SEO?”
     • “What is the best way to rank in AI Overviews?”

4. Enhance Content Quality

   • Follow Google’s Search Quality Guidelines.
   • Use fact-checked, well-researched data to improve credibility.

5. Leverage Long-Form, In-Depth Content

   • AI Overviews often favor comprehensive resources.
   • Aim for detailed, well-structured content (1500+ words).

How Should Content Creation Change for AI Overviews?

Content Strategy for AI-Driven Search

To stay competitive, content creators should:

• Focus on depth and value – AI favors in-depth, research-backed content.
• Use FAQ sections – AI extracts answers from structured question formats.
• Optimize for featured snippets – AI Overviews pull content from well-optimized featured snippets.

Future-Proofing Your SEO Strategy

To remain visible in AI-driven search:

✔ Monitor AI search trends using Google Search Console.
✔ Regularly update content to align with Google’s AI updates.
✔ Diversify traffic sources beyond organic search.

Final Thoughts

AI Overviews are reshaping SEO, making traditional search strategies less effective. However, websites that optimize for AI-generated summaries can still drive significant traffic and visibility.

Key takeaways:

• AI Overviews reduce CTR for top-ranking pages but create new opportunities for well-optimized content.
• Websites with high-authority, structured, and AI-friendly content have a better chance of appearing in AI Overviews.
• SEO strategies must evolve to stay competitive in AI-driven search results.

By implementing AI-specific SEO tactics, businesses can adapt to the new search landscape and maintain strong organic visibility.

Google Expands Circle to Search to iPhone: A Game-Changer for Mobile Search

Introduction: A New Era of Mobile Search for iPhone Users

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through social media or reading an article on your iPhone when you see something intriguing—a stylish handbag, a stunning landmark, or an unfamiliar dish. Instead of typing a search query, wouldn’t it be easier to simply circle, tap, or highlight what caught your eye and instantly get answers?

That’s exactly what Google’s Circle to Search offers. Originally introduced for Android, this AI-powered visual search tool is now expanding to iPhone users via the Google app and Chrome browser.

But what makes this feature so groundbreaking? How does it work? And what does it mean for SEO, eCommerce, and digital marketing? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Google’s latest mobile search innovation.

What is Circle to Search?

Circle to Search is an advanced visual search feature that allows users to search for anything on their screens without leaving the app they’re in. This seamless integration of AI-powered search technology eliminates the need for manual text searches, making the search experience faster and more intuitive.

🔹 Key Features of Circle to Search on iPhone:
✅ Works within Google Chrome and the Google app (unlike Android, where it’s system-wide)
✅ Allows users to highlight, circle, or tap on any element to search
✅ Leverages Google Lens and AI Overviews to recognize objects and provide instant search results
✅ Can identify even unusual or complex objects using advanced AI models

How Does Circle to Search Work on iPhones?

Unlike Android devices, where Circle to Search is integrated into the operating system, iPhone users can access the feature through the Google app or Chrome browser.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Circle to Search on iPhone

1️⃣ Open the Google App or Chrome Browser: Since Circle to Search on iPhone is not system-wide, you must be using one of these apps.
2️⃣ Tap the Three-Dot Menu: Inside the app, look for the three-dot menu in the corner.
3️⃣ Select "Search Screen with Google Lens": This activates the search feature.
4️⃣ Highlight, Circle, or Tap the Object You Want to Search: Unlike traditional search, you don’t have to type anything. Just interact with the screen to specify what you want to search for.
5️⃣ Get Instant AI-Powered Search Results: Google will provide relevant results, including product details, web pages, and AI-generated overviews.

This gesture-based visual search method offers an effortless way to discover new information, whether you’re shopping, researching, or satisfying your curiosity.

Why Circle to Search is a Game-Changer for iPhone Users

1. Faster and More Intuitive Mobile Search

Gone are the days of manually typing search queries. With Circle to Search, finding information is as simple as drawing, tapping, or highlighting on your screen.

2. Seamless Shopping Experience

For online shoppers, this feature is a game-changer. See a product you like? Just circle it to find purchase links, reviews, and similar products—all without leaving your app.

3. Enhanced Visual Discovery

Traditional search relies on keywords, but Circle to Search bridges the gap between visual and text-based search, making it perfect for identifying fashion items, landmarks, art, or even food dishes.

4. AI-Powered Smart Search

Google’s latest AI models enhance search accuracy, even for unusual or unique objects. This means better, more relevant search results for users.

5. No Disruptions, No Switching Apps

Instead of taking screenshots or switching between apps, Circle to Search keeps the search process within the app you’re already using—saving time and effort.

SEO and Digital Marketing Impact: What Businesses Need to Know

With Google’s AI-driven search tools evolving, SEO strategies must adapt to optimize for visual and AI-powered searches.

1. The Rise of AI-Driven Search Optimization

Since Google’s AI models are improving image and object recognition, businesses must ensure their visual content is optimized for search engines. This means:
✔️ Using high-quality images with proper alt text
✔️ Leveraging structured data and rich snippets
✔️ Ensuring product images are indexable by Google Lens

2. Importance of Image SEO for eCommerce

For eCommerce websites, this feature is a goldmine for product discovery. Businesses must:
✔️ Optimize product images for search engines
✔️ Use descriptive filenames (e.g., "black-leather-handbag.jpg" instead of "IMG1234.jpg")
✔️ Implement AI-friendly product descriptions and structured data

3. Voice and Visual Search Convergence

With Circle to Search and voice search growing in popularity, marketers must integrate multimodal search strategies—ensuring content is optimized for text, image, and voice searches.

4. Local SEO and Visual Search Optimization

For local businesses, Google Lens and AI search integration can help users find:
✔️ Nearby restaurants and landmarks
✔️ Local businesses with relevant products
✔️ User-generated images and reviews

By optimizing Google My Business listings, local keywords, and geotagged images, businesses can increase visibility in local search results.

How AI Overviews Improve Search Accuracy

Along with Circle to Search, Google is rolling out AI Overviews, which provide contextual information about search results.

🔹 How AI Overviews Work:

• When searching for an unusual object, Google uses AI models to analyze the image and provide detailed information.
• Users don’t need to type a query—the AI interprets what’s on-screen and generates relevant results.
• Results include web pages, images, shopping links, and additional insights.

Why AI Overviews Matter

1️⃣ Improves accuracy for complex searches
2️⃣ Enhances user experience with instant insights
3️⃣ Boosts engagement by reducing search friction

Circle to Search Availability and Rollout

📅 Release Date: Rolling out to iOS users worldwide in February 2025
🌎 Availability: Initially for English-language users, expanding globally soon
📱 Supported Apps: Google Chrome & Google App on iPhone

🔹 What’s Next?
Google is expected to expand support for more languages and introduce deeper AI integration to refine search results even further.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Mobile Search with Circle to Search

Google’s Circle to Search for iPhone represents the future of AI-powered visual search. By enabling users to interact with their screens intuitively, Google is transforming how we shop, learn, and discover information.

For SEO professionals, businesses, and marketers, this shift means:
✔️ Optimizing content for AI-powered search engines
✔️ Enhancing image SEO and structured data
✔️ Adapting to the growing trend of multimodal search

As AI-driven search continues to evolve, businesses that embrace visual and voice search optimization will stay ahead in the digital landscape.

🚀 Are you ready for the future of search? Start optimizing your content today to take advantage of Google’s latest AI-powered features!