Google is changing the game… AGAIN!
With the rollout of AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experience or SGE), the way people find information, evaluate businesses, and make purchasing decisions is rapidly evolving. If you’re a local business trying to stay visible in search results, it’s crucial to understand what this shift means and how to adapt your digital strategy accordingly.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- What Google’s AI Overviews are
- How they’re impacting local SEO
- What you can do to optimize your content and site structure
- How Sprout Media Lab is helping local businesses thrive in this AI-powered search landscape
What Are Google AI Overviews?
AI Overviews are Google’s latest feature that provides AI-generated summaries of search results, combining data from multiple sources into a single, conversational-style answer at the top of the search results.
These summaries:
- Pull information from websites, forums, and databases
- Appear above traditional organic listings
- Often answer complex or multi-step queries
- Include citations (links) to the source websites
It’s like a Google Featured Snippet on steroids—and it’s beginning to dominate page one. Here’s an example of Google’s AI Overview…
How AI Overviews Are Impacting Local SEO
If you’re a local business, here’s what’s changing:
Fewer Clicks on Organic Results
AI Overviews provide instant answers. This means users may never scroll down to see your website—even if you’re ranking #1.
New Real Estate: Citation Links
Sites that are referenced in AI Overviews (via source links) are being rewarded with more qualified traffic, even if they’re not in the top three organic listings.
Increased Emphasis on Authority and Clarity
Google’s AI favors well-structured, fact-based, and clear content. If your content is vague or buried in fluff, it’s less likely to be used as a source.
Local Packs Still Matter—But Context Does Too
AI Overviews often combine local intent with educational content. So showing up in the Map Pack is no longer enough—you also need to demonstrate expertise and helpfulness on your site.
✅ What You Can Do to Stay Visible
This isn’t the end of SEO – it’s the next evolution. Let’s call it “SEO 2.0” and here’s how to adapt:
Optimize for Conversational Search
Google’s AI models are trained on natural language. Focus your content around questions your customers ask, not just keyword strings.
Example:
Instead of “landscaping services Raleigh,” try:
“What are the best landscaping services for homeowners in Raleigh?”
Structure Content for AI Understanding
Use:
- FAQs
- Clear subheadings (H2/H3)
- Bullet points
- Concise answers (2-4 sentences)
This formatting helps Google’s AI quickly parse and cite your content.
Add Local Context Everywhere
Make sure every service page and blog post reflects:
- Your city/region
- Specific services
- Common local scenarios (e.g., “flood-prone yards in Daytona”)
The more relevant your content is to your audience’s location and needs, the more likely it is to be referenced in AI summaries.
Prioritize E-E-A-T Signals
AI Overviews cite trustworthy sources. That means your website needs to demonstrate:
- Experience
- Expertise
- Authoritativeness
- Trustworthiness
Ways to improve E-E-A-T:
- Add author bios with credentials
- Showcase case studies or testimonials
- Get quality backlinks from local partners or directories
- Keep your Google Business Profile updated and active
Publish Helpful, Niche Content
Generic content won’t cut it. Focus on helpful, original, and specific content—especially topics your competitors aren’t covering.
Blog Ideas:
- “How Much Does a New Garage Door Cost in Tampa?”
- “Do Pressure Washing Services Remove Rust Stains?”
- “Best Time of Year to Trim Trees in Florida?”
How Sprout Media Lab Can Help
At Sprout Media Lab, we specialize in helping local service-based businesses adapt to digital changes like these. We’ve been doing SEO since before smartphones were smart—and we’re not slowing down now.
Here’s how we help you win in the age of AI Overviews:
- SEO Audits tailored for AI-readability and structure
- AI-optimized content creation (blogs, FAQs, location pages)
- GBP & Local SEO strategies that match AI’s local relevance signals
- Full-funnel lead generation campaigns to convert the right traffic
Future-Proof Your SEO Strategy with Sprout
Google’s AI Overviews aren’t something to fear—they’re a wake-up call to level up your digital presence. Businesses that embrace clarity, helpfulness, and strategic content will thrive.
If you’re ready to future-proof your SEO strategy and drive more leads, let’s talk.
Contact Sprout Media Lab to schedule a free strategy call.
