How to Prevent AI Overviews Killing Website Traffic: Strategies for Sustaining Online Visibility

As Google’s AI Overviews show more direct answers on search results pages, many website owners are concerned about losing valuable traffic. Readers want reliable information, but when Google provides summaries at the top of the page, people may not click through to visit the original sites. The key to preventing AI Overviews from killing website traffic is by creating unique, in-depth content and focusing on user engagement that AI can’t easily replace.

Websites that adapt to these changes are seeing better results. Tactics like adding more detailed insights, building a strong brand presence, and encouraging direct interaction with readers can help make a site stand out, even as search behaviour evolves. For those who want to learn specific methods that actually work in today’s search landscape, there are important steps every site owner should consider if they want to keep their audience and grow their website traffic in an AI-driven world.

Understanding AI Overviews and Their Impact

Google’s AI Overviews are changing how users interact with search results and websites. These new summaries created by generative AI systems often appear at the top of search results, and can directly affect both site visibility and traffic.

What Are AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are special summaries generated by large language models (LLMs) like those used by Google. They appear as blocks at the top of many search results pages.

These overviews aim to answer user questions quickly, using information gathered from various trusted sources. They often mix facts from different websites into a short, direct summary.

Key features of AI Overviews:

• Powered by generative AI
• Cite multiple sources
• Cover main points in brief formats

Google developed AI Overviews to save users time. However, this means some users may never click through to the original websites.

How AI Overviews Change Search Results

AI Overviews now sit above most organic results, pushing standard webpages further down the page. The placement makes them very noticeable and attractive to users looking for quick answers.

Because these summaries provide instant information, users have less reason to scroll through traditional blue links. Sites that once held high organic rankings may now receive less attention.

A study found that when a website is featured in an AI Overview, it can see a drop in its organic traffic. The shift in the layout means click-through rates (CTR) for lower results are often reduced, making it harder for many sites to get noticed or visited. You can learn more about these AI Overviews and their effect on search traffic.

The Influence on Website Traffic

Website owners have noticed significant changes in visitor numbers since AI Overviews were introduced. Some data shows that sites included in these summaries lose nearly 9% of their organic traffic, while others lose between 20% and 40% of clicks to AI-generated answers.

The reason for this drop is that generative AI directs users to its summary first, not to a site’s link. If the domain is not mentioned in the overview or not linked, the CTR drops even more. Reports suggest that websites listed lower on the page or not cited by the AI model experience sharper declines.

For more details on these impacts, review the findings about AI Overviews and organic traffic losses and why many experts argue that Google’s AI features are reducing website visits.

How Google’s Generative AI Alters Click-Through Behaviour

Google’s use of generative AI in search has changed how users interact with results and where they choose to click. These changes to link placement, visibility, and traffic patterns are having clear effects on publishers and site owners.

Link Placement and Visibility

When Google displays AI Overviews at the top of search results, it often pushes traditional website links further down the page. This placement means users may see AI-generated summaries before any organic links or featured snippets.

These summaries pull content from multiple sites and compile it using large language models (LLMs). As a result, users find quick answers without needing to click through to the original sources. A table of traditional results now looks very different, with paid ads, AI Overviews, and then organic results below.

New layouts make it harder for websites to stand out. SEO strategies that focused on getting to the top of the results may now be less effective. The high visibility of AI Overviews increases the challenge for sites trying to maintain their click-through rate (CTR).

The Impact on Publishers

Many publishers have noticed a significant drop in organic traffic due to Google’s generative AI. For example, some outlets report that their click-through rates dropped by as much as 56% when AI Overviews appeared for their key searches.

This change impacts revenue from advertising and subscriptions. Lower traffic can reduce page views and impressions, making it harder for publishers to monetise their content.

Sites that invest in high-quality reporting or in-depth guides are now less likely to see returns from search traffic. AI Overviews may quote their work, but without sending users directly to their pages. This makes it tough for publishers to justify investing in original content if fewer people see it on their site.

Traffic Distribution Changes

With the introduction of generative AI, web traffic is not just shrinking but also shifting. SEO experts have seen drops of 20% to 40% in organic clicks for some sites, but the effects vary by keyword and type of query.

Informational searches are most affected, as users often get complete answers directly from the AI Overview. Transactional or brand-specific searches are less impacted, as users still need to visit original sites to make purchases or access specific information.

Table:

This uneven distribution means some sectors face greater challenges than others. Understanding which traffic is at risk helps site owners plan better content and optimise for the new structure of search results.

