Google AI Overview Changes Internet Forever, Pushes Only High-Quality Content

Google recently introduced AI Overview in search results in the US, marking one of the most significant updates to its search engine in 25 years. These results, displayed at the top of the search page, provide users with a condensed overview before delving into the typical list of blue links. 

The internet is abuzz with discussions on the impact of this new technology, from recommending unconventional ingredients for pizza recipes to suggesting unusual remedies for medical conditions like kidney stones and whatnot. 

“I understand the sentiment. You know, it’s a big change. These are disruptive moments,” said Google chief Sundar Pichai. 

Many experts believe generative AI in search has reduced organic search traffic by over 3%, and many businesses are facing the blunt reality of their website traffic dropping significantly since its recent algorithmic update.

A study by Search Engine Land has predicted an 18% to 64% decrease in organic clicks due to generative search. This search is poised to influence various query types, from its influence on featured snippets and knowledge panels to its effects on search ads, navigation, transactional queries, and even long-tail queries.

It’s important to note that mobile disparities, website quality issues, accidental content alterations, and technical SEO challenges can all negatively impact traffic.

Pichai acknowledged the concerns raised by media outlets and publishers about the rollout of AI previews in Google Search. In a recent interview, he said, “If you put content and links within AI Overviews, they get higher click-through rates than if you put it outside of AI Overviews.”

Maintaining an optimistic outlook, Pichai highlighted that integrating AI Overviews into search results is not a simple win-lose scenario. Instead, he believes it will ultimately contribute to a richer and more dynamic search experience.

Meanwhile, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has criticised Google’s selective use of AI in search. He argued that users expect immediate access to traditional search results, and any deviation from this standard diminishes the product’s quality.

“When that changes… and you’re not exactly sure what’s going to happen when you type in a query on Google anymore, it actually makes the product worse,” Srinivas said.

Amid the ongoing criticism of Google’s AI Search, a spokesperson for the company has stated that a majority of AI Overviews offer accurate information along with verifiable links. They noted that several instances shared on social media involve “uncommon queries” or cases that were manipulated and couldn’t be replicated.

The spokesperson emphasised that extensive testing was conducted before the launch of this new feature, and expressed gratitude for the feedback received. 

They also mentioned that swift action is being taken in line with content policies, with these instances serving as valuable input for enhancing their systems, some of which are already being implemented.

The Problem of Small Websites

The online landscape is largely shaped by SEO practices, which revolve around techniques aimed at enhancing the visibility of articles and web pages on Google Search. 

Google itself offers SEO tips, tools, and guidance to assist website owners in optimising their content. For countless businesses dependent on the mechanisms of search engines, engaging in SEO becomes an inevitable strategy. 

Small website owners have constantly reported concerns about a significant decline in Google traffic, leading to fears about the viability of their businesses. 

Addressing the issue, Pichai emphasised the complexity of individual cases and the challenge of interpreting anecdotal evidence without broader data analysis. “You know, ironically, there are times when we have made changes to actually send more traffic to the smallest sites,” he said.

Also, websites can use Seona, which will help instantly optimise SEO. It does so by analysing the website and providing valuable SEO tips to improve rankings.

Google Search Dominance Continues 

In the era of Gemini, Google Search is undergoing a significant transformation, offering users the ability to pose multiple questions simultaneously, streamlined by the AI model’s capabilities. 

“What sets this apart is our three unique strengths:

1. Our real-time information includes over a trillion facts about people, places, and things.
2. Our unparalleled ranking and quality systems have been trusted for decades to get you the best of the web.
3. The power of Gemini, which unlocks new agentic capabilities, right in Search,” said Liz Reid, the VP of Google Search. 

These advancements highlight Google’s dedication to providing more efficient, personalised, and user-friendly search experiences driven by AI, posing a challenge to competitors like Perplexity AI, Microsoft Bing, and OpenAI.