What AI Overviews Mean for Your Business (And Why You Shouldn't Panic)

You've probably seen the headlines:

"Google's AI Is Taking Over Search!" "No One Will Click Websites Anymore!" "SEO Is Dead!"

It's easy to panic. But here's the thing: the internet loves a good doom-and-gloom story. And most of what you're hearing is overblown.

Let's talk about what AI Overviews (formerly called SGE) actually are, what they mean for your business, and why you should calm down.

First, What Are AI Overviews?

You know how sometimes you search for something and Google shows a featured snippet at the top—a box with a quick answer?

AI Overviews are like that, but smarter. When you ask a question, Google's AI now writes a custom answer just for you, pulling information from multiple websites and summarizing it.

So if someone searches "how to unclog a drain," Google might show a paragraph with steps, plus links to the websites it got that information from.

See those sources at the bottom? That's where you come in.

The Fear: "No One Will Click My Website!"

The panic comes from this idea: if Google gives people the answer right there, why would anyone click through to a website?

It's a valid concern. For some types of searches—like simple facts or definitions—people might get their answer and move on.

But here's what the doom-sayers are missing: for local business searches, people still need to hire someone.

Knowing how to unclog a drain doesn't actually unclog the drain. Knowing roof costs doesn't install the roof. People still need a professional. And they still need to find one.

Why Local Businesses Are Safe

Think about the last time you needed a plumber. Did you just want to know how to fix it yourself? Or did you want someone to come fix it for you?

Most people want the second thing. They search for information, yes. But ultimately, they need a person. A professional. A local business.

And here's the key: AI Overviews actually cite their sources. When Google's AI writes an answer, it links to the websites it used. If your website is one of those sources, you get:

• A link right there at the top of Google
• Trust (because the AI chose you as an authority)
• Visitors who want to learn more or hire you

That's not bad. That's actually pretty good.

What This Means for Your Business

AI Overviews change the game a little. But they don't destroy it. Here's what you need to know:

Let's break that down:

• More featured snippets: AI Overviews create more opportunities to be the "featured" source. If your content is clear and helpful, you have a better chance of being cited.
• Authority matters more: Google's AI wants to cite trustworthy sources. If your website looks legit—good content, reviews, real photos—you're more likely to be chosen.
• Clicks may drop, but quality rises: Yes, some people will get their answer and leave. But those were probably not your ideal customers anyway. The people who click through are more serious—they want depth, details, and a professional.
• Being a source = free trust: When Google's AI links to you, it's like a free endorsement. "Google recommends this business." That builds trust instantly.

What You Should Do (Hint: It's What You're Already Doing)

The good news? The things that work for AI Overviews are the same things that have always worked for good SEO. You don't need to reinvent the wheel.

See? It's not some scary new thing. It's just good, honest website building.

One Small Tweak: Answer Questions Directly

If you want to increase your chances of being cited in AI Overviews, try this:

When you write a blog post or service page, answer the main question right at the beginning. In the first paragraph. In plain language.

Give the answer first. Then explain. This makes it easy for AI to grab your answer and cite you.

The Bottom Line

AI Overviews are not the end of search. They're just the next version. And for local businesses who actually help real people, nothing has changed.

Keep doing what works: be helpful, be clear, be human. Show people you know your stuff. Make it easy to find you and contact you.

The doom-sayers will keep yelling that SEO is dead. But they've been saying that for 20 years. Meanwhile, real businesses keep getting found by real customers.

You'll be fine. Better than fine—you'll adapt and thrive.