Identifying At-Risk Content in Your Website

To protect website traffic from AI Overview losses, it is vital to spot weaknesses early. Focusing on data, user behaviour, and query types can help teams take targeted action to keep and grow search visibility.

Analysing Search Console Data for Drops

Google Search Console gives owners direct insight into how pages perform in Google Search. Site managers should look for sudden drops in impressions or clicks for top pages or categories. This can signal that a page has been pushed down due to an AI Overview.

Using the “Performance” report, filter data by date range to compare before and after major changes in search results. Spotting a trending loss early allows for faster response. Highlighting which URLs are losing search traffic helps in setting recovery priorities.

Tracking metrics such as click-through rate (CTR) and average position is helpful in measuring the visibility shift. Significant dips in these figures can flag potential “at-risk” content.

Pinpointing Vulnerable Queries

Some queries are more likely to trigger AI-generated summaries, such as those that look for direct answers or quick facts. It is useful to list top-performing queries from Search Console and group them by intent.

Focus on “informational” queries, as these are often answered up front by AI Overviews.
For example:

• “What is…”
• “How to…”
• “Benefits of…”

Queries that generate quick-answer boxes or knowledge panels pose a higher risk. Exporting all queries and sorting by click loss can make patterns clear. This process helps teams decide which content needs updates or deeper context.

It is also useful to check which landing pages are tied to these high-risk queries. This can be done by cross-referencing data in Google Search Console’s “Queries” and “Pages” tabs.

Using Analytics Tools Effectively

Analytics platforms such as Google Analytics and external tools like Ahrefs help trace user paths and highlight problematic trends. By tracking exits, bounce rates, and session durations on key content, it is easier to tell where users are dropping off.

Comparing this data before and after AI Overviews entered the search landscape reveals which topics or pages lose most engagement. Use filters to view organic sessions only for a clearer picture.

Tip: Combine Search Console with analytics for a broader context. Analytics can point to engagement loss, while Search Console shows visibility drops.

Ahrefs or similar SEO tools give extra data on lost keyword rankings and shifting competitive landscapes. Monitoring these reports regularly supports proactive management and faster response to shifting search trends.

Optimising Content for AI Summaries

AI summaries often select clear, structured, and expert-backed information. Well-written content that is easy for both readers and AI tools to process can make a difference when traffic depends on visibility within search results.

Crafting Direct Answers

Content should offer direct, concise answers to likely user queries. Using simple language, short sentences, and placing the main answer near the start of a section can help AI tools extract relevant details.

Bullet points and numbered lists improve clarity, making it easier for AI systems like Gemini to summarise important facts.

Where useful, tables can quickly present data—such as pros/cons or comparisons—which can be copied into AI summaries. Adding short definitions for technical terms supports users with varied backgrounds and aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines.

Citing credible sources and giving practical, fact-based advice further supports credibility. Keep each section focused by answering one specific question at a time.

Enhancing Content Structure

A strong structure is essential for both human readers and AI overviews. Breaking articles into clear sections with descriptive H2 and H3 headings helps AI systems recognise the main ideas and subtopics within the text.

Content that addresses related questions in a logical order is more likely to be recognised as a comprehensive resource. Rich media—such as relevant images, infographics, or embedded videos—may not be directly pulled into summaries, but they can boost engagement and ranking signals.

Use clear headings, concise bullet points, and well-labelled visuals as recommended by guidance on structuring content for AI overviews. This makes it easier for search engines to extract summaries and increases the chance of being featured.

Maintaining Topical Authority

Building topical authority strengthens a site’s reputation in the eyes of both users and AI tools. Content that focuses on a few related topics, supported by in-depth secondary pages, signals expertise and trustworthiness.

Internal linking to related articles keeps users engaged while showing the site covers the topic in depth. Analysing what is featured in current AI summaries helps reveal gaps and opportunities to expand coverage.

Good use of author bios, date stamps, and references signals trust and supports E-E-A-T. Consistently updated pages are more likely to be seen as credible by advanced search systems like Gemini.

Sites that regularly update material and respond to new developments in their field tend to maintain stronger topical authority and protect their search visibility against changes in AI overview algorithms.

Improving E-E-A-T and Building Trust Signals

To protect website traffic from AI overviews, it is vital to focus on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). These steps help content creators and publishers boost their credibility in the eyes of both users and search engines.

Showcasing Expertise

Websites need to show clear expertise in their subject matter. This can be done by providing in-depth content, sharing unique research, and giving detailed explanations supported by evidence.

