Google is one of the most frequently used search engines in the world. Their latest addition adds Google Gemini 2.0 to the mix, in the form of “AI Overview”. Since Gemini is still in a developmental phase, Google adds a disclaimer at the bottom of the AI Overview results – stating that “Generative AI is experimental”.
What is Google’s AI Overview and Why Does It Matter?
AI Overview compiles and generates content that is relevant to your Google search. Gemini gathers information from sources that it deems to be the most relevant and accurate. From these sources, it generates content that is easy to consume for users.
On one side, AI Overview is perfect for displaying a selection of sources that is complied into a single piece of content. This is much easier to consume for users when you compare it to browsing through the top search results in the hope of finding a relevant and accurate source.
On the other side, AI Overview can sometimes display inaccurate information. Since it still is in experimental phase, you should always compare the results of AI Overview with other relevant sources to validate its accuracy.
How AI Overview is Shaping User Behaviour
Since the introduction of AI Overview, Google users tend to only read through the results that are being generated by Gemini. These results also have links attached to them for users who want to delve deeper into the results that are being displayed.
The positives of AI Overview include saving time and effort on the user’s end. In other words, you can ask Google questions and expect it to formulate answers that Gemini deems to be relevant and accurate. This trend has already influenced the way that SEO specialists approach their marketing strategies for their customers.
The negatives of AI Overview include users only reading the generated content and not conducting further research on the specific topic. Once again, Google’s disclaimer should point to the fact that AI Overview is still in development and should not (yet) be considered as a primary resource.
Optimising for AI Overview: SEO Best Practices
Content creation is at the top of the list when you want to optimise your website for AI Overview. You want to post content that is highly relevant to your products and/or services. You also want to focus on user intent with your published content, as well as being meticulous about details such as prices, dimensions, and other relevant aspects of your products.
The use of numbered or bulleted lists in published content is also recommended, especially for SEO-friendly content. Gemini prefers creating its own lists for a structured display of relevant information. Therefore, if your SEO-friendly content features lists, it becomes much more appealing for AI Overview.
Answering stated questions in your published content will also entice AI Overview to reference and use your website’s content. Therefore, you should include sections that directly answer questions with relevant and applicable solutions to stated problems or issues.
AI Overview – although still highly experimental and in development at this point in time – can work in your favour. Laetus Life Consulting provides online marketing solutions that can help your business to establish and grow an online footprint. Please contact us today if you have any questions about our services.
