What is AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are Google's feature for answering some searches with a generated summary at the top of the results page. They grew out of Google's earlier Search Generative Experience experiment and draw on Google's index to compose an answer, typically with links to supporting pages. Google decides when an AI Overview appears, and it does not appear for every query.

For small businesses, AI Overviews change how people encounter information. A searcher may get a summary of what a service involves, what affects cost, or what to look for in a provider without clicking a result. Businesses whose pages are cited as sources can gain visibility, while others may see fewer clicks for informational queries.

There is no special markup that guarantees inclusion. Google has stated that the same fundamentals used for regular search apply: crawlable pages, helpful and accurate content, and clear structure. Answer-first writing, FAQ content, and strong local signals make it easier for your pages to be understood and potentially cited.