Adding real-world experiences within articles makes a difference. Detailed case studies, client stories, or hands-on advice signal genuine knowledge.

Publishers should also link to respected external resources and cite their references. Original images, videos, and data visualisations also help convey expertise that generic AI cannot easily replicate.

For websites covering technical or sensitive topics, having contributors with recognised qualifications or relevant experience is especially important. Citing awards, certifications, or partnerships can further enhance credibility in the eyes of Google and visitors. Following these best practices will help improve E-E-A-T, as explained in SEOwind’s guide to building trust.

Building Author Credibility

Visible, trustworthy authorship is a key trust signal. Every piece of content should have a clear author bio that highlights the person’s credentials, relevant experience, and professional background.

Elements to include in author bios:

• Full name and role
• Academic and professional qualifications
• Links to personal websites or profiles
• Notable publications or achievements

Real user reviews, feedback, and proof of human input also matter. Adding user-generated content and displaying it on the page helps build trust.

It’s a good idea to provide external brand mentions, such as being cited on industry forums or mentioned on reputable third-party websites. This increases both visibility and credibility, and supports a site’s E-E-A-T for search engines and readers, as highlighted on this LinkedIn post about AI Overviews.

Leveraging Forum and User-Generated Content

Forums and user-generated content can strengthen a website’s visibility, help answer specific user queries, and encourage meaningful engagement. These methods may reduce the risk of losing traffic to AI-powered search results by addressing detailed and niche topics that automated answers might not cover.

Forum Discussion Strategies

Forum discussions can target long-tail search queries and unusual questions not directly answered in standard articles. Site owners can organise forums around clear topics, such as technical support or product feedback, which allows users to find focused answers.

A practical approach is to monitor what terms appear frequently in the “People Also Ask” sections or trending user queries in search results. By encouraging forum users to discuss these topics, websites can generate highly relevant content that responds to real interests and problems.

Helpful tips for forum management:

• Moderate discussions to remove spam and maintain quality.
• Pin popular threads to guide new users.
• Highlight contributions that answer tough questions.
• Use descriptive thread titles containing likely search keywords.

When forums are well-managed, search engines often index them, allowing specific threads to rank for detailed or rare queries that AI Overviews may miss.

Encouraging Community Engagement

Active communities create a regular flow of new content. When users share their experiences, they often answer niche questions or provide solutions based on real situations.

Website managers can boost engagement by offering small rewards for participation, such as badges or feature highlights for top answers. Regularly featuring interesting posts on main pages or newsletters encourages more people to join discussions.

Ways to inspire engagement:

• Ask open-ended questions.
• Respond quickly to new posts.
• Showcase user success stories.
• Create monthly challenges or topics.

Enthusiastic communities help capture user queries that would otherwise be answered directly on search engine pages, building loyalty and direct visits even if organic click-through rates from search decline.

Advanced On-Page SEO Techniques for AI Adaptation

Websites need to adjust on-page strategies to keep traffic strong as AI Overviews become more common. Using precise schema markup and directly answering real user queries can improve SEO and help content show up in AI-generated search results.

Schema Markup for Improved Crawlability

Schema markup is structured data added to a website’s code. It helps search engines better understand content and context, which is important for AI-based features. Key types include Article, FAQ, and HowTo schema.

Benefits of schema markup include:

• Increased chance of being featured in AI snippets and rich results
• Easier identification of context for complex topics
• Improved crawlability for search bots and AI systems

To implement schema, use tools like Google’s Structured Data Markup Helper or add schema manually in the HTML.
Some important tips:

• Make sure schema tags match the page’s actual content
• Use the most detailed schema possible (e.g., add author, datePublished, and headline for articles)

Correct schema can help sites stand out in results and adapt to changes like AI Overviews.

Answering People Also Ask Effectively

Directly addressing people also ask (PAA) questions increases the chance of being shown in AI summaries. Google often pulls from clear, concise answers to common user queries for its results.

Effective techniques for PAA include:

• Research frequent questions with tools such as Answer the Public or the “People Also Ask” box on Google
• Write succinct answers in plain language below 60 words
• Use bulleted lists or numbered steps when possible for clarity

Adding these precise answers within your content helps search engines extract and show relevant information. This can limit drops in organic traffic from the rise of AI Overviews, especially when covered topics match real user intent.

Maximising Organic Click-Through Rates

Improving organic click-through rates (CTR) requires focusing on both traditional SEO elements and adapting to features unique to AI mode. By tailoring content to stand out in both standard search and AI overviews, websites can make their listings more appealing and visible.

