How Do Google SGE and AI Overviews Differ?

AI-SEO

A Brief History of Google SGE and AI Overviews

Google has been integrating AI into its search results for years, but the introduction of generative AI in search has been a significant shift. Initially, Google launched the Search Generative Experience (SGE) as an experimental feature in 2023, using AI to generate answers to search queries. The goal was to provide quick, relevant, and comprehensive responses directly in search results.

Now, in 2024, Google is transitioning from the term “SGE” to AI Overviews, making it a core part of search rather than an experimental feature. The new AI Overviews are built upon Google’s AI models, pulling information from various sources to generate short, informative responses to user queries. This marks a significant change in how search results are displayed and how users interact with them.

What Do AI Overviews Show in Google Search Results?

AI Overviews appear at the top of the search engine results page (SERP), offering users AI-generated summaries of relevant information. Unlike traditional search results, which list websites ranked by Google’s algorithm, AI Overviews provide direct answers that blend content from multiple sources.

While not all searches trigger an AI Overview, Google is showing them more frequently for complex, long-tail queries where a synthesised answer is useful. These overviews often include:

  • A short AI-generated summary
  • Links to sources used to generate the overview
  • Follow-up questions to refine searches
  • Additional content, such as images, product listings, and local results

This means that rather than simply ranking websites based on traditional SEO signals, Google’s AI Overviews actively decide what information is relevant and credible.

How Does Google Decide What to Show in AI Overviews?

Google uses AI models trained on vast amounts of data to generate AI Overviews. The system determines the content by:

  1. Understanding User Intent: Google’s AI interprets the query to decide if an AI Overview is necessary.
  2. Pulling Information from Trusted Sources: It selects authoritative and relevant content to form the response.
  3. Generating a Cohesive Summary: The AI synthesises information into a concise, readable format.
  4. Providing Source Links: Unlike traditional search rankings, AI Overviews blend multiple sources to create a single, AI-written answer while displaying links to original content.

Not all queries receive AI Overviews, and the system constantly evolves. Google prioritises accuracy, authority, and user value when deciding whether to generate an AI Overview.

Will AI Overviews Replace Traditional Search Results?

No, traditional search results still exist alongside AI Overviews. However, AI Overviews change how users engage with search results. Since the AI-generated answer appears at the top of the page, users may rely on it rather than scrolling down to click on individual links.

This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for SEO professionals. Websites that traditionally ranked at the top of Google may now find themselves pushed further down, affecting organic traffic. However, if a website is featured within an AI Overview, it can lead to increased visibility and credibility.

How AI Overviews Affect SEO Strategies

The rise of AI Overviews means SEO strategies must evolve. Traditional SEO practices, such as keyword optimisation and backlink building, remain important, but new tactics are emerging to adapt to the AI-driven search experience.

1. Optimise for AI Overviews

Since AI Overviews pull information from multiple sources, businesses need to ensure their content is authoritative, structured, and relevant to appear in AI-generated snippets. This includes:

  • Creating high-quality, well-researched content
  • Using structured data and schema markup
  • Answering common industry-related questions clearly

2. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords

AI Overviews often appear for long-tail search queries rather than short, broad keywords. By optimising content around specific, detailed queries, businesses increase their chances of being featured in AI-generated responses.

3. Monitor AI Overviews for Your Keywords

Google does not provide official tools for tracking AI Overview performance, but professional SEO tools can help monitor:

  • Which keywords trigger AI Overviews
  • Which sources are featured
  • How AI Overviews impact traffic and rankings

Tracking these insights allows businesses to refine their SEO strategies accordingly.

4. Leverage Expertise and Authority

Google prioritises E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) when generating AI Overviews. Websites that demonstrate expertise in their industry are more likely to be referenced in AI-generated responses.

5. Enhance Content for Featured Snippets

AI Overviews often pull from content that already ranks in featured snippets (position zero in search results). Optimising for featured snippets increases the likelihood of being included in AI Overviews.

Can Businesses Track Traffic from AI Overviews?

Currently, Google Search Console does not provide direct tracking for AI Overview clicks. However, SEO tools can estimate potential traffic from AI-generated snippets, helping businesses predict the impact of AI Overviews on their organic search performance.

How to Compare Traditional Rankings to AI Overviews

To analyse how AI Overviews affect your rankings, SEO professionals can generate side-by-side comparison reports that:

  • Show keyword positions in traditional rankings vs. AI Overviews
  • Identify content featured in AI-generated answers
  • Measure the impact of AI Overviews on website traffic

Understanding these dynamics helps businesses adjust their SEO strategies to maintain strong visibility.

How to Stay Ahead in the Age of AI Overviews

With Google’s AI Overviews changing search behaviour, businesses must stay proactive. The best way to ensure visibility in both traditional and AI-generated search results is by:

  • Creating in-depth, authoritative content that aligns with AI-generated summaries
  • Monitoring AI Overview trends for relevant keywords
  • Leveraging professional SEO tools to track and optimise performance

Work With SEO Experts to Adapt to AI Overviews

The rise of AI Overviews presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. Traditional SEO strategies must adapt to this evolving landscape to ensure continued visibility in search results.

At Cocoonfx, we specialise in cutting-edge SEO strategies that help businesses navigate AI Overviews and generative search. Our expert team provides insights, tracking, and optimisation techniques tailored to your industry. If you want to maximise your search presence and stay ahead of AI-driven search trends, contact us today!