Google’s AI Overview

Picture this: you’re searching for a cozy coffee shop or a reliable plumber nearby, and right at the top of Google’s results, you see a neat summary with all the info you need—hours, reviews, even a quick description. That’s Google AI Overviews in action, and they’re shaking up how local businesses like yours get found online.

Let’s face it, AI is everywhere. While it is teased for its clumsy nature, it will eventually get good. It’s only a matter of time before AI-generated images with too many fingers or awkwardly placed objects get replaced with much more sophisticated versions.

So, to AI or not to AI, that is the question. The answer? Get on board or you’ll be left behind.

What is Google’s AI Overview feature?

Google AI Overviews are like the CliffsNotes of search results. They’re AI-generated summaries that pop up at the top of Google’s search page, pulling together key details from across the web to answer your query fast.

For local searches—like “best pizza near me” or “emergency locksmith”—these overviews might highlight a few businesses, their services, and even customer feedback, all without you scrolling down the page. Think of them as Google’s way of making life easier for searchers by serving up quick, relevant info. For local businesses, this is a big deal because it’s changing how customers find you online.

This overview pulls information from around the web in a convenient summary at the top of the page. Getting your local business in this AI overview is a goldmine for visibility. Currently, it appears above sponsored ads, the map pack, and organic search results. Technically, it’s free because the AI is using already existing information.

How do I get on Google’s AI overview summary?

The AI is ever changing as it pulls and learns more information. However, we identified some tricks that may help.

Keywords Matter

If your domain name or slug is an exact match, it seems more likely to appear on the AI Overview. For example, searching “Nanaimo plumber” may pick up direct matches like nanaimoplumber.com or plumbingcompany.com/nanaimo-plumbers
Public directories like Yelp can be accessed by any AI platform. While Microsoft’s AI cannot access Google reviews (but Gemini can), it is a good idea to get your information out there so that all AI bots can find it.

Does my location matter?

Here’s where it gets interesting: once your business makes it into an AI Overview, where it ranks in that summary isn’t tied to how close it is to the searcher. Instead, Google’s AI prioritizes things like content quality, relevance, and authority.

So, a well-optimized website with clear, detailed information about your services can outshine a competitor who’s just down the street. This shift levels the playing field, letting businesses with strong digital strategies shine regardless of exact location. AI prioritizes content that is robust and unique. If your webpage has something more to offer than a competitor’s, there is a better chance that your content will be selected for the overview.

That said, Google’s still fine-tuning how AI Overviews handle location. Early tests show that AI Overviews are starting to pick up on geographic patterns, especially when searches are tested across a grid of locations. This suggests that while proximity isn’t the main driver, it’s still a factor, and Google might lean more into location as the technology evolves. For now, businesses need to focus on both local relevance and high-quality content to maximize visibility.

What about the Local Map Pack?

Unlike the traditional “local pack” (those three business listings that show up with a map), AI Overviews don’t rely as heavily on how close your business is to the searcher. A recent study found that businesses within a 4-mile radius of the searcher appear in AI Overviews 72% of the time, compared to 68.5% for those slightly farther away. That’s a small gap, meaning your business has a shot at being seen even if it’s not the closest option. This opens up new opportunities to compete in a wider area, but it also means your online presence needs to be top-notch to stand out.

While the local map pack doesn’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon, the AI Overview feature does sit above it. Many businesses wanted in the pack because of its placement so far up the SERP, but now AI Overviews are taking over. Our advice? Optimize for both the map pack and AI Overviews. Hey, it doesn’t hurt to show up in a few places, right?

Why should I care about AI stuff? Isn’t a website enough?

AI Overviews are pushing traditional website links further down the search results page, which means your website needs to work harder to grab attention.

If your business shows up in an AI Overview, you’re front and center for potential customers, but getting there requires a website that’s optimized for how AI interprets and prioritizes information. Detailed, accurate, and engaging content is key, as is making sure your business info (like hours, services, and contact details) is spot-on. Without a strong online presence, you risk being overshadowed by competitors who’ve adapted to this new reality.

But don’t worry, you’re in good hands with our crew.

Not every search is the same

Searching for a phrase on Google will result in an AI overview that may differ from another person’s search or even yours if you place it minutes apart. Why? The AI is still learning and organizing.

Another thing to note is that while some results are linked, others are not. No one knows for sure why some results get linked while others are not, but this is likely a feature that will also get refined over time.

Can Google detect AI-generated content on my website?

Yes, it can.

The issue with AI content is that it pulls from what it already knows. This means that a lot of AI content can seem generic, because it is. It’s rehashed information from around the web.

The best practice? Expand on what the AI offers. Provide more information that is unique to your business. Examples are a great way to add unique content that is relevant to the topic.

A website that thrives in the age of AI.

At Websites Made With Love, we’re not just a web design company—we’re your partner in navigating the ever-changing world of search technology. Our team stays up to date on AI-driven changes like Google AI Overviews, ensuring your website is built to compete.

Your website will contain fresh, high-quality, relevant content that speaks directly to what AI Overviews value, from detailed service descriptions to user-focused information. You’ll also have an optimized site for local SEO, ensuring your business details—like hours, location, and services—are accurate and easy for Google to find.

Using data-driven insights, we adapt to evolving algorithms and updates. With our commitment to trust and reliability, you can count on us to keep your business visible in this AI-powered era.

We offer a free, 30-minute clarity call. No obligation, just straight-up information.