Glossary
What is AI Overviews?
Also called: Google AI Overviews, SGE
Definition
AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that Google shows at the top of some search results, answering the question directly and linking to a handful of sources.
Google launched AI Overviews in the US in 2024, after testing them as the “Search Generative Experience” (SGE). They now appear for many informational searches.
Why they matter for small businesses
When an AI Overview answers a simple question completely, fewer people click through to websites. But being cited as a source in the overview builds visibility and trust, and some searches still send plenty of clicks.
What to do about it
- Prioritize searches AI Overviews don’t replace: comparisons, local needs, tools, templates and decisions that need a real expert or product.
- Write clear, direct answers near the top of your pages so Google can cite you.
- Track both rankings and citations, not rankings alone.