97% of search engine users search online to find a local business. If users want to find a local business online, they turn to search engines first.
Google’s AI Overviews, the AI-generated snapshots that appear above search results, have recently experienced a dramatic decrease in visibility. While they once appeared in a staggering 84% of searches, their presence has now dwindled to less than 15%. This shift has left many small business owners wondering what this means for their online visibility and how they can adapt their SEO strategies. At D&D SEO Services, we’re here to help you understand this change and navigate the evolving landscape of Google Search.
What Happened to AI Overviews?
The decline in visibility started in mid-April and continued into May, just before Google’s official launch of AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experience, or SGE). Data from BrightEdge’s Generative Parser has revealed the extent of this drop, raising questions about the factors influencing Google’s algorithm.
Why Are AI Overviews Less Visible?
Several factors seem to be contributing to the decreased visibility of AI Overviews:
- Featured Snippets: AI Overviews are more likely to appear when a featured snippet is present.
- Question-Based Queries: Queries phrased as questions have a higher chance of triggering an AI Overview.
- Sitelinks and Local Queries: AI Overviews are less likely to show up when sitelinks or local results are displayed.
How Does This Impact Specific Industries?
The decrease in visibility has not affected all industries equally. Healthcare-related searches still see a significant number of AI Overviews (63%), although this is down from 76%. However, industries like restaurants and travel have experienced a drastic drop to less than 1%. This highlights the importance of understanding industry-specific trends for effective SEO.
Google’s Increasingly Sophisticated AI
Google’s AI is evolving rapidly, and its ability to anticipate and answer follow-up questions is improving. The overlap between AI Overviews and traditional search results is shrinking, as Google strives to provide users with unique and comprehensive answers. This means that Google is becoming better at handling complex, multi-step searches, potentially impacting how users interact with search results.
The Future of AI in Search
Despite the recent drop in visibility, AI is here to stay and will undoubtedly play a growing role in shaping the future of search. While there may be some inaccuracies in AI-generated content, advancements in AI technology promise to enhance search quality and provide new monetization opportunities. As Jim Yu of BrightEdge states, “AI is going to get better… this is just the first generation of that.”
What Does This Mean for Your Small Business?
For local small businesses, the changing landscape of Google Search presents both challenges and opportunities. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Optimize for Featured Snippets: Focus on crafting content that directly answers common questions in your industry. This can increase your chances of appearing in featured snippets and triggering AI Overviews.
- Target Question-Based Keywords: Incorporate question-based keywords into your content strategy. This aligns with the types of queries that are more likely to trigger AI Overviews.
- Local SEO is Still Crucial: The decrease in AI Overviews for local queries underscores the importance of optimizing your website and online presence for local search. This includes claiming your Google Business Profile, building local citations, and focusing on location-specific keywords.
At D&D SEO Services, we specialize in helping local small businesses like yours navigate the complexities of Google Search. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored SEO strategy that adapts to the changing landscape and ensures your business remains visible in the ever-evolving world of search engine optimization.
Conclusion
The decline in AI Overviews visibility is a significant development, but it’s important to remember that AI is still in its early stages. As Google continues to refine its algorithms and AI technology, we can expect further changes in how search results are presented. By staying informed and adapting your SEO strategy accordingly, you can ensure that your small business remains competitive and visible in the ever-changing world of online search.
Let D&D SEO Services be your partner in navigating the complexities of Google Search and ensuring your business thrives in the digital age. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your online marketing goals.
