Google is changing—and fast. As an SEO consultant, I’ve been closely tracking one of the most significant updates in recent memory: the rollout of AI Overviews.

This isn’t just a minor tweak to the algorithm. It’s a fundamental shift in how users interact with search results—and how businesses need to think about visibility online.

What Are AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are Google’s new feature that provides a concise, AI-generated summary at the top of search results. Rather than just offering a list of links, Google now pulls together content from across the web to answer questions directly on the search page. Think of it as having a lightning-fast digital assistant delivering a quick briefing before you even click.

Why It Matters: For Users and Businesses

For users, this means faster, more efficient access to information. Want to know the capital of France or how to cook pasta al dente? The AI Overview gives you the answer immediately.

But for businesses and content creators, this marks a pivotal change in SEO strategy. If Google answers the question before users ever scroll down, traditional first-page rankings may no longer carry the same weight.

So, how do we adapt?

Adapting Your SEO Strategy in the Age of AI

Success now hinges on high-quality, structured, and strategic content. Here’s how to future-proof your SEO:

• Authoritative: Publish content that is accurate, trustworthy, and written by or with input from subject matter experts.
• Well-Structured: Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise answers to common questions.
• Optimized for Featured Snippets: These snippets are often the foundation for AI Overviews, so targeting them increases your chance of being highlighted.

Can You Bypass the AI Overview?

Yes, users can still access traditional search results.

Here’s how:

1. Use the “Web” Filter: Click the “Web” tab beneath the search bar to see standard results without the AI summary.
2. Add “-AI” to Your Search: Searching for “best coffee shops -AI” tells Google to exclude AI-generated results.
3. Use Search Operators: Add the following code &udm=14 to the end of a Google search URL to filter for pure web listings.
4. Try Alternative Search Engines: Options like DuckDuckGo do not include AI Overviews.

Real-Life Example: Searching for SEO in Long Branch, NJ

If you search for “SEO in Long Branch NJ,” you may get an AI-generated summary of local services. To bypass this and view a traditional list of businesses, try:

• “SEO in Long Branch NJ -AI”
• Search the same term, then click the “Web” tab

Looking Ahead: The Future of SEO

AI Overviews are just the beginning. As Google’s AI becomes more advanced, we can expect even more direct answers and fewer clicks to websites. But this doesn’t mean SEO is dead—it means it’s evolving. Your content needs to be smart, strategic, and built for both AI and human readers.

Stay Ahead of the Google Algorithm

If you’re unsure how to adapt your SEO strategy in light of these changes, I can help. As an experienced SEO consultant, I specialize in helping businesses navigate the shifting digital landscape.

Contact me today for a personalized SEO audit or strategy session—and make sure your content isn’t just surviving, but thriving in the era of AI search.