How I Got My Site Ranking in Google’s AI Overview

With the rise of AI-driven search experiences like Google’s AI Overview and AI Mode, the rules of SEO are shifting. After months of testing and refining my strategy, I finally managed to get several of my web pages featured in these AI-powered results. In this article, I’ll walk you through the exact steps I took to achieve this using a people-first approach that aligns with Google’s evolving priorities.

1. Answer the User’s Question Upfront

In AI Overviews, Google is focused on delivering clear, direct answers to complex queries. I found that starting my content with a straightforward, concise answer helped my pages get featured. Instead of building up to the point, I placed the answer in the first few lines this made it easier for AI systems to identify the content as relevant and valuable.

Tip: Use the "inverted pyramid" method, lead with the most important info, then provide supporting details.

2. Use Real Search Phrases, Not Just Broad Topics

Generic keywords won’t get you far in the AI world. I focused on actual questions and phrases people were typing into Google. Tools like Google Search Console, AnswerThePublic, and forums gave me insight into long-tail, conversational queries that AI tends to prioritize.

Example: Instead of targeting “toothache remedies,” I optimized for “how to stop tooth pain at night without medicine.”

3. Build Topic Authority, Not Just Content Volume

Rather than publishing random articles across different niches, I created multiple high-value pieces around one specific topic. This approach helped establish topical authority, something AI Overviews clearly favor. Clustering related content under a central theme signaled to Google that my site had depth and expertise in that subject.

4. Structure Content for Skimmability

I paid extra attention to formatting. AI results prefer content that is easy to parse and extract from, so I:

• Used descriptive headings and subheadings

• Broke content into short paragraphs

• Included bullet points, numbered lists, and FAQs

This made my content user-friendly while also making it easier for AI systems to pull the most relevant snippets.

5. Improve Author Trust Signals

Google continues to value authorship transparency. I added:

• A clear author byline on each article

• A short bio mentioning credentials and area of expertise

• A fully built-out author page with links to related work

These elements help Google trust that your content is credible and written by a real person.

6. Optimize for Mobile and Speed

Your site’s performance and mobile usability are now more critical than ever. I made sure my site:

• Loads in under 2 seconds on mobile

• Uses responsive design

• Has no intrusive ads or pop-ups

Even high-quality content can fail if your page experience is poor, and AI Overviews won’t feature it.

7. Add a LLMS.txt File

To make my site AI-crawler friendly, I created a llms.txt file to signal Language Learning Model permissions. While it’s optional, I believe this step may contribute to eligibility for AI-powered formats and demonstrate openness to indexing.

8. Prioritize Clarity Over Keyword Stuffing

Instead of obsessing over keyword density, I wrote naturally. My focus was on clarity, coherence, and relevance. Google’s AI models seem to prefer well-written, informative content over keyword-stuffed pages trying to game the system.

9. I Didn’t Rely on Ads or Link Buying

This might surprise some, but I didn’t spend a dollar on ads or backlinks. Everything came down to organic value. I simply created content that:

• Solves user problems

• Answers their questions

• Provides genuine insights

When your content delivers what users are looking for, Google’s systems, AI or not, take notice.

10. Track Engagement, Not Just Clicks

I started looking beyond traditional metrics like CTR. AI Overview traffic may be lower in volume but higher in quality. Visitors stayed longer, clicked more internal links, and converted better.

This shift helped me understand that it’s not just about getting seen, it’s about delivering an experience that satisfies the search intent.

Final Thoughts: AI is Just the Beginning

Google’s AI Overview isn’t just another feature, it’s part of a broader evolution in how users interact with search. They ask more specific, multi-part questions and expect fast, accurate, engaging answers.

Getting your site ranked in AI Overview is not about tricks, it’s about aligning with what searchers actually need. Focus on quality, structure, usability, and trust, and you’ll position yourself well for the future of search.