Glossary
What is Google AI Overviews?
Google AI Overviews are the AI-generated summaries shown above traditional results for many searches. They synthesize and cite a handful of sources; appearing in them means being one of those cited pages — a major GEO target because of Google's reach.
Why AI Overviews matter
AI Overviews sit above the organic results on many searches, so a lot of readers see the summary before anything else. The links inside it are a new, small set of places to be visible. Because they are part of Google Search, they reach people who never open a separate AI assistant.
How to become a cited source
Google's guidance for site owners says AI features use the same search systems, and that to be eligible as a supporting link a page needs to be indexed and eligible to show a snippet in Search. There is no special markup to add. So the base is ordinary search hygiene: crawlable, indexable, useful pages.
On top of that, answer the question clearly, cover the related sub-questions a searcher might have, keep facts current, and use structured data that matches what is visible on the page. Google has described issuing several related searches behind one query, so thorough coverage widens your chances.
A hypothetical example
For example, a search for how to choose running shoes for flat feet produces an overview that summarizes three factors and links to four pages. Each linked page has a clear section on arch support. A shoe retailer with only a generic category page is not cited. Adding a buying guide with a direct, well-organized answer to that question makes the retailer's page a plausible source.
Common mistakes
- Blocking Googlebot or restricting snippets, then wondering why the page never appears.
- Chasing an 'AI Overview schema'. Google does not require one.
- Assuming overviews appear for every query. They vary by query and over time.
- Tracking only rankings, which do not show whether you are cited in the summary.
Common questions
Is there markup that gets me into AI Overviews?
Not according to Google's guidance for site owners. Standard SEO practices apply, and structured data is useful when it matches the visible content, but it does not guarantee inclusion.
Can I opt out of appearing in AI Overviews?
Google provides snippet controls such as nosnippet, data-nosnippet and max-snippet. Be aware they also affect how your page appears in regular search results.
See if AI assistants recommend your brand
Run a free scan to see which AI engines mention your brand and who they cite instead of you.
Scan my site free