Optimizing Your Website for Google’s AI Overviews: A Customer-First SEO Strategy

Google’s AI Overviews (formerly SGE) are changing how customers search. Instead of clicking through multiple links, users now see AI-generated summaries at the top of search results—pulling insights from multiple sources.

?? What does that mean for your business? If your website isn’t optimized, you could lose traffic and potential customers to competitors who are showing up in AI Overviews.

But there’s an opportunity: By aligning your SEO strategy with the Customer Value Journey (CVJ), you can turn AI-driven search traffic into leads and sales.

?? AI Overviews & the Customer Value Journey: How They Connect

The Customer Value Journey (CVJ) maps out how potential customers discover, engage, and ultimately buy from you. AI Overviews accelerate this journey by giving users answers faster and more directly than before.

?? Traditional Search Journey:

1. User searches for an answer
2. Clicks a link
3. Reads a blog post
4. Navigates the site
5. Eventually converts

?? AI Overview Journey:

1. User searches for an answer
2. Google’s AI provides a concise summary
3. The summary links to trusted sources (your site if optimized correctly!)
4. User clicks through directly to valuable content or offers
5. Less friction, faster conversions

The key? Making sure your content is AI-friendly AND strategically guiding users from awareness to action.

?? How to Optimize for AI Overviews at Every CVJ Stage

1?? Awareness: Show Up in AI Overviews

Goal: Get discovered when users search for information related to your business.

? How to optimize:

• Use conversational, long-tail keywords that match AI-generated queries.
• Write concise, authoritative answers that AI can easily extract.
• Implement FAQ schema and structured data to improve discoverability.

?? Example:

• Healthcare: A physical therapy clinic could rank for “How do I recover from a knee injury fast?” by providing a structured step-by-step guide that AI can summarize.
• E-commerce: A home decor brand could appear for “Best eco-friendly furniture materials” by publishing an expert-backed product comparison.

2?? Engage: Build Trust Through High-Value Content

Goal: Keep users engaged after they discover your brand through AI Overviews.

? How to optimize:

• Create in-depth content that goes beyond AI summaries—giving users a reason to click through.
• Include real-world case studies, data, and testimonials to build credibility.
• Use video, infographics, and interactive content to make your site more engaging.

?? Example:

• Finance: A mortgage lender ranking in AI Overviews for “How much house can I afford?” should include an interactive mortgage calculator on their page to keep users engaged.
• B2B Tech: A cybersecurity company ranking for “How to prevent phishing attacks” should include an in-depth case study showing how they helped a real business mitigate threats.

3?? Subscribe: Capture Leads with AI-Optimized Calls to Action

Goal: Convert visitors into email subscribers or engaged users.

? How to optimize:

• Place clear, compelling CTAs within blog posts and landing pages (e.g., “Download our free guide” or “Get a free consultation”).
• Offer exclusive resources (whitepapers, webinars, quizzes) to encourage sign-ups.
• Use chatbots or AI-powered recommendations to guide users.

?? Example:

• Legal Services: A law firm ranking for “What to do after a car accident” should offer a free checklist PDF in exchange for an email.
• Retail: A skincare brand appearing in AI Overviews for “How to treat dry skin” should feature a skin quiz that leads to personalized product recommendations.

4?? Convert: Turn AI-Driven Traffic Into Sales

Goal: Move users from engagement to purchase.

? How to optimize:

• Use clear, benefit-driven product/service pages with strong CTAs.
• Offer personalized solutions (e.g., “Book a free consultation” or “Get a custom quote”).
• Implement AI-powered chat or interactive demos to guide decision-making.

?? Example:

• Real Estate: A real estate agent ranking in AI Overviews for “Best neighborhoods in Austin for families” should link to a personalized home search tool.
• Software Company: A SaaS business appearing for “How to automate invoicing” should have a free trial or live demo CTA prominently featured.

5?? Retain & Advocate: Turn Customers into Repeat Buyers & Promoters

Goal: Keep customers engaged and encourage referrals.

? How to optimize:

• Use retargeting ads for visitors who engaged but didn’t convert.
• Send personalized follow-ups with additional resources or offers.
• Encourage reviews, testimonials, and social sharing to build credibility.

?? Example:

• E-commerce: A clothing brand can retarget users who viewed “best winter jackets” with an exclusive 10% off offer.
• Healthcare: A dentist’s office ranking for “How often should I get a dental cleaning?” can follow up with automated appointment reminders.

?? The Future of SEO: Customer-First, AI-Optimized

Google’s AI Overviews are changing the SEO game, but businesses that align their content with the Customer Value Journey will win. Instead of just ranking, the goal is to turn AI-driven traffic into actual customers.

Action Plan:

? Optimize content for AI-generated search queries ? Use E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) to rank in AI Overviews ? Capture leads with strategic CTAs that guide users through the journey ? Convert AI-driven traffic into paying customers with personalized offers ? Retarget and nurture users to drive long-term value

SEO isn’t just about rankings anymore—it’s about customer experience. The brands that embrace AI-driven search strategies and a customer-first approach will thrive in 2024 and beyond.

?? Has AI Overview affected your industry yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments and I'll have Locus Digital send over a free conversion guide!