Google AI Overviews and SGE: revolution or threat to SEO?

These algorithm evolutions change the way Google displays results and influence SEO strategy. Google AI Overviews and SGE explain.

What exactly are Google AI Overviews and SGE?

Google, as the flagship search engine, is constantly pushing back the boundaries of innovation, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into its services.

Its latest advances include Google AI Overviews and Search Generative Experience (SGE). These technologies enable Google to summarize results directly in the form of AI-generated answers, without the user having to click on an external link.

In concrete terms, this translates into the first page displaying :

• detailed, structured summaries,
• and often well-formatted answers.

These summaries are generated from sources deemed reliable by Google’s algorithms.

Saving time or losing traffic?

For users, this feature seems to be an undeniable asset: clear, concise answers, directly visible on the results page, reducing the need to click on several links to obtain the desired information.

However, for companies and content creators, the impact is not necessarily as positive.

Fewer clicks on site links can mean less traffic, which for many means fewer conversions and lower advertising revenues.

This raises a central question: should we see EMS as a threat to SEO or a new opportunity? This dilemma deserves to be explored from several angles.

What impact on SEO and web content?

Fewer clicks, more competition

One of the main impacts of SGE and AI Overviews is that they may reduce the number of clicks on websites.

Instead of visiting several pages, users can now get the answer they’re looking for directly from Google results. The first positions, crucial for obtaining traffic, remain strategic, but the display of these AI summaries could capture a large share of traffic.

This evolution makes the competition for visibility even more intense.

A concrete example

Suppose a user searches for “how to grow potted tomatoes”.

If the first Google result presents a structured, comprehensive summary of tomato cultivation, with precise information on the steps to follow, the user won’t need to click on an external link. This can mean less traffic for gardening sites, even if they occupy top positions in search results.

Optimize your content to appear in AI Overviews by structuring your articles clearly and concisely. Use schema.org markup and enrich your content with relevant information to maximize your chances of being taken into account by Google’s algorithms.

Higher-quality referencing

With the integration of AI, Google relies more on reliable, well-referenced content.

This means that keyword stuffing and artificial SEO practices will no longer suffice. From now on, Google will favor sites that provide real added value and are perceived as reliable references.

A concrete example

A health article written by a medical expert, with scientific references and validated sources, is more likely to appear in an AI Overview than one written with dubious SEO strategies.

Promoting well-established brands

Google’s algorithm favors reputable sources, which could disadvantage small businesses or independent content creators in favor of big brands or established institutions.

These dominant players are likely to take pride of place in AI-generated results, consolidating their online visibility and authority.

A concrete example

In a field like finance, a site like Le Figaro or Les Echos could systematically dominate the results generated by AI, relegating smaller financial blogs to marginal visibility.

How can I benefit from Google AI Overviews and SGE?

Instead of seeing EMS as a threat, it’s better toadapt to these new features and take advantage of them to improve site visibility and relevance.

Here are a few key strategies.

Optimize your content for AI

• Answer users’ questions directly, clearly and concisely.
• Structure your articles with self-explanatory headings and subheadings.
• Use FAQs, bulleted lists and figures to enhance the readability and credibility of your content.

Reading tip ” Why use structured data for your website? ”

Focus on expert content

• Publish case studies, interviews and in-depth articles written by specialists.
• Use recognized sources and cite your references to reinforce the authority of your articles.
• Collaborate with experts in your field to produce high-quality content.

Develop your brand strategy

• Optimize your Google My Business profile to be better referenced locally.
• Be active on social networks to establish your authority.
• Encourage customer reviews to enhance your online reputation.
• Create a solid network of backlinks by obtaining links from influential sites in your field.

Conclusion: adapt or disappear?

The introduction of Google AI Overviews and Search Generative Experience (SGE) is profoundly transforming SEO, redefining the way users interact with search results.

The key lies in the creation of relevant, authentic and structured content. Google now favors sites that offer real added value, based on reliable information and written by experts. So, to appear in the AI results, it’s crucial to focus on quality rather than old-fashioned SEO techniques.

This change in the algorithm is not temporary, but a lasting evolution in the digital landscape. Those who know how to adjust quickly by optimizing their content and strengthening their expertise will continue to prosper. In other words, adapting to tomorrow’s AI-driven SEO is essential to staying visible and competitive.