How to Rank in AI Overviews
In the rapidly evolving world of search, Google’s AI Overviews (also known as “AI-generated summaries” or part of “AI Mode”) are becoming one of the most important opportunities — and challenges — for content creators and brands. At Today Digitals, we believe that understanding how to rank in AI Overviews is crucial for SEO success in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know, with the latest updates and best practices.
What are AI Overviews (and AI Mode)?
Before delving into strategy, let’s clarify what AI Overviews are, including how Google has been evolving its search experiences.
AI Overviews are summaries Google generates at the top of search results. They pull together information from multiple sources to answer users’ questions quickly.
AI Mode is a newer Google feature that gives users an AI-powered search experience: more reasoning, follow-up questions, multimodal support, etc.
Scale of usage: As of 2025, Google’s AI Overviews reach over 1.5 billion monthly users.
Why AI Overviews Matter for Brands
Visibility: Even if you’re not ranking #1 in the traditional results, being cited in an AI Overview puts your brand above many regular organic links.
Credibility & Authority: When Google’s AI picks content from your site to generate summaries, it’s a signal to users that your site is trustworthy.
Changing Traffic Patterns: AI Overviews sometimes lead to “zero-click searches” — where users get the answer without needing to click through. This can reduce clicks, but impressions may increase, which still builds visibility and brand awareness.
Early Mover Advantage: Since these features are relatively new and still being optimized, brands that adapt early (like Today Digitals) can benefit more.
Key Updates in 2025 Affecting AI Overviews
To stay effective, you need to be aware of what’s new or changing. Here are some of the latest shifts:
Normal SEO still works
Google has stated that there are no special technical requirements beyond standard SEO to be eligible for AI Overviews.AI Mode rollout and feature expansion
Google is rolling out AI Mode more widely and giving it more capabilities: follow-up questions, deeper reasoning, multimodal features.Increased prevalence of AI Overviews
They are appearing in more search queries, especially informational ones, which means the stakes are rising.More emphasis on trust, evidence, authoritativeness
Content freshness, accuracy, and source credibility matter more than ever.Impact of core algorithm updates
Google’s recent core updates continue to shape how content is surfaced, and AI Overviews play a key role.
Strategies to Rank in AI Overviews
Here are detailed, actionable strategies you can employ now.
| Strategy | What to Do | Why It Helps with AI Overviews |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Focus on Informational Queries | Target “what is…”, “how to…”, “guide to…”, and long-tail keywords. | These are the types of queries that most often trigger AI Overviews. |
| 2. Use Strong SEO Fundamentals | Ensure pages are indexed, have clean metadata, site speed, and mobile optimization. | Google confirms that “normal SEO” still applies. |
| 3. Structure Content for Scannability | Use headings, bullet lists, numbered steps, and summaries at the top. | AI Overviews often pull concise, structured answers. |
| 4. Demonstrate E-E-A-T | Add author bios, show credentials, cite credible sources, and include case studies. | These are trust signals that help Google detect high-quality content. |
| 5. Keep Content Fresh and Updated | Audit older content, update stats, fix broken links, and add new findings. | Fresh content is more likely to be included in overviews. |
| 6. Use Multimedia / Rich Data | Add images, charts, videos, and use schema markup. | Rich content enhances visibility and eligibility. |
| 7. Internal Linking & Topical Depth | Build topic clusters, interlink posts, and cover subjects in depth. | Helps AI understand your site’s topical authority. |
| 8. Monitor & Measure | Use tools to check which queries generate AI Overviews and track impressions vs clicks. | Enables you to refine and adjust strategy. |
What Should You Watch Out For
Zero-click risk: If the AI Overview gives a complete answer, clicks may drop. Give users a reason to visit your page with more detail or visuals.
Accuracy & trust: Outdated or inaccurate content won’t get cited. Keep your content verified and up to date.
Algorithm shifts: Core updates can quickly change eligibility for AI Overviews.
Competition: As more brands optimize for this, standing out requires deeper effort.
Putting It All Together — Action Plan for Today Digitals
Audit Existing Content – update, restructure, and optimize top-performing informational articles.
Keyword & Topic Mapping – target queries that trigger AI Overviews.
Create New Content with AI-Friendly Structure – concise answers first, visuals, and summaries.
Enhance E-E-A-T Signals – showcase expertise, cite credible sources, and include unique insights.
Technical & UX Improvements – site speed, schema, and indexing.
Track Performance & Optimize – analyze impressions, clicks, and user behavior.
Stay Updated with Google’s Changes – follow official updates and adapt quickly.
Final Thoughts
Ranking in AI Overviews doesn’t mean abandoning traditional SEO; rather, it means adapting and enhancing what you already do. For Today Digitals, this is a moment of opportunity. By focusing on clarity, expertise, structured content, and staying up-to-date, you can ensure your content is not only visible but also trusted and cited by Google’s AI.
If you do these things well, Today Digitals won’t just rank in blue-link listings — we’ll also be among the sources Google’s AI turns to first.