If you rely on search traffic, you’ve probably seen your numbers drop and wondered why. It’s not just you. Google’s AI Overviews are taking over search, and they’ve completely changed how people use the web in 2025.
Recent data shows that about 60% of Google searches now end without anyone clicking a result. AI Overviews are behind most of this change. Just a few months ago, AI summaries showed up for only 6% of searches. Now they appear in over 13% and keep rising. The results? Fewer people visit your website—even if you’re ranking right under that new AI box.
Here’s how your business can adapt and keep thriving while everyone else loses out.
Why AI Overviews Are Wrecking Your Clicks
First, let’s break down what’s happening. Google’s AI Overviews show up right at the top of the page, pushing organic results farther down. Instead of a snippet or a single answer from one site, these summaries pull info from lots of places and tie it all together in one tidy package. If you’re not right in those summaries—or even if you are—users barely bother to click your link.
When users see an AI summary, only 8% go on to click something below. Compare that to the 15% click rate when there’s no AI Overview, and it’s clear your organic traffic is in trouble. Even worse, when Google does credit your site, hardly anyone clicks on the citation.
If your SEO strategy still chases just ranking at the top of regular search results, you’re missing the big picture.
The New SEO Survival Guide for 2025
Google keeps changing, and your playbook needs to as well. Here’s how to stay visible—and get the clicks that still matter.
1. Go After Commercial-Intent Keywords
Not all searches are equal. Google’s AI Overviews mostly hijack informational and general queries. But when people want to buy, compare, or make decisions, they’ll still click links to real websites. These commercial-intent keywords are now gold.
Think search terms like:
- “Best CRM for real estate 2025”
- “Where to buy standing desks in Atlanta”
- “Shop women’s waterproof boots with free shipping”
Figure out which of your best products, services, or reviews fall into this category and double down.
2. Upgrade Your Content Structure
Basic how-to guides and fluffy posts just don’t cut it. Google’s AI now looks for the clearest, best-structured answers to pull for its summaries. It digs for sites with markup (like schema), clear headings, bullet lists, and authoritative voices.
Structure your content like this:
- Answer big questions early and clearly.
- Use FAQ sections with schema markup to get noticed by AI.
- Highlight expert opinions and personal experience, not just facts scraped from competitors.
If you’re not sure what this looks like, check out our insights on how gaming shaped my approach to AI search for a hands-on example.
3. Build Content That Can’t Be Summarized
This might sound tough, but it works. Unique data, exclusive interviews, custom research, and compelling stories are much harder for AI to summarize in a few lines. Your secret weapon: content that makes visitors want more than a quick answer.
Consider investing in:
- Deep-dive comparisons or buyer’s guides with charts and tables
- Original surveys or case studies, especially with visuals
- Expert commentary and real-user testimonials
- Step-by-step walkthroughs for niche tasks
If you’ve got something truly new, Google’s AI will probably cite your work—or at least nudge more interested readers down your funnel.
4. Strengthen EEAT Signals Everywhere
EEAT stands for Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness. These are Google’s signals for quality, and AI Overviews pay attention.
Here’s how you can tick all the boxes:
- Use bylines and expert bios on every post
- Cite your sources and link out to reputable sites
- Include customer reviews or personal anecdotes
- Make sure your About page, privacy policy, and contact info are up to date
Readers (and Google’s algorithms) want to know who’s behind your content. A human touch matters more than ever.
5. Smart Technical SEO Beats Guesswork
Don’t skip your technical basics. Utilize advanced schema markup, particularly for products, reviews, FAQs, and author details. Speed up your site so users don’t bounce before they even see your content. Keep your internal links clear and logical, guiding visitors to your best money pages.
Google prioritizes these factors for rankings, and so do users. If you’re not sure your site’s on track, connect with an SEO pro or check out our services at Randi Bagley SEO Consulting.
6. Don’t Put All Your Traffic Eggs in Google’s Basket
With so many searches ending in zero-click land, it’s smart to build traffic streams you own. That means:
- Growing your email list with downloadable resources or regular newsletters
- Investing in social media communities where your brand is the focus
- Collaborating with other businesses, podcasts, or news outlets for direct links
Think of Google as one channel in your marketing mix, not your only lifeline.
Looking Ahead—Fighting Back for the Long Run
Let’s be real: AI Overviews aren’t going away. As people become more comfortable obtaining answers directly from search, traditional SEO will continue to shift. But the good news? Someone is still getting those clicks. Not as many, and not always for the same content, but a focused, practical approach will keep you in the game.
Adopting this mindset, you’ll thrive while others watch their traffic fade. Prioritize valuable content, smart keyword targeting, real EEAT signals, and a technical SEO foundation. Mix in alternate traffic streams, and you’ve built a business that lasts—algorithm updates, AI, and all.
Still have questions or want hands-on help? Contact for a custom SEO strategy session tailored to your business.
For more practical SEO and AI insights, browse the rest of my blog.
