How to Get Traffic from Google’s AI Overview

Have you noticed this new thing on Google called AI Overview? If not, let me explain it real quick. Basically, when you search something on Google now especially questions it gives you a summary at the top. That summary is written by Google’s AI, and it pulls information from multiple websites. It’s like Google is now giving a “ready-made” answer.

Now, I know what you’re thinking:
“If AI is giving answers directly, won’t it kill traffic for bloggers like us?”

Honestly, that was my first thought too. But after studying it, testing it, and talking to a few SEO experts, I realized something important…

If you do it right, you can actually get traffic from this AI Overview.
Not just that you can build trust faster, get clicks, and stand out.

Let me show you how.

1. Target Specific, Helpful Questions

Google’s AI pulls answers mostly for informational and how-to type searches. So if you want your blog to appear in that box, you’ve got to:

• Answer clear, specific questions
• Use simple language
• Stay focused on one question per section

Example:

Instead of writing a generic post like “Benefits of Yoga”, write:

• “How does yoga help with back pain?”
• “Best time to do yoga for weight loss”
• “Is 15 minutes of yoga enough daily?”

Make each blog post or section laser-focused on one intent.

2. Structure Your Content Like an Answer Sheet

Google’s AI loves clean, organized content. Think of your blog post like a school answer sheet. The clearer it is, the better your chances.

Here’s what works well:

• Use questions as subheadings (H2 or H3)
• Start your answer immediately below the heading
• Give a direct answer in 2–3 lines
• Then explain in detail below that

Basically, give Google what it can easily copy and paste into the AI Overview.

3. Use Natural Language, Not Fancy Words

I know it’s tempting to use big words or “blogger-style” fluff. But AI Overview looks for content that sounds like a helpful friend, not a college professor.

So write like you talk.

Bad:

The utilization of yoga as a wellness mechanism has been observed to yield positive outcomes in terms of lumbar discomfort.

Good:

Yoga helps relieve back pain by stretching tight muscles and improving posture. It’s especially helpful for people who sit for long hours.

Simple. Direct. Helpful.

4. Give Lists, Tables, and Step-by-Step Guides

You know those little boxes in search that show steps or bullet points? Google’s AI loves those. So give it content in that format.

Try:

✅ Bullet lists

🔢 Numbered steps

📋 Comparison tables

Example:

How to clean your laptop screen (step-by-step):

1. Turn off and unplug your laptop
2. Use a microfiber cloth
3. Lightly dampen with water or screen cleaner
4. Wipe gently in circles
5. Let it air dry before turning on

This type of content often gets picked up because it’s easy for AI to extract and present.

5. Cite Reliable Sources (Even If You’re One)

Sometimes Google’s AI wants to back up the summary with sources. So if you can link to studies, expert blogs, or even your own past posts, it builds credibility.

What you can do:

• Quote experts in your field
• Link to trusted sources (govt, research, reputed blogs)
• Mention real data or stats

And over time, you become a source. That’s when the magic starts because your blog will start showing up in more summaries.

6. Update Old Posts for AI Overview

If you already have blog posts, go back and revamp them for AI Overview style.

Here’s what to do:

• Add subheadings in Q&A style
• Write 2–3 line direct answers
• Break long paragraphs into small chunks
• Add bullet points wherever possible

I updated a 2-year-old post last month with just these changes and within 2 weeks, traffic jumped by 20%!

7. Use Tools to Track Your Mentions

Google won’t always tell you if your content got picked for AI Overview. But you can use tools like:

• Ahrefs (for keyword tracking)
• Google Search Console (check impressions & click drop)
• Glasp or SEO Minion (to check AI Overview results manually)

Also, keep an eye on search trends. If a new keyword is trending, be the first to write a clean, helpful answer for it.

Bonus: Play the Long-Tail Game

AI Overview doesn’t just show up for high-volume keywords. It often appears for very specific, long-tail keywords the kind of questions people ask out loud to their phones.

Like:

• “Can I freeze homemade dal for 2 weeks?”
• “Best time to water plants in Indian summer”
• “What is the healthiest oil for Indian cooking?”

These kinds of searches are low competition, and your blog can shine here.

Don’t Fear the AI Overview Feed It

The blogging world is changing fast. But this isn’t the time to panic. If anything, Google is rewarding blogs that are genuinely helpful.

The trick is simple:
Write for real people, but format for AI.
If your content is clear, valuable, and structured well, Google’s AI will notice you and so will your readers.

You don’t need a team. You don’t need to post daily.
Just be intentional. Start small. Keep testing.