Optimising Meta Titles and Descriptions

Strong meta titles and descriptions help pages stand out in search results. Using clear, concise language and relevant keywords improves a page’s likelihood of getting clicks. The first 50-60 characters of a title are especially important, as they are often all that is shown.

Meta descriptions should accurately explain the page’s content. Making these descriptions engaging, while focusing on search intent, drives higher CTR. Including a call-to-action such as “Learn more” or “Find out how” can gently encourage users to visit the website.

In AI mode, well-written meta titles and descriptions are more likely to be pulled into AI Overviews, giving the site a chance at enhanced visibility. Pages with accurate, helpful summaries can reduce the drop in clicks seen after AI Overviews rolled out, as reported in studies showing lower CTR for organic listings when these summaries appear. For specific data, see how AI Overviews are impacting click-through rates.

Enhancing Snippets for AI Mode

Featured snippets and structured data help search engines understand a page’s content. Using lists, tables, and bullet points makes information easy for AI to extract and display. Marking up FAQs with schema can result in content being highlighted in both classic and AI search modes.

Clear headlines and subheadings also break up text, making it easier for both users and AI to read. Including facts, statistics, or simple definitions increases the chance a snippet will be used in an AI summary. This enhanced snippet visibility can help offset some loss in CTR from regular organic links.

It is important to keep answers brief but complete. Content that gets highlighted in an AI Overview can actually get more visits, as supported by reports that being quoted in these features gives pages higher visibility and a better chance at attracting clicks.

Measuring and Monitoring Performance Post-AI Overviews

Tracking website performance has become more complex with the introduction of AI Overviews. Site owners must use analytics tools and industry news to quickly catch changes and adjust strategies.

Continuous Analytics Monitoring

Webmasters should set up regular tracking with tools like Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Search Console. These platforms can help identify shifts in impressions, clicks, and traffic sources. To get the most out of these tools:

• Monitor click-through rates (CTR) for key pages and keywords.
• Examine traffic by device and location to spot unusual drops.
• Use alerts to notify the team if significant changes happen.

Some websites have reported as much as a 56% lower click-through rate when AI Overviews appear. Site owners should compare historical traffic against current numbers to track the real impact.

Combine results from Ahrefs and other rank tracking tools for a fuller view. Comparing keyword rankings with CTR and impressions can show which topics are most affected by AI Overviews.

Staying Updated with Industry Insights

AI-driven search is changing quickly. Staying informed helps webmasters prepare for further updates and shifts in user behaviour.

Subscribe to respected SEO and digital marketing blogs that report on AI Overviews, such as updates from Google Search Central and community forums. These sources highlight important algorithm changes and emerging strategies.

Network with other site owners through digital forums or webinars. Industry reports often discuss specific trends, like how Mail Online experienced a large decrease in CTR when AI Overviews were displayed for certain keywords.

Continued education means website owners can react to AI Overview changes before traffic loss becomes severe. Staying current with industry trends ensures decision makers can take action as soon as patterns emerge.

Exploring Additional Strategies Beyond Google

Relying on Google alone can limit a site’s reach, especially as AI overviews change how users interact with search results. Expanding visibility on alternative platforms and preparing for AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini can help maintain steady website traffic.

Visibility on Yahoo and Alternative Search Engines

Yahoo and other alternative search engines, such as Bing and DuckDuckGo, still receive millions of searches each day. Optimising content for these platforms can capture audiences who might bypass Google altogether.

Many alternative engines value clean website structure, fast loading times, and well-written meta tags. Consistent use of keyword research tools tailored for these search engines helps content stay relevant. It also pays to check how snippets are displayed, as Yahoo, Bing, and others often show different preview text than Google.

Websites should claim local listings and keep business profiles updated across all these platforms. Linking with reputable directories and focusing on clear, helpful content can improve rankings outside Google.

Adapting for ChatGPT and Gemini Integration

AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini are becoming popular ways for people to find information online. Optimising for these platforms involves clear structuring and direct, factual language in website content.

It helps to use FAQs, detailed answers, and step-by-step instructions, as AI chatbots often pull these formats when responding to users. Ensuring information is up to date and clearly cited increases the chance of being featured in chatbot results.

Many users rely on these tools for research or decision-making. Providing trustworthy, straightforward answers makes it more likely a website will be recommended by ChatGPT, Gemini, and similar AI integrations.