As Google’s tools and algorithms evolve, small business owners find themselves navigating an online marketing landscape that’s increasingly complex and ever-changing, where life begins and ends on the first page of Google or the first thumb scroll on social media. Google’s latest feature, Google AI Overviews, now introduced in Australia, promises new ways for businesses to enhance their visibility and build trust with potential customers.
Let’s break down what Google AI Overviews is, how it could affect your business, and steps to prepare your business for this shift.
What is Google AI Overviews?
Google AI Overviews delivers AI-generated summaries when users search for complex topics, pulling information from multiple credible sources to offer a comprehensive overview. Instead of just a list of links, users get concise, accurate answers right in the search results. For small businesses, this presents an opportunity to be part of these summaries if your website provides the quality information Google’s AI is looking for.
How Could Google AI Overviews Impact My Business?
For small business owners, this is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a valuable opportunity to reach potential customers in new ways. Given this shift, having a well-maintained website is now crucial. Acting as your digital storefront, a website increases your discoverability; without one, you risk missing opportunities to connect with potential customers who rely on Google for information.
Additionally, AI Overviews place a higher value on quality content, so creating clear, informative, and relevant information—such as FAQs, blog posts, and service descriptions—can improve your chances of being highlighted by AI. The result? Better-informed customers come to your business with a clearer sense of their needs, enabling more efficient and meaningful interactions.
What Can I Do to Prepare?
For small business owners, this is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a valuable opportunity to reach potential customers in new ways. Given this shift, having a well-maintained website is now crucial. Acting as your digital storefront, a website increases your discoverability; without one, you risk missing opportunities to connect with potential customers who rely on Google for information.
1. Ensure You have a Website
If you don’t have a website, create one. A straightforward, user-friendly site is essential to be seen online, as it’s the foundation of your digital presence. Keep it up-to-date, with easy navigation and clear information on your services.
2. Optimise Content for Customer Questions
Focus on answering common questions in simple, direct language. For instance, a local mechanic could include information on “How often should I get my car serviced?” Providing content that answers real customer questions helps you become a go-to source, which Google’s AI Overviews will likely favour.
3. Highlight Your Local Expertise
Google’s AI Overviews favour locally relevant information, so it’s essential to highlight your local knowledge and connection to the community on your website. This reassures customers that they’re choosing a trusted local provider and can increase your chances of being featured. As AI-driven search becomes more conversational, users may start asking questions naturally, almost like speaking to a person. Instead of typing “plumber near me,” for example, they might ask, “Can I find a reliable local plumber?” AI can detect their location, eliminating the need for “near me.” Someone looking for dining options might simply ask, “Where can I get a great breakfast this morning?” and receive suggestions tailored to their location and time. For small businesses, writing content that clearly and naturally answers these types of questions can help ensure visibility in a more intuitive, conversational search landscape.
Google AI Overviews can put your business in front of potential customers by surfacing quality content directly in search results. By investing in an informative website and creating clear, relevant content, you can help position your business as a trusted, accessible resource in your field. It’s a new tool to leverage that ensures your small business is more visible and connected with customers as they search online.