In today’s rapidly evolving search landscape, dominating Page 1 of Google means more than just securing the top organic spot. With the rise of Google AI Overviews—AI-generated summaries that often appear above classic organic results—businesses must rethink their SEO strategies. The new battleground is not only about ranking for traditional keywords but also about earning a place in these AI-powered features.
What Are Google AI Overviews?
Google AI Overviews (previously known as Search Generative Experience, or SGE) are AI-generated snapshots that provide direct answers to search queries at the very top of the results page. Pulled from a variety of reputable sources, these overviews are designed to quickly answer user questions, often before the user even sees organic listings or ads.
Key features of Google AI Overviews:
Appear above both paid and organic results
Aggregate content from multiple authoritative sites
Designed for zero-click, instant-answer search experiences
Increasingly influential for voice search and Google Assistant responses
Why Traditional Organic SEO Rankings Still Matter
While AI Overviews are the new headline act, classic organic rankings remain crucial for sustained online success.
Benefits of traditional organic rankings:
Still the main source of high-converting, transactional traffic
Offer brand credibility and consumer trust
Provide control over user experience and conversion optimisation
Capture long-tail and niche search queries not always covered by AI Overviews
Why You Need Both: Occupying More ‘Real Estate’ on Page 1
1. Maximum Visibility
Appearing in both AI Overviews and traditional organic listings allows your brand to dominate the most valuable digital property—Page 1 of Google. When users see your website featured multiple times, your authority and trustworthiness instantly increase.
2. Multiple Entry Points
Users interact with search results in different ways. Some will read the AI Overview and stop there, while others will scan the organic results for deeper or more specific information. By being present in both, you capture every type of user journey.
3. Brand Recall and Trust
Repetition breeds recognition. If your brand appears in the AI summary and again in the classic blue links, you’re not only more likely to get the click—you’re also more likely to be remembered and trusted.
4. Defending Your Position
If you aren’t visible in both sections, your competitors will fill the gap. Owning as much Page 1 real estate as possible reduces opportunities for competitors to steal valuable attention.
How to Optimise for Both
For Google AI Overviews:
Build topical authority: Cover your subject comprehensively so Google’s AI recognises your expertise.
Answer questions clearly: Use headings, FAQs, and concise answers within your content.
Implement structured data: Schema markup helps Google identify key facts, FAQs, and how-to steps.
Showcase E-E-A-T: Demonstrate experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness through author bios, citations, and updated content.
For Traditional Organic Rankings:
Classic keyword optimisation: Use well-researched keywords naturally in your titles, headings, and content.
Technical SEO: Ensure fast loading times, mobile optimisation, and error-free indexing.
Backlink strategy: Earn high-quality links from reputable sources to boost your domain authority.
Internal linking: Guide users and search engines to your most important pages.
The Overlap: Where AI and Organic Work Together
Interestingly, the best-performing content for AI Overviews is often the same content that already ranks well organically. Google’s AI looks for sites that demonstrate expertise and answer search intent thoroughly. By following SEO best practices, you increase your chances of being included in both spaces.
Final Thoughts
SEO is no longer just about chasing organic rankings. It’s about total visibility—and that means targeting every opportunity on Page 1, from AI Overviews to classic organic listings. Businesses that adapt to this new reality will secure more “real estate,” attract more traffic, and ultimately drive more conversions.
Want to make sure your business is everywhere it matters on Page 1?
Start optimising for both AI Overviews and traditional rankings now—or risk getting left behind.
