How to Get Featured in Google AI Overviews? (11+1 SEO Strategies for 2025)

I recently attended a webinar hosted by NP Digital (led by Neil Patel), focused on a new frontier of search engine optimization (SEO). I’ve written before about how AI is revolutionizing the way we search online—but in this article, we’re taking a different angle: how AI is reshaping Google’s results pages.

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SEO strategy 2025 AI overviews

As Google continues to integrate AI-generated summaries (AI Overviews, or AIO) into its search results, traditional SEO rules are evolving. So how can you optimize your content to show up not just in classic organic listings—but also in these AI-powered answer boxes?

Let’s explore 11 actionable strategies to help your content stand out in the age of AI Overviews.

What Is AI Overviews?

AI Overview is Google’s new generation search feature that uses artificial intelligence to generate a short, digestible summary of relevant results—right at the top of the search page. The goal is to deliver clear, quick answers so users don’t have to click through multiple websites.

This makes it a powerful SEO opportunity. If your content is selected, you gain massive visibility and traffic.

Google Still Dominates Search

Yes, ChatGPT and other generative AI tools are gaining popularity. But Google still rules the search space. According to recent data, Google processes 373x more searches than ChatGPT, and 92% of users still consider it their go-to platform for finding information.

For SEO professionals, this means one thing: Google remains your most important channel.

How Does AI Decide What to Feature?

Much like traditional search algorithms, AI Overview uses several key factors when selecting content:

  • Readability and structure – Clear, step-by-step articles are preferred.

  • Content depth – The more comprehensive, the better.

  • Domain authority – Strong brands and trusted sources rank higher.

  • Freshness – Up-to-date content gets prioritized.

  • Backlinks and traffic – Popular and well-linked pages get noticed.

 

But there’s one more thing:


AI doesn’t just respond to keywords. It understands intent and context, especially for long-form queries. That’s why well-structured, cohesive content now matters more than ever.

Google AI overview

How to Get Featured in Google AI Overviews?

1. Know Your Audience Before You Start Creating

The biggest SEO mistake? Writing content that doesn’t answer your audience’s questions. AI Overviews aim to capture search intent. If your content misses that mark, you’ll be left out.

 

Ask yourself:

  • Are users looking for quick, fact-based answers (“What’s the recommended daily intake of vitamin D?”) or in-depth articles (“How does vitamin D affect mood?”)?

  • If your content does show up in an AI Overview, will it drive traffic or conversions? If not, it might be worth targeting other keywords.

  • Which keywords currently trigger AI Overviews, and which don’t? Prioritize accordingly.

2. Create Content Worth Clicking

Since AI Overview often provides enough information to satisfy a query, many users don’t click through. To earn the click, offer something AI can’t fully deliver:

  • Real-life examples, personal insights, or case studies

  • Rich media like infographics, embedded videos, or interactive tools

  • Downloadables (e.g., checklists, guides, templates) that can’t be summarized by AI

 

Your goal: not just visibility, but value—something the visitor will appreciate and remember.

3. Stay Current

Google – and its AI models – favor content that’s fresh and up to date. This matters most in fast-moving fields like health, finance, law, tech, or digital marketing.

What to do:

  • Refresh your top-performing posts at least once a year

  • Update outdated links, screenshots, or data

  • Add references to recent trends or news (e.g., “SEO in 2025” or “latest EU regulations”)

 

Timeliness improves both classic SEO rankings and your chances of being quoted in AIO.

4. Target Low-Hanging Keyword Opportunities

“Low-hanging fruit” keywords are those with low competition and clear intent—ideal for smaller websites or new pages. Many of these don’t yet trigger AI Overviews or featured snippets, but they’re ripe for ranking.

Look for:

  • Keywords with low SEO difficulty (e.g., 0–20 in Ahrefs or Semrush)

  • Long-tail searches (3–5 words) that show clear intent (e.g., “best vegan protein powder for athletes 2025”)

  • Keywords without AI Overview boxes (yet)

5. Map Your Content to the Entire Funnel

AI Overviews tend to favor TOFU (Top of Funnel) content—educational or introductory. But increasingly, AI pulls in MOFU and BOFU content too.

That’s why you need a full-funnel content strategy:

  • MOFU: comparison articles (“X vs. Y”), “how to choose” guides, objection handling

  • BOFU: product pages, customer reviews, case studies, demo videos

 

Pro tips:

  • Include FAQ sections with clear, concise answers

  • Use schema markup (e.g., FAQ or How-To) to help AI understand and quote your content

  • Add CTAs, pricing info, or urgency elements to drive conversions

6. Earn High-Quality Backlinks

AI Overview favors sources that are widely trusted and referenced.

Here’s how to boost your credibility:

  • Focus on link quality, not just quantity. One link from a reputable site (e.g., a trade publication or NGO) beats ten low-quality links.

  • Consider guest blogging, PR articles, expert interviews, or partnerships to earn organic mentions.

7. Stick to SEO Fundamentals

AI Overview doesn’t replace traditional SEO – it builds on it. The basics still matter:

  • EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) is key

  • Your website must be fast and mobile-friendly

  • Use clear site architecture (sitemaps, internal links, clean URLs)

8. Prioritize Clarity and Readability

Make your content easy to scan, for users and for AI:

  • One idea per paragraph

  • Clear headings and subheadings

  • Lists, visuals, and short sentences for better flow

9. Use Video

Visual content, especially YouTube videos, is increasingly featured in AI responses.

  • Step-by-step tutorials, product explainers, and demos work best

  • Video enhances clarity and helps AI determine content quality

10. Build a Recognizable Brand

Well-known, trustworthy brands are more likely to be cited by AI—even if they’re not the largest players.

Focus on:

  • Thought leadership (guest posts, interviews, expert panels)

  • Strong social media presence

  • Consistent brand mentions across authoritative sites

11. Optimize for Local Search Too

Local search intent is making a comeback in AI-powered results, especially on mobile.

Make sure:

  • Your Google Business Profile is accurate and up to date

  • You use local keywords (city names, “near me” phrases)

  • Reviews, hours, and maps are easy to find and cleanly structured

+1 Don’t Rely Solely on AI Overview

AI Overview is just one touchpoint in your broader digital presence. It doesn’t replace other SEO tactics or marketing channels, it complements them.

  • Customers interact with your brand through multiple platforms: search, social, email, video, blog

  • Keep your message consistent across all of them

  • AIO visibility is great, but it only works long-term with a strong, multi-channel strategy behind it

Even if Google AI Overviews aren’t available in your country yet, understanding how they work is critical. They offer a glimpse into the future of SEO—and signal which content strategies will dominate in the coming years. If you want to stay visible (and competitive) as search evolves, now’s the time to adapt.

Want to unlock your website’s full potential? Let’s connect.