How to Position Your Business as the Answer in AI Overviews

Not long ago, ranking in Google meant securing a simple blue link, but with the rollout of AI Overviews in 2024 that model has shifted. Search is no longer only about visibility, it’s about being the answer. For companies investing in SEO for Business Growth, this means adapting strategies to ensure your content isn’t just found but selected and surfaced by AI systems that deliver direct, summarised information without the extra click.

The Shift from Traditional Search Results to AI-driven Answers

Search engines used to operate on a relatively simple principle of matching the keywords a user typed with content on a webpage. However, that system is far more sophisticated now, today’s search technology is driven by advanced AI designed to interpret intent rather than just individual words, with the goal of delivering viewers with direct and helpful answers.

Central to this change is a principle Google prioritises known as information gain, which rewards content that contributes original insights instead of reiterating information already common across the web. This concept is increasingly visible in tools like Perplexity.ai, which aggregate material from multiple sources and synthesise it into a single, coherent response, offering users knowledge that feels both comprehensive and new.

This evolution is reshaping both user behaviour and business outcomes. According to a study by Moz, 70% of users prefer organic results over paid ads, reflecting a strong trust in authentic and credible information. As AI Overviews become more common, particularly for informational queries, click-through rates for traditional top-ranking results are expected to decline, shifting the most valuable real estate to the sources cited within AI-generated summaries. This means your content strategies must adapt by providing the clarity, authority, and originality that these systems prioritise when selecting references.

Key Strategies to Get Your Business Recommended in AI Overviews and LLMs

Staying ahead in digital marketing means being proactive, not reactive. With AI Overviews expanding globally, sitting back and waiting isn't an option. By focusing on technical precision, user-centric quality, and topical authority, you can build visibility and credibility that translates directly into being the answer your customers are looking for.

1. Develop a Robust SEO Strategy for AI Content

Before your content can be selected as an answer by AI, it first needs to be visible. That's where foundational SEO comes in. The fundamentals cannot be overlooked, as they form the basis of every other strategy. Research indicates that websites ranking in the top 10 have a 52% greater likelihood of appearing in AI Overviews, underscoring the continued importance of traditional optimisation. A modern SEO approach must therefore, balance established ranking factors with emerging AI-driven considerations. This involves creating original, high-value content that aligns with user intent while ensuring your site is technically robust. In practice, a strong presence in Google’s core search results is the entry point for even being considered in AI-generated summaries.

Utilising Structured Data and Schema Markup

Think of structured data, or schema markup, as a translator for search engines that provides explicit signals about the nature and purpose of your content. Rather than forcing AI systems to infer meaning, schema offers a clear, organised summary that improves how information is interpreted and retrieved. For AI Overviews, certain schema types are especially effective such as FAQPage for question-and-answer content, BlogPosting for articles, and HowTo for instructional guides all help AI categorise information with precision. This increases the likelihood of your content being selected as a direct response to user queries. Maintaining an accurate and up-to-date schema alongside clearly citing sources further reinforces reliability, which AI algorithms weigh heavily when determining which content to highlight.

2. Craft High-Quality, User-Centric Content

With or without AI, producing effective marketing always comes down to understanding the customer. Content must be consistently aligned with their needs, questions, and pain points, not only by addressing explicit queries but also by uncovering the implicit challenges they may struggle to articulate. This is about recognising what users are truly trying to achieve and providing them with the solution. 

Authentic human experience is invaluable as it provides the originality and perspective that AI-generated content often lacks. By grounding your content in lived expertise, you create trustworthiness that resonates with both audiences and algorithms. As a result, you are not only providing instructions, but demonstrating a genuine understanding of the customer’s world.

Incorporating FAQs and Content Formatting Best Practices

To position your content as the answer, you must directly address user questions, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by creating a comprehensive FAQ section on your key pages. Each question should target a specific query and provide a clear and concise response, which AI systems interpret particularly well when combined with FAQPage schema. 

Equally important is how the content is formatted, as AI engines favour material that is easy to scan and digest. Clear headings (H2s, H3s), bullet points, and straightforward sentences improve readability for human visitors while enabling AI to extract key information accurately. Additionally, tools like an llms.txt file can offer AI crawlers explicit guidance on how to interpret and prioritise your content, further increasing the likelihood of being cited in AI-generated answers. For more information on llms.txt and how to use it, you can learn about it here.

3. Leverage Original Research and Human-Written Content

To stand out amid a sea of repetitive information, it’s essential to offer something genuinely new. Original research, unique data, or fresh perspectives become important in this context, as AI and large language models are designed to prioritise content that delivers novel insights. Publishing a case study with specific results from an Australian client, or conducting a survey of your local market, provides the type of unique value that AI systems are most likely to recognise and feature. Human-written content is also preferred, as it reduces the risk of AI model degradation, a phenomenon in which AI trained on AI-generated text becomes progressively less accurate. Supporting claims with verifiable data and transparent methodologies further demonstrates expertise and authority, enhancing both human and AI trust in your content.

Engaging Audiences with Personal Experiences and Case Studies

While facts and figures are valuable, storytelling is what creates real connection. Sharing personal experiences or detailed case studies adds a layer of authenticity that AI can interpret as a strong signal of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). For example, a trades business might publish a case study detailing a challenging "leaking tap" job, explaining both the unique obstacles encountered and the solution provided. This approach goes beyond simply targeting a keyword and instead showcases real-world problem-solving skills and conveys a story that is memorable, relatable, and rich in specific details. Such content not only engages human readers but also positions itself as a highly credible source for citation in AI Overviews, helping you to drive more traffic to your website.

4. Shift from Keyword to Topic-Based Content Strategies

AI evaluates concepts rather than focusing solely on individual keywords. While keywords remain important, the most effective strategy for 2025 is to establish topical authority. Rather than creating a single page on a competitive term like “biotech startup,” consider developing a content cluster that addresses every question a founder might have. This requires a holistic understanding of the conversations occurring within your industry which can be accomplished by monitoring platforms such as Reddit or niche forums that can reveal the language people use and the nuanced issues they raise. By building a content hub that explores a topic from multiple angles, you position your website as the definitive resource, making it a natural choice for AI systems seeking a complete and authoritative answer.

5. Optimize for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)

Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) represents a new form of SEO, focusing on tailoring content for discovery and citation by AI models. Rather than replacing traditional SEO, GEO builds upon it by emphasising content that is highly structured, factually rich, and easily analysed by AI systems. This approach requires writing clearly and presenting key points directly, enabling AI to extract and surface the most relevant information. By adapting content to formats such as AI Overviews, GEO ensures that your material provides answers these systems are designed to highlight, bridging the gap between conventional search strategies and the requirements of generative AI.

Combining Traditional and AI-driven SEO Strategies

The most effective strategy combines both traditional SEO and AI-focused tactics rather than prioritising one over the other. Conventional SEO practices, such as creating a clean site architecture, optimising page speed, and earning high-quality backlinks, enforce the authority and visibility needed to be noticed. 

At the same time, AI-driven approaches, including implementing specific schema, developing topical depth, and formatting content for easy scanning, ensure your material is well-suited to become an AI-generated answer. For instance, a sitemap continues to guide Google in indexing your pages (traditional SEO), while applying HowTo schema to a step-by-step guide within that sitemap helps AI recognise and interpret its structure effectively (GEO).

Tracking and Adapting to AI Algorithms

AI models and search algorithms are constantly evolving, meaning that strategies effective today may require adjustments within months. This makes ongoing monitoring and adaptation essential. Tools such as Google Search Console can help track performance and reveal how your content is appearing in search results. If visibility declines following an update, conducting a content audit can identify areas where your material may no longer align with emerging best practices.

The ability to pivot quickly provides a significant competitive advantage, for example, re-indexing a page after refining its language for cohesiveness and conciseness can result in it being featured in AI Overviews within hours.

Promoting Your Business in the Age of AI

Success requires continuous learning and a proactive approach, creating helpful, human-centric content presented in a way AI can easily interpret. This approach goes beyond chasing rankings, including building a resilient, authoritative brand positioned to become the definitive answer for your audience, regardless of how they search. 

At SEO Growth, we specialise in SEO for Business Growth, helping brands turn search visibility into long-term revenue and authority.For expert Sydney SEO services, get in touch with us today to see how we can support your business and grow your online